Did you know that 91.5% of web traffic is hogged by websites on Google’s first page? And who’s chilling in those prime positions? The...
Introduction
Are you tired of pouring money into paid search, only to see your competition still beating you out?
Maybe it’s time to try a smarter approach.
SEO may not be the flashiest marketing tactic, but it packs a powerful punch.
By carefully targeting a broad range of keywords and content, you can establish credibility and awareness for your brand right at the top of the funnel.
As we look ahead to 2023, let’s explore the exciting SEO trends that are set to shake up the industry and help you leave your competitors in the dust.
6 SEO Best Practices For 2023
As we gear up for the future of SEO, it’s important to hone in on the top 6 best practices that will set your website up for success. We’ve narrowed down the list to focus on the most critical elements, taking into account the latest algorithm changes and Google’s innovative features.
So, let’s dive into the world of SEO and uncover the top strategies to elevate your website to new heights.
1. The New E in EAT
Google is shaking things up in the world of SEO, and the latest addition to their EAT (Expertise, Authority, Trust) acronym is causing quite a stir. Say hello to the new “E” – Experience. This means that Google will now factor in a content creator’s real-world experience when evaluating the quality of their content.
So, what exactly does “experience” entail? Well, simply put, Google wants to see that the author has firsthand knowledge of the topic at hand
As the founder of a digital marketing agency, I can confidently speak on the latest SEO trends for 2023 with my years of hands-on experience in the industry. However, if I were to write about the common causes of heart disease on a medical website, my lack of experience in the healthcare field would make my content less credible.This shift towards prioritizing experience means that websites need to be more mindful of not just who is creating their content, but also what topics they are covering.
2. Optimize for BERT
Did you know that Google’s new algorithm, BERT, is set to impact 10% of search queries? That means it’s more important than ever to focus on optimizing your website for this powerful AI-driven system. BERT prioritizes user intent and focuses on topics rather than individual words, making it essential to craft content that delivers straightforward, informative answers to satisfy search intent.
To ensure your website is BERT-friendly, keep your content short, concise, and free of unnecessary jargon. Aim to use simple language that’s easy for everyone to understand, and focus on optimizing key on-page elements like meta descriptions, title tags, H1s, H2s, and URL structures.
While BERT may be the most significant algorithm update in the past five years, it’s important to remember that other evergreen SEO practices still apply. Always write useful, informative content, and keep your audience in mind when crafting your messaging. With these best practices in place, your website will be poised for success in the ever-changing world of SEO.
3. Focus on Content Quality
Creating content that truly satisfies user intent and provides helpful information has always been a priority for Google. In August 2022, Google released a helpful content update that will further impact how we create content in 2023.
But what exactly does “helpful” mean in the context of SEO? It means creating content that is tailored to human readers, appropriate for the intended audience, and relevant to the website’s primary topic. Additionally, Google is placing greater emphasis on content created by authoritative, experienced creators who display a deep understanding of the topic at hand.
To create truly helpful content, it’s important to focus on quality over quantity. Rather than churning out a high volume of thin, unhelpful content, it’s better to focus on producing in-depth, informative pieces that showcase your expertise.
Expanding your keyword research beyond just search volume can also help you create more helpful content. Consider factors like the types of content that are ranking for specific searches, the length of the content, and the questions it answers. It’s also important to examine the links included on the page and the creator’s level of experience and authority.
Finally, don’t forget to analyze your search queries in Search Console to see what people are searching for that leads them to your blog posts. This data can provide valuable insights into what your target audience is looking for and help you create more helpful content.
4. Prioritize Long-Tail Keywords
As we move into 2023, it’s clear that Google is continuing to refine its search algorithm to provide users with even more personalized and helpful results. But what does this mean for content creators and SEO strategies?
According to a study conducted by SEMRush in 2022, only a quarter of desktop searches and 17% of mobile searches truly result in zero clicks. Instead, users often refine their queries or explore other Google products, such as images, news, or shopping.
Image Source – Search Engine Land
During a keynote speech at SMXNext, Google’s VP of Search discussed the importance of long-tail keywords and query refinement. He noted that Google wants to become more exploratory, suggesting new topics related to the original query on lower-ranking pages. In fact, Google has already rolled out a new feature to help users refine their search results with related filters.
So, what does this mean for SEO? In 2023, content creators will need to focus on targeting conversational and complex queries, as well as semantically related keywords and long-tail phrases.
5. Use Image SEO in Your Marketing Strategy
Images are more than just a pretty addition to your website. They can greatly impact your SEO efforts and even provide an opportunity to target additional keywords through their alt text.
In fact, a recent study found that over 20% of all Google searches are for images, making it an important aspect to consider when optimizing your website for search engines.
Google appreciates alt text and schema markup, which helps them understand the context of the images on your website. This, in turn, can improve your rankings for both image and text-based searches.
Moreover, optimizing images with proper alt text can also enhance the user experience, especially for those with visual impairments or slow internet connections.
So don’t ignore the power of images in SEO. Make sure to follow this image SEO checklist to ensure that your images are properly optimized for search engines and accessibility.
Image Source – Image SEO Checklist
6. Responsible Use of AI Writing Tools
In recent years, writers have had the chance to collaborate with artificial intelligence (AI) to assist them in content creation. But in 2022, the internet witnessed a breakthrough in AI-powered content generation with DALL-E 2. However, ChatGPT, a new AI model, is set to herald a new era in conversation based AI.
While AI content tools like ChatGPT can be game-changers in content creation, we must remember that they cannot replace human creativity entirely. Would an AI algorithm think to mention Taylor Swift in an SEO Trends article? Unlikely. The essence of originality lies in the human touch, a quality Google seeks to promote with its “Helpful Content Update.”
This update rewarded content that produced a satisfying user experience and punished content that aimed to appeal to search engines alone. The ultimate goal is to offer searchers original content created by humans, rather than mass-produced by AI algorithms with no topical expertise. Although Google seeks to curb AI-generated content, marketers must also recognize AI’s value as a powerful tool in our arsenal.
Conclusion
As we look forward to the SEO trends for 2023, it’s clear that the world of search is evolving at a rapid pace. The strategies and techniques that worked in the past may no longer be effective in the future. However, by staying up-to-date on the latest trends, understanding the importance of user experience, and leveraging the power of AI, you can stay ahead of the curve and take your website’s SEO to new heights.
But why navigate the constantly changing world of SEO alone when you can have the experts at Dealsinsights on your side? Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to helping your business succeed with effective and innovative SEO strategies.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your SEO goals and drive more traffic to your website.