Search Engine Optimization is going to be as important as it’s ever been, but what can you expect and plan for in 2019? Of course, Google’s not going to give us a list of changes and things we should for 2019, but we can make some assumptions and plan ahead.
Think Mobile
If your site hasn’t been through mobile-first indexing, expect that soon. How do you know? Well, if you aren’t using Google Search Console you won’t know. But if you are, you should have or will get an email alerting you that this has happened.
Mobile-first indexing means that Google is using the mobile-version of your site for indexing your site, which means your content better be available on phones and it better be mobile-friendly. I know sometimes we have to hide elements on phones to make a site mobile-friendly, but make sure your content isn’t one of those hidden items. It’s important.
Create Quality Content
It’s time to reevaluate your content and revamp for 2019. Google wants great content that answers users’ questions. That means really think about what your users are looking for and write content that answers their questions and positions you as an authority on the topic. Focus on increasing your Expertise, Authority and Trust.
Plan for Voice Search
People are becoming less and less likely to tap questions into their phones when they can just ask it directly. Learn how this may affect the searches driving users to your site, and update your site accordingly. Check out a previous blog post we wrote on voice search.
Consider Optimizing for Featured Snippets
Have you noticed that when you search on Google, sometimes you get the answer you want without even clicking through to the site? That may be a featured snippet, which is an enhanced listing with a more in-depth answer to your query. Fun fact, the featured snippet isn’t even always the #1 result.
Featured snippets work best if they’re answering a question such as a how to or what is question. If you have content that can answer a question like that, you can try to get that snippet. (How to optimize for that featured snippet is another blog post altogether.)
Optimize your Google Business Listing for better local results
It is surprising how many businesses haven’t claimed their business listing in Google. It’s free and it helps you get on the map! Even if you don’t have a physical location because you serve people at their location, you can still have a GMB listing! Get your listing and optimize it today to get your business ranking better locally.
Evaluate your social media presence
If you use social media, think about if you’re doing it well or not. Just having a Facebook page isn’t enough, if you aren’t using it, then you are wasting your time with it. Think about who your customers are, what social media platforms they are on, and what would make them more likely to interact with you online. You can even hire a social media expert to help you.
If you don’t plan to maximize your website for results, someone else will and your customers might find them. Take some time and plan an SEO strategy for 2019 that will bring you more customers and more profits.
Amy Masson
Amy is the co-owner, developer, and website strategist for Sumy Designs. She's been making websites with WordPress since 2006 and is passionate about making sure websites are as functional as they are beautiful.