Anticipating the SEO trends that will shape 2024, it is mostly a case of continuation of what we’re seeing right now. Hence, for anyone looking to get ahead on their 2024 SEO game, these are the 10 most crucial SEO trends/activities for the foreseeable future:
1. Core Web Vitals and Page Experience Signals
Google's continued emphasis on user experience means that Core Web Vitals and Page Experience Signals will remain critical in 2024. These metrics gauge how users perceive the speed, responsiveness and visual stability of your web pages. A fast-loading, smooth and mobile-friendly website is not only appreciated by users but also rewarded by search engines.
What to do: Audit your website's performance, focusing on metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), First Input Delay (FID) and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS). Identify and fix issues that hinder page experience. Prioritise mobile optimisation, as Google predominantly uses mobile-first indexing.
2. Voice Search Optimisation
Voice search is on the rise, thanks to the proliferation of smart devices and virtual assistants. Optimising your content for voice search is a trend that's here to stay. Users are asking questions conversationally, so your content should provide concise and relevant answers.
What to do: Create content that answers common voice search queries. Use natural language and long-tail keywords. Structured data markup can also enhance your content's visibility in voice search results.
3. Video SEO
Video content continues to gain popularity across all platforms, including YouTube. As a UK business, utilising video can be a powerful way to engage your audience. Optimising your videos for SEO can boost your visibility in both search engine and video platform results.
What to do: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging video content that resonates with your audience. Use keyword-rich titles, descriptions and tags. Pay attention to video thumbnails and encourage user interaction through comments and shares.
4. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)
Google's emphasis on E-A-T is not fading away. It's essential for your website to demonstrate expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness, especially in areas related to health, finance and news.
What to do: Showcase your credentials and expertise on your website. Provide accurate and well-researched information. Earn high-quality backlinks from reputable sources to bolster your site's authority.
5. Local SEO
For UK businesses, local SEO remains a top priority. With more users searching for nearby products and services, optimising for local search is a proven way to increase visibility and attract local customers.
What to do: Claim and optimise your Google My Business listing. Consistently update your NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information across all online platforms. Encourage customer reviews and respond to them promptly.
6. Content Quality and Relevance
In 2024, content will continue to be king. However, the focus will shift towards content quality and relevance rather than quantity. Users expect content that genuinely addresses their needs and concerns.
What to do: Conduct thorough keyword research to identify the topics your audience is interested in. Create in-depth, well-researched content that provides real value. Keep your content up-to-date and regularly refresh older posts to maintain relevance.
7. AI and Machine Learning
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are becoming increasingly integrated into search algorithms. Google's algorithms are continually evolving to understand user intent better.
What to do: Stay informed about AI-driven tools and technologies that can assist in keyword research, content optimisation and data analysis. Use AI to understand user behaviour and preferences, allowing you to tailor your content and marketing strategies accordingly.
8. Privacy and Data Security
With the world’s collective privacy concerns at an all-times high, user data protection is vital. Search engines are, unsurprisingly, prioritising websites that prioritise user data security.
What to do: Ensure your website complies with GDPR and other data protection regulations. Use secure protocols (HTTPS) and communicate your commitment to data security through clear privacy policies.
9. Mobile-First Approach
Mobile users are a significant part of your audience and this trend will only grow. Optimising your website for mobile devices is no longer optional.
What to do: Implement responsive design, ensuring your site looks and functions seamlessly on mobile devices. Test your website's mobile performance regularly to identify and fix issues promptly.
10. User Intent and Semantics
Understanding user intent and semantics is becoming more critical than ever. Search engines aim to provide results that match user intent accurately, and they’re getting better at it all the time.
What to do: Invest in keyword research tools that help you uncover user intent and semantics related to your niche. Craft content that aligns with the user's search intent, providing valuable information and answers – not the kind of generic copy they can easily access elsewhere.
Posts
