SEO Trends for 2021: What to Expect Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated many digital trends, and SEO is no exception. As we navigate through 2021, several key SEO trends are emerging in the post-pandemic landscape. Understanding and implementing these trends can help businesses enhance their online presence and stay competitive. Here are the top SEO trends to watch for in 2021:

1. The Rise of Voice Search

Voice search is becoming increasingly popular as more consumers use devices like smart speakers and voice assistants. Optimising for voice search involves focusing on long-tail keywords, natural language, and concise, informative content. Ensure your website is optimised for mobile, as most voice searches are conducted on mobile devices.

2. Enhanced User Experience (UX)

User experience is a critical factor in SEO rankings. Google’s Core Web Vitals update emphasises the importance of page speed, interactivity, and visual stability. To improve UX, focus on optimising your website’s loading speed, ensuring mobile responsiveness, and providing a seamless navigation experience.

3. Local SEO Optimisation

Local SEO has become even more essential during the pandemic as consumers increasingly support local businesses. Optimise your Google My Business profile, gather positive reviews, and create locally relevant content to improve your local search rankings. Ensure your business information is consistent across all online platforms.

4. Quality Content and E-A-T

Google’s emphasis on E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) continues to grow. Creating high-quality, informative content that demonstrates your expertise and authority in your industry is crucial. Build trust by securing backlinks from reputable sources and providing accurate, up-to-date information.

5. Mobile-First Indexing

Google’s mobile-first indexing means the mobile version of your website is the primary basis for how Google indexes and ranks your site. Ensure your site is mobile-friendly, with a responsive design, fast loading times, and easy navigation on mobile devices.

6. Structured Data and Rich Snippets

Implementing structured data (schema markup) helps search engines understand your content better and can enhance your listings with rich snippets. Rich snippets provide additional information in search results, improving click-through rates and driving more traffic to your site.

7. Video Content Optimisation

Video content continues to grow in popularity. Optimise your video content for SEO by using relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and tags. Ensure your videos are hosted on a reliable platform and embedded on your website for better engagement and SEO benefits.