Google is not killing SEO!
I know there are fears of the recent algorithm updates by Google to influence search results that have changed the SEO game. The primary goal of Google is not to sideline effects of SEO; the focus is on improving efficiency of the search engine. While it is true that part of SEO is killed, there are techniques that remain unchanged.
It is difficult to identify suitable SEO techniques, especially if you are new to blogging. Here are some of the techniques that guarantee you high rankings without Google penalties.
Quality content
We all go to Google because of the accuracy of the results.
However, Google does not generate any content. The search engine has set up web crawlers that evaluate blogs, websites, and all web pages relating to a query on the search tab. A web page with relevant answers that specifically addresses keywords on the query will boost your SEO and of course rank you high on the search engine results page.
If the content on your website is too general, it will confuse the web crawler. You will be nowhere on the results page. When creating content for your new blog, you should focus on a niche. Find the most searched topic in the niche and create content around the keywords and phrases.
Google should be able to tell what your site is about. Every article on your blog should be specific and in the niche.
To achieve this, research extensively on your target audience; focus on creating relevant content to readers and it will be relevant to the web crawler.
Branding
After creating great SEO content, you need to focus on visibility. How will Google notice your blog?
Yes, you have specific and quality content but you need to put yourself out there. Branding entails promoting your blog to gain audience and attract the crawlers. Your primary focus should be your audience. Find out the colours and graphics that relate to their preferences among other things.
Google will easily notice your website with a huge following because of branding.
Warning! Do not go for cheap SEO tricks to attract the crawlers. 2019 game is different. You might end up with a Google penalty or de-indexing from the results pages.
UI/UX Design
This technique is going nowhere in 2019, you have to master the trick!
Remember the focus is on target audience. Yes, you have achieved to attract users to your site with quality content and unique branding. Now it is about enhancing their experience.
Google analytics establish website quality through various metrics. How long site visitors stay on your blog say everything about your website quality. It means users find it relevant and helpful, which is crucial for SEO in 2019.
Your blog should be user-friendly. It will increase the number of page views and loyalty. A good interface makes a good first impression to site visitors.
Mobile Indexing
Are you reading this on a mobile device?
Google has indicated the sharp increase in traffic from mobile devices as compared to desktops. Mobile users are on the rise and the trend is predictable; actually, mobile users are now controlling search engine results.
Google is already using a mobile indexing feature on the Google search console to influence results. It is the priority for the crawlers.
If you were not aware of this Google update, here is news for you:
All your potential customers are accessing the web through mobile devices. It is a high time to optimise your website to target mobile users. It is a new twist in 2019 and you should make the move now. It is not about the future because Google has moved.
A good place to start is on mobile friendly themes like Divi from Elegant Themes. Consider AMP, WordPress, Bootstrap, and CMS platform.
Now that you are setting up a new blog, mobile users should be your priority.
Responsiveness
No one will be patient with your slow loading site.
Most people are accessing the internet using 4G and 5G. If your site cannot load efficiently with such high speeds, you will lose a lot in 2019.
Remove the unnecessary HTTP requests, optimise your images, reduce server response time, and implement asynchronous JavaScript and CSS loading. These will increase your loading speed, which is key for web users in 2019.
Short Videos
The content demand is shifting from articles to visuals.
It is easier for most users to view a video for few minutes than scroll multiple times to read. Make sure your videos are short, engaging and relevant.
Videos establish a connection between you and the clients.
Social media
You can’t ignore the impact of social media platforms in the 21st century. It is one of the effective ways of building your brand. Once your blog is up and running, share the link on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram among other platforms to increase your page views.
Structured data
Google crawlers may not go into details to find out what your blog is about. Make it easy by using structured data. It helps the analytics and crawlers to understand the niche and focus of your blog. With this SEO tip, you will have a higher chance of appearing on top of SERPs.
Secure Socket Layer (SSL)
Most people shy away from the internet because of malware attacks. Google is also concerned about the increase in cyber-attacks through links on blogs and websites. Include SSL on your web layout to boost the confidence of the search engine and users.
Voice search
Technology advancement is on the smart path. Your blog should include voice features that allow users to search and navigate easily without touch. It is a new twist that you should not ignore if you are to be successful with your blog's SEO in 2019.
2019 has a new twist to SEO, don’t be left behind!