As the clock strikes midnight this New Year’s Eve and we cross over into 2021 (when did that happen, by the way?), we’re seeing changes on the horizon in the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). A constantly evolving area of digital marketing, there is always something new to explore in this field, and 2021 is no exception. Here’s a look at 5 SEO trends that are bound to make an impact in the coming year.

1. Voice Search Will Boom 

If there was one major takeaway we had from Neil Patel’s “Future of SEO” Virtual Summit last month, it’s that voice search will experience a massive boom in the coming years. As we’re already seeing, users are quickly developing new habits when it comes to voice search using Alexa, Google Home, Smart TVs, and a long list of other devices; For savvy marketers, this means the ball is now in our court. Voice search is certainly different – with new verbiage, sentence structure etc. than someone typing into a search engine, so it will be up to marketers and brands to learn those patterns in order to stay at the top of the first page for relevant key phrases.

2. Quality of Content Will Far Outweigh Quantity

Gone are the days of “400-word minimum” blogs with keywords intentionally stuffed throughout. Today’s search engines have smartened up to the types of content users want to interact with and find relevant – and as it turns out, it’s almost never based on how many times a certain keyword was used in a post. What users want are their queries answered with relevant, valuable, and factual information. In other words, a post can be 5,000 words or 50, as long as it satisfies whatever needs they had at the beginning of their search.

3. SEO and Paid Advertising Will Need to Work in Hand-in-Hand

Sadly, many “organic” or “free” aspects of digital marketing can no longer be standalone strategies. Between increased competition (everyone and their mother has a company website!), and platforms like Facebook, for example, looking to monetize their models, your search engine strategy for 2021 needs to include both organic and paid aspects if it’s going to work. If you’re having a hard time figuring out the balance, remember you can always ask digital marketing and SEO experts, such as yours truly, to help guide you.

4. Video Content Will No Longer Be Optional

Static images are great, but videos are so much more compelling! We’ve watched this trend develop over many years, but now it’s hitting a new level. With social media platforms such as Tik Tok demonstrating their ability to dominate in 2020, it’s only the tip of the iceberg for the potential of video marketing in 2021. Of course, posting them is one thing, but making sure they’re thoroughly optimized is yet another. SEO experts know the difference between optimizing for channels such as Instagram, YouTube, Tik Tok, and Vimeo, for example, and so should you, if you want to succeed!

5. Local Search Will Increase in Importance

Shopping small and local is an amazing thing, and to some extent, search engines such as Google recognize that. Having a complete, fully-optimized listing on Google My Business, for example, is an absolute must for SEO in 2021. A presence in your community with lots of backlinks from local sources will help too. Ultimately, no matter the direction you choose to take with local SEO, just know that it’s valuable and continuously important.

Search Engine Optimization is getting more and more complex by the minute. It’s an ever-evolving field that needs constant TLC; but if it’s done correctly, its value for businesses is simply incomparable!

Need help staying on-trend and getting your SEO strategy on track for 2021? Contact Eden‘s digital marketing experts today!