Separating Truth From Myth in the Future of Search Engine Optimization

It is no secret that the Internet evolving at an exponential rate. Many myths about SEO and the future of online marketing have almost discredited SEO. Thanks to the widespread popularity and use of new hardware, software, and support infrastructure, search engines can be more effective in providing the most credible results for web browsers than ever before. In all likelihood, search algorithms will continue to become more advanced as the measurement of large quantities of meaningful data from reliable sources (e.g. real people) can be readily collected. The truth is SEO is not what it was in the early 2000s. The Internet was not what it was in the early 2000s either.
Why SEO has changed dramatically since Google launched in 1998
Think back to the era of Y2K. At the time, desktops were just emerging as common electronic items in middle-class homes, and most people browsed the web using a dial-up connection. The limited capacity of the entire system resulted in a basic inability for search engines to collect data more meaningful than keyword phrases and links (at the time known as referrals). SEO experts could hide thousands of computer-generated keyword phrases in HTML code almost as easily as they could hide referrals from unrelated websites. The widespread acceptance and implementation of the following has changed SEO as we know it in 2013:
  • Increased accessibility to high-speed cable Internet has made it realistic for people to share pictures, videos, and made the use of social media platforms such as Facebook possible.
  • Hardware used to access the Internet (e.g. desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets) have become more advanced and more affordable.
  • Newer design software has made it easier and more affordable for businesses to create custom web sites and mobile apps that are user-friendly.
Consequently, major search engines can access data on user behavior and user recommendations to provide a better service to those utilizing the search engine.
The future of SEO
SEO does not look like it did when the Internet first gained widespread popularity. Thanks to more advanced programming languages such as HTML5 and platforms such as Wordpress, it is more than realistic for business owners with little to no formal tech training successfully add content to their websites independently. Also, businesses and individuals are welcome to utilize various social media platforms to promote brands. Major search engines are not eliminating SEO. As long as people want to look for information online, search engines and SEO will continue to thrive.
However, SEO will likely continue to evolve based on notable trends including the widespread popularity of social media and ability to get feedback from users in the form of brand advocacy in addition to tracking user behavior.
How your business should prepare for change and increase online visibility
The future of SEO includes the following main points:
  • Social media and SEO are connecting rather than turning into parallel entities.
  • Feedback from users in the form of direct brand advocacy will be increasingly important.
  • Engaging content is largely replacing past SEO methods.
The future of SEO provides businesses more avenues for online visibility. Rather than trying to trick the system into a top ranking on a major search engine, the future of SEO gives every business more chances for visibility and overall online marketing success. Whereas in the early 2000s either a website was on the first page of Google or it wasn't, SEO is now highly grounded in user engagement on multiple platforms. Today, websites have more chances to increase conversion rates and drive revenue. Instead of wishing that SEO was as simple as it used to be, businesses can embrace the increasing opportunities for visibility and marked growth.
In all likelihood, search algorithms will continue to become more advanced as the measurement of large quantities of meaningful data from reliable sources (e.g. real people) can be readily collected. The truth is SEO is not what it was in the early 2000s. The Internet was not what it was in the early 2000s either.

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