Our predictions for SEO in 2018
It is that time of year when I write my SEO predictions for the year ahead. But this year I’d like to do something different.
Before I share my own predictions for SEO in 2018, I would like to first share my opinions about some of the predictions being made by others within the SEO community. This may prove more useful to you too. Please note, I will only share those SEO predictions which I found to be most popular. Here we go…
Voice search
One such prediction that is proving to be a popular mention among the SEO predictions is the use of “voice search”. Many predict that voice search will have a big impact on SEO in 2018. I simply disagree. I predict voice search will have little impact on mainstream SEO and with few exceptions. For the clear majority, we will find that the same competitive most used keyword phrases used today will still be used in voice search queary’s.
I have been using my voice to search on Google for years and consider most business and service related search query’s to not differ much from what one would have typed. Of course, I am only referring to business and e-commerce related queries.
As such, I do not expect voice search to impact any of our clients as the keywords we target have such a big lead on those lesser used phrases.These search phrases for which I officially label and refer to as “splinter search phrases” will also not have many websites competing fora seldom used keyword phrase that may also stand out when actually added to the content. Many of the search phrases supporting linked to a healthy SEO budget are competing with millions of other pages and simply must use SEO. I expect most website owners will find voice search to impact thier SEO very little in 2018 from the increase usage of Google voice search this year.
SSLs
There are many 2018 SEO predictions surrounding mobile and secure sockets layer (SSL) , I like this one, and I quote, “Both mobile and SSL will become must-haves for all sites in 2018.
If you are a veteran client of Verti Group International a.k.a. SEO Seattle® and are reading this, you most likely know that we were two years ahead of Google’s announcement to include a Google search ranking boost for mobile-friendly websites. From our point of view, both mobile and SSL were must-haves years ago.
We made it very clear in our documentation during 2015 that Google was already pushing for all websites to have an SSL certificate. In fact, it may prove interesting to add that Google indexes using HTTPS by default today.
Accelerated Mobile Pages
Another 2018 SEO prediction found to be popular surrounds Google’s recent claim to fame, Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP). Did you know that AMP was launched by Google in October of 2015? I can provide evidence that approximately 75% of the Verti Group International a.k.a. SEO Seattle® clients were AMP ready by the end of 2015.
Here is a quote from one article published Apr 15, 2015 where I am referring to SSL, “I consider this an urgent consideration for anyone who owns a website”.
Our record when it comes to mobile SEO speaks for itself. Click the following quote to read more…
“Mobile search is considered a necessity by most savvy business owners.”
AI in search
Last of the 2018 SEO predictions that deserves consideration are those expecting AI “machine learning” to impact the way we do SEO in 2018. I think that AI is already a big part of what is displayed in the Google search results.
That being said, my path in 2018 will remain rather simple and include the targeting of those phrases supporting a client’s biggest payday and those found to be worthy of their SEO investment.
Closing thoughts
My prediction for SEO in 2018 is more of the same and I see Google pretty busy with supporting projects already introduced in or before the end of 2017 that include AMP, SSL, Mobile, Elements linked to these and overall user experience. (User experience is full of ranking factors, speed is only one of many) Ranking boosts will continue to be given to websites that are mobile friendly, but I personally see things like AMP pages and SSL to be old news. AMP is not a prediction, it is simply a reading of Google’s doctrine back in 2015. That being said, I still do not think that Voice Search will have a significant impact on SEO in the year ahead.
I truly hope that you found the information shared in my predictions for SEO in 2018 both enlightening and useful. I do not doubt some possible controversy (most always) and welcome any comments and/or questions concerning the way Verti Group International a.k.a. SEO Seattle® performs SEO.
