10 Ways SEO Changed In 2022

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10 Ways SEO Changed In 2022

Keeping your website at the top of its game needs knowledge of the SEO industry. A new set of criteria emerges with each significant or minor modification to Google’s algorithm. Let’s take a look at the SEO changes that will be important in 2022.

Changes in SEO in 2022

1. Mobile-Friendliness

You probably know by now that mobile-first indexing is a key criterion in Google’s eyes. However, in the first quarter of 2021, Google took it a step further. Due to their optimization efforts, many websites have two versions: the desktop and mobile versions. Until recently, Google placed its emphasis on ranking the desktop version first. Now, Google applies mobile-first indexing.

NP Digital recommends that your website be mobile-friendly in order to ensure a quality user experience. In addition, ensuring your website is mobile-friendly helps boost its rankings since Google now deems mobile its go-to format.

2. Voice Search

Voice-driven services were buggy and virtually unusable when they first came out. However, voice technology has improved leaps and bounds in the past two years. Google Assistant and Alexa lead the way with regard to innovation in the voice technology space.

With over 50% of queries being conducted through voice search, it’s apparent that Google will continue to innovate to that end. As a result, optimizing your website for voice search should be high on your list of priorities.

Make your site’s content scannable to do this. Use conversational language in your writing so that Google can match your content to the queries of users. Add long-tail keywords to your content and learn how people use voice search. Investigate some of the queries individuals ask when searching and customize your responses to them.

3. E-A-T

Google hones in on Expertise – Authority – Trust, also known as E-A-T, in its quest to provide the most valuable content to its user. In 2021, Google started valuing authoritative, expert content above information that doesn’t inspire as much trust in users.

This doesn’t mean that you have to go and get a Ph.D. in your niche. It simply means that you need to offer well-researched information in a way that inspires trust. Provide actionable advice and show as much proof of your claims with useful data and statistics.

4. Long-Form Content

We are talking about SEO changes, so how can we forget to discuss content length. Content length has always been a point of contention among search engine optimization experts. At one time, 300-word posts were considered ideal for targeting individual keywords. Now, 1500-word articles are all the rage.

Google has entered a new era where it values its users’ satisfaction above everything else. So long-form content that solves people’s pain-point is the way to go. Don’t focus so much on the word count, but try to educate your visitors without any extraneous fluff fully.

5. Video Content

The average user in the United States has ten video streaming apps on their smartphone. Contrary to what you should do regarding your written content, short-form videos attract far more interest than lengthy efforts. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels are good measuring sticks for what works with video.

6. Data and Analytics

In 2021, Google moved to Google Analytics 4. Familiarize yourself with the interface and prepare for the changes to come as Google moves to data tracking in a cookie-less manner.

Achieving top rankings in the SERPs for your keywords depends on your ability to understand data. So track your analytics closely and draw useful conclusions from how your users navigate your site.

 

7. Predictive Search

Predictive search in 2022 considers app usage, browsing history, and calendars in its functionality. The service will also account for home and work locations to serve appropriate content depending on where users are located. Using these criteria in your content creation can give you access to different sub-niches in your market.

8. Image Optimization

For a while, images were relegated to secondary content. Now, images are taking on a greater role in ranking your website. Fully optimized high-quality images with alt tags and descriptions will provide your posts with a well-needed boost. Furthermore, snap photos of your own camera rather than relying on stock images that you may find elsewhere is a good practice.

9. Semantically-Related Keywords

The Google Bert update was released in October 2019. Since then, Google’s algorithm has continued to evaluate website content semantically. In 2021, Google was looking to provide its users with content as close to what they would get from talking with a human being offline.

10. Local Search

Local search listings are already important for Google. With zero-click searches becoming the new standard, Google will look to provide answers to its users within the SERPs. Accounting for this paradigm shift is vital to the survival of your business. Failing to adjust may render your website virtually invisible in search engines.

Keep Up With the Trends

Google is moving into the future by making some ground-breaking SEO changes. Optimizing your website to meet your users’ needs will be vital to its sustainability through 2022 and beyond.