It feels like Google is constantly updating its algorithm in ways that can seriously impact your search engine rankings. Here are 4 SEO trends to look out for in 2020.
1. Voice search on the increase
In 2016, Google reported that voice searches accounted for 20% of all searches. The popularity of voice search has only become more popular in recent years through the burgeoning popularity of smart speakers, whilst tech-savvy 18-29 year olds are the most likely to make use of the smart assistant on their phones.
What makes voice search different from typed is that users are likely to adopt a more conversational tone, as if speaking to another person. Speech searches also tend to be longer than typed ones. ‘Near me’ searches are more popular than ever before, so an up to date Google Business Listing will be increasingly important in 2020 so you can show up in local results.
2. Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve
In October, Google announced the introduction of BERT (Bidirectional Transformers for Language Understanding). BERT processes language in order to better understand the context of individual words within a search. In 2020, it will be more important than ever for SEO gurus to focus on the creation of highly relevant, natural and useful content, as Google tries to answer queries in the most useful way.
3. The significance of the knowledge panel
The knowledge panel is the box that sometimes appears on the right-hand side of search results when looking up anything from brands to dog breeds. Early in 2019, Google offered users the ability to claim and make changes to their own brand’s knowledge panel. This can be used to request changes to the information displayed, including images.
The benefit of optimising your knowledge panel means you can control the impression of your brand for users and give them quick, easy access to your website.
4. Content length a significant ranking factor
Articles that rank in the top 10 results of Google have on average 2,000 words or more. This suggests that Google takes into account quantity as well as quality when determining search engine rankings. This is because pages with a higher word count are more likely to provide more useful information for users, as well as have longer dwell times, which can boost website authority.
In today's competitive online marketplace, it is important to be ahead of the game when it comes to SEO. Our specialist team of digital marketers can ensure that you are one step ahead of the competition - contact us today to get started.
