State of SEO in 2021 [Infographic]

Chintan Zalani April 16, 2021

Google is the top traffic referrer on the web. When you compare the “organic” opportunity on search as a marketing channel, it overshadows social media by leaps and bounds — estimates say it’s over 1000%. Indeed, data from 2017 revealed that there are almost 20x traffic opportunities in SEO compared with Google’s own PPC. But for a few years now, Google also has started competing with organic listings. It’s increasing the amount of visibility of its own properties (YouTube, Google Maps, and the like) in SERPs. Further, in lieu of providing direct answers to searcher’s questions in the form of featured snippets, it not only takes away the precious first-page real estate — but it also results in “no clicks.” Can you abandon SEO? Nope, you can’t. Most online experiences still begin with a search. Thousands of your prospects are going to get on Google every day and research brands. Here’s what might work for you in 2021 to find success with search engine optimization: 1. Creating relevant content: Google relentlessly cares about its users, so you should too. If you can satisfy the intent behind the queries you target in an article as quickly and efficiently as possible, then you’re more than halfway there. Most content created today — even by established brands — fails to satisfy the searcher. Be in the minority, and reap the rewards. 2. Focusing on user experience: Last year, Google announced a page experience update that will use metrics (called core web vitals) to measure the experience you’re providing to your site visitors. As it rolls out starting May 2021, expect websites using intrusive interstitials and popups, or not caring about their users to suffer. Access the Core Web Vitals report from your Google Search Console to assess where you stand, and fix the issues plaguing your site. 3. Building backlinks: A mention from another website for one of your pages counts a “vote” for you. Google’s algorithms have long relied on such links to rank websites, and they continue to play a huge role today. If you feel confused about building links, consider conducting original research or writing opinionated articles on your industry’s important subjects. Typically these are clubbed under thought leadership content. When you distribute these well in niche communities, it could lead to a slew of mentions because people genuinely found your ideas insightful. And now, here are the other key SEO stats you need to know for framing a solid SEO strategy in an infographic: Designed By: Graphic Rhythm Infographic Source: Elite Content Marketer Digital & Social Articles on Business 2 Community

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