Top 5 SEO Trends for 2017

The top 5 SEO trends for 2017 include SSL, small business owner use, algorithm updates, Google My Business, and content.

1. HTTPS over HTTP

According to an announcement by Google, the company will begin marking HTTP pages that ask for passwords and credit cards as ‘non-secure’, while encouraging e-commerce sites towards HTTPS sites. A ‘non-secure’ label will affect conversions, search rankings and key performance metrics. It will scare away users, and stop them from sharing contact or credit card information. Additionally, HTTPS sites load faster that HTTP sites, affecting your ranking directly.

In response to the announcement, the industry is working towards compliance with the changes. For example, Big Commerce is in partnership with Symantec working on a solution (Encryption Everywhere), which will create a collection of encryption products to enhance security and increase confidence among shoppers.
2. Algorithm Updates

Algorithm updates from Google mean that the search engine can detect spammy links better (including links from or within private blog networks). Additionally, upgrades on more search result tracker tools such as MozCast, Algoroo and RaknRanger, will cause a significant shift in SEO marketing according to reports from industry experts.

3. SEO among SBO

Less than 5 percent of Small businesses owners (SBOs) use SEO services; despite relying on other forms of digital marketing — such as social media and mobile marketing; 45 and 21 percent respectively. SEO is the leading website traffic-driver for most organizations, yet very few businesses plan on implementing an SEO strategy in 2017.

4. Quality Content

According to a new study from Clutch, approximately 80 percent of marketers will focus on online visibility as their primary marketing goal. However, there is still confusion between quality and quantity content. Marketers will pay attention to content with emphasis on optimizing their content for mobile devices, creating original content and increasing visual elements. The content will focus on SEO, brand awareness and lead generation.
5. Google My Business

Google My business (GMB) is already influencing the search landscape in 2017. Recent updates to GMB — such as the improvements on the interface and functionality of the photo section on the My Business Dashboard and, the support for brief business closures — are influencing the online landscape. Rumors in the industry indicate that Google is set to introduce a website builder that supports many of its elements such as HTTPS; the website builder could influence digital marketing activities especially for SBOs.

There have been many other website builder platforms before. Over the years they continue to get better and moe robust. Can the Google platform stand toe to toe with custom built websites? We’ll let you know as the answer begins to reveal itself.