SEO changes in 2021
Want to know how long we’ve been in the SEO game? We remember when SEO meant throwing a few keywords into the title tag and copy. Yup – back then, that’s all it took to have a perfectly optimized website that ranked on the first page of Google.
Google releases almost 1000 algorithm updates every year. And trust us, it’s a little more involved than a few keywords here and there. So what does this mean for your website? Read on to discover some of the biggest SEO changes we can expect in 2021.
Rankings will zigzag
Do you get a little rush every time you see your website crawl up the rankings on Google? Well, get ready for a rollercoaster year.
Expect your site’s rankings to seesaw up and down with most algorithm updates. But don’t panic – it doesn’t mean that your website is crashing and burning. It just means that you need to make a few tweaks to accommodate the updated algorithm.
Make a point of staying on top of Google’s latest upgrades. Check Google Search Central regularly for any news. There are also plenty of SEO blogs out there that cover all kinds of search updates – ours included! Alternatively, use tools such as MozCast or SEMrush Sensor to keep on top of it all.
Remember – your rankings won’t be down forever. This whole zigzag thing will become the new normal, so don’t fret.
Being #1 is more important than ever
Remember when you choked during the big game in high school? Mom told you that being first wasn’t everything. She totally lied. In 2021, being in the number one spot on Google will be more important than ever.
Up to 35% of users click the website that is listed on Google first, without looking through any other listings. Now that’s a lot of clicks. It’s also a lot of business you’re losing if you’re not in that number one spot. Think of all the traffic and conversions you’ll miss out on. Simply put, not being first place equals loss of revenue. And nobody wants that.
Just being on the first page isn’t enough. You need to be on the first page AND at the top of the page to drive traffic to your website. So how can you slide your way into that elusive top place?
Look at your user metrics. Thanks to the release of Google’s Page Experience, things like user experience is king. Optimize your website to have:
- Fast scrolling speeds
- Clear and concise content
- Simple layout and strong headings
Your user should be able to understand what your business does and find the information they need without any confusion or fuss. Tweak your website for a better Page Experience, and watch your ratings soar.
We publish blogs on just about anything related to digital marketing – social media, websites, SEM, SEO, Google updates – you name it! There’s a lot of good stuff to learn that will help your business grow. If you’re looking to be on the first page of Google, we can help. Book a free consultation with Southern Digital Consulting today.
