The online search industry has taken a drastic shift from previous standards in recent years. For example, we have seen:

• Improvement in Google’s search algorithms
• A critical rise in mobile search
• Google SERPs complete re-thinking along with some new features.

Recently, Google has also introduced the feature of continuous scrolling. It has made people say goodbye to page one and hello to infinity. Even more, we are also living in the zero-click search. It is because Google is answering the questions directly to ensure simplicity and convenience. Additionally, we have seen new trends in technical aspects of site design.

So, any lagging site that doesn’t work properly on mobiles and lacks user experience won’t make it to Google’s top.

Essential SEO trends for 2022 you must know.

Even more, it would help if you also were what users want. Also, be a useful destination for users to serve as a recommended link by Google.

For all this, you need to know the latest SEO trends to follow in 2022.

So, here we go:

1.  Mobile-first is a top priority

Being mobile-first is no longer a choice for website owners. It is because mobile-ready experience has become a must for everyone. About 68% of overall website visits are through mobile devices. So, optimizing your site for an efficient and seamless mobile experience is a must for 2022. It will also help you to improve SEO strategy results overall.

2. Voice search optimization is critical

Voice search is not new here. However, it has come a long way with multiple revolutionary innovations such as Alexa and Siri. Most importantly, this technology is here to stay because about 55% of house owners expect to get smart speakers by 2022.

As voice search improves user experience. So, taking steps to make your site optimized for voice search has become critical. Using voice search, people also use long phrases to perform a search. So, your keyword strategy will also evolve for voice search optimization in 2022.

3. AI will have more impact on SEO

AI is also changing the way people interact with your site. It is because AI is facilitating the visitors in their searches. It can also help you optimize your site performance and improve your content over time.

In addition, it also provides suggestions regarding the most critical topics. Overall, AI will have a greater impact on your overall SEO strategy in 2022.

4. Better and longer content is here to stay

Longer and better content is here to stay even in 2022. It is because well-optimized, long-form content can let you get more traffic. So, if you want to attract more visitors on site and keep them engaged, shift your focus to creating long-form content. However, ensure to keep that relevant, engaging, and interesting. It will also help you to stay on top of SERPs.

5. Accessibility is critical

Making your site more visible means thinking about all types of prospects’ needs. Marketers are now focusing more on the accessibility of sites. Even the sites are also becoming accessible for hearing and visual impairments. It is not only important to rank high in search results, but also to influence the reputation of your brand positively.

6. EAT principle of Google

Google has underlined the importance of content quality on several occasions. So, if you are wondering what Google means about quality content, remember EAT concept. It stands for expertise, authoritativeness, and trust. These are the variables Google uses to judge whether your site is providing excellent material or not.

7. Video content will be a fundamental part of SEO

Haven’t you included video content in your SEO strategy yet? 2022 is the best time to do that. The popularity and engagement level of video content have skyrocketed in the previous years. However, to increase your video content’s visibility, ensure to optimize its different aspects well.

8. Ethical link building is still there

Link building is one of the classic SEO techniques. Even though Google now penalized certain link-building strategies such as paid links, inorganic link building, etc. However, ethical link-building strategies are still here to stay. So, rethink your link-building strategies accordingly.

9. Search intent is continuously evolving

User intent is another important SEO trend for 2022. Optimizing your site for online search has become critical. So, it would help if you thought about your business goals now. Even more, understanding how you want potential visitors to see your site is also essential.

Three major search intents are educational, navigational, and transactional. Knowing about user intent types can let you offer what your users are exactly looking for.

10. Proper image optimization is key

From effective user experience to conversion, images play a vital role in a site’s SEO. Therefore, you are expected to use high-quality and well-optimized images on your site. Use alt tags and custom file names for all your images. Even more, don’t forget to have a look at other image optimization factors to stay ahead.

11. Brand optimization for search engine result pages

Brand SEO comes when someone searches your business online. This is where your prospects will get the first impression of your business. Even more, this will also determine the conversion rate and CTR for your site.

So, brand SERP optimization is incredibly important to grow in 2022. It will include everything from optimizing schema markup, improving factual accuracy, and creating My Google Business profile.

12. Local SEO is still the talk of the town

Local SEO is key when you want to make your business visible locally. Any business with a geographical presence and physical location can benefit from local SEO even in 2022. This has become critical due to pandemics because people are trying to contact local businesses online.

They prefer home delivery and local trust businesses more for this. Ultimately, local SEO can easily help you to tap into this population.

Final Thoughts

Overall, SEO isn’t dead yet. However, the way you do SEO is evolving over time. So, have a look at the key SEO trends above to make the most out of your SEO strategy in 2022.