SEO is obviously a huge part of keeping your websites and content relevant and seen, but the concept is constantly evolving. The changes and trends in SEO aren’t nearly as talked about as much as social media platforms releasing flashy features, but they’re arguably a lot more important. So, what is expected in 2023? What will website owners and brands need to keep an eye out for in the future? Take a look at our suggestions for what will take priority in SEO in 2023.
User experience takes priority over marketing
This one is no surprise. User experience has always been and will always be the main priority of Google. The way you rise in SEO is to answer the question of the user in order to give the most optimal user experience. But since 2020, Google has been factoring in user experience into its rankings for all of your website elements, which means your site needs to be up to scratch on elements like loading times, easy navigation, mobile optimisation, and more.
So what’s going to change in 2023? Well, there is the chance that pop-ups and banner ads are finally on the way out. Marketers swear by them, but the user notoriously hates them, lowering user experience. And between the two, Google sides with the users.
Google My Business takes off
Google My Business, now known as Google Business Profile, was initially released in 2014 but is going to make its mark in 2023. With Google focussing more and more on the intent the search results aren’t just offering the most relevant websites based on keywords but intuiting what the user is looking for. A good example is if a user is looking for the “best lawyer”. The best lawyer might be on the other half of the globe, but Google now intuits you don’t fancy getting on a plane for a lawyer so offers you the best lawyer in your area based on SEO and location services.
Zero click results
Sometimes SEO works too well. A side effect of having a very informed website that answers the questions of users and rises in SEO is that often the question is answered without the user needing to click on the website. They might see the relevant information in the meta, or the blurb in the search results, and not need to enter your website to learn more.
However, this doesn’t mean your website is irrelevant. The website has to be seen whether the user clicks or not, and has to use SEO to get to that spot where it informs the user. Plus, websites build trust with the user, which will be an important factor going into 2023. Users expect your website to be the place where they can find the most accurate and up-to-date information about you, like your business hours, location and more, and so will need your website.
Mobile optimisation is a must
This one should be a given already, but it is now going to factor into SEO. Mobile shopping and browsing are starting to take over every other form of internet access. Over half of website traffic is happening on mobile devices, which means every website should be optimised for mobile use.
But, as more of an incentive, Google is now taking this on board when it comes to SEO. New websites are getting reviewed by Google based on the mobile design rather than their website design, specifically looking at the user experience. If your site isn’t fit for mobile, it’s not fit for SEO.
