It is crucial to anticipate and react swiftly to algorithmic changes to maintain or improve our position in search results, especially as technology advances disruptively fast. So, how do we, as SEO experts, prepare and adapt to Google's changes in real time?
1. Periodic analysis of search trends
To anticipate changes, stay updated on search trends in your niche. Constantly use analytical tools to identify new keywords and understand how users express their searches. Tools like SEMrush and Ahrefs, and free ones like Google Trends and Keyword Planner, can provide valuable insights into user behavior and search trends.
Another approach is to pay attention to niche feedback. Changes in search behavior are often reflected in social media. Monitor conversations on social platforms to identify trending topics and keywords. Pay particular attention to questions from potential clients and the feedback they provide to you or your competitors.
2. User Experience (UX) Matters More Than Ever
Algorithms increasingly focus on user experience. Fast, mobile-friendly pages with quality content are favored in Google rankings. Invest in UX and ensure your site provides a pleasant user experience.
What does good UX mean? Interactive elements and an engaging interface that encourage user engagement. Features like surveys, quizzes, multimedia elements, and other interactive tools can increase time spent on the site and reduce bounce rates. Additionally, a coherent and easy-to-understand navigation structure improves site usability and helps users find information quickly. Clear and intuitive navigation contributes to lower bounce rates and increased user engagement.
3. E-A-T Content (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google pays special attention to content that demonstrates expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-A-T). Ensure your content is relevant, accurate, and supported by credible sources.
- Expertise: Content should reflect a deep understanding of the subject. Achieve this through thorough research and by providing accurate, up-to-date information.
- Authoritativeness: Establishing authority in your niche is crucial. You can build authority by obtaining backlinks from authoritative and relevant sites. Media appearances and public recognition also enhance credibility.
- Trustworthiness: Users must trust the information provided on your site. Positive reviews and testimonials contribute to building user trust. Additionally, ensure your site has transparent privacy and security policies.
4. Core Web Vitals and SEO
Core Web Vitals have become a key element in evaluating user experience and significantly impact search engine rankings. Here are the key parameters to measure and improve for SEO:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Measures the time it takes for the majority of content to be displayed on the screen. A low LCP value indicates fast page loading.
- First Input Delay (FID): Measures the time between a user’s first interaction (e.g., clicking a button) and the browser’s response. A low FID ensures rapid interactivity.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Evaluates the visual stability of the page during loading. A low CLS score indicates that the page does not shift abruptly, improving the user experience.
5. Direct User Interactions Through Chats
Site chats are becoming increasingly popular. They contribute to SEO by improving user experience, providing immediate answers to questions, and offering real-time assistance. Direct chats help identify and resolve user issues in real time, reducing bounce rates and improving site retention. By providing guidance and instant support, chats also contribute to more efficient site navigation.
Final Thoughts
Continued adaptation to algorithmic changes is the key to SEO success. Be proactive, continuously learn, and adapt your strategies to respond quickly to new challenges in the SEO world.