The Evolution of SEO in Digital Marketing
As in life, the only constant in search engine optimization (SEO) is change. In the past, optimizing a website meant ensuring you utilized keywords in the appropriate paces. However, this has evolved into a wholly new practice. Today, many SEO practices revolve around the changes to Google’s search engine and how they rank results in their SERPs. As they designed their algorithm to be more semantic, content became increasingly important.
The evolution of SEO continues still as results pages become richer and more personalized for each user. While the search engines grew, so did the expectations of users. More and more, people expect to summon relevant answers immediately whenever and wherever they want.
Although it may seem sudden, this evolution didn’t happen overnight. By examining the key milestones of search engines, we can gain insight into our path.
Major Milestones in Optimization
Early on, SEO focused on the basics of the web page: title tags, meta tags, meta descriptions, etc. While these are still important, there was a shift to producing high-quality content across all the pages on your site.
In the early 2000s, Google de-legitimized black hat SEO tactics by penalizing unethical methodologies. This included keyword stuffing as well as questionable practices in link-building. Simultaneously, we can see the rise of localized results in SERPs.
From the mid to late 2000s, Google began to refine their search experience with a universal search. This means they incorporated results from social media, video, news results, and images as well as websites. They also launched Google Suggest, which offered relevant search phrases. Around this time, we also saw Microsoft launch Bing.
In the early 2010s, Google made algorithm changes that really messed with marketing agencies around the world. They shifted their focus to emphasize quality content that focused on the user. Gaming the system died here as SEO flourished. Moreover, the gap began to narrow between how people view quality and how Google’s algorithm views quality. We also see a boost in localization.
From then to now, search exploded with the increase in accessibility to smart devices. Google began to demote content that wasn’t mobile-friendly. Eventually, they utilize mobile-first indexing, which completely changes web development. YouTube quickly becomes the second largest search engine (behind Google, of course). Amazon ranks first in many product searches, and we begin to see more users utilizing voice search.
From here on, SEO will continue to evolve. Over time, SEO has proven to be a key driver in performance. Moreover, search is ubiquitous and increasingly vertical. It also becomes far more topical.
Utilizing Modern SEO
Search engine optimization tactics and insights support strategy and decision-making far beyond website content. SEO offers intelligence to businesses that lead it to its natural evolution. Likely, this is because the research performed in web optimization tactics reveals so much about consumer intent. Knowing what your target audience is looking for is crucial to a successful strategy in content marketing, social media marketing, and PPC campaigns. Even email marketing can benefit from the insights of SEO.
For any business with an online presence, it is crucial to utilize SEO tactics.
- Research search volume
- Analyze search queries to know why people search
- Perform keyword research
- Learn about building links
- Develop a solid user experience
When we understand how search engines work, we can begin to climb the search engine results pages (SERPs). Utilizing these ranking factors will help your site earn more engagement from users and build a strong foundation for your business.
True, Real-Time Search Engine Optimization
The evolution of SEO is constant, and there will always be breakthroughs. However, real-time data that drive right-now ranking research allows digital marketing agencies to produce more relevant recommendations than ever before.
Search engine optimization will allow marketers to see trends as they develop rather than after they establish themselves. This level of insight enables marketers to predict and produce or optimize the content needed to capitalize on immediate interest.
Houston SEO Experts
At Chaos Theory Digital Marketing, we know a thing or two about search engine optimization. We utilize valuable insights to help our clients climb the ranks of SERPs. From leveraging PPC campaigns to technical optimization, we can help your business find stronger, faster growth that lasts.
Are you ready to cut through the noise of the digital landscape? Our team of SEO experts can help you grow. After all, your success is our success. Contact us today for a free consultation, and unlock the power of optimization.