While there are plenty of arguments against chasing trends, there are some times when what’s popular tends to work incredibly well. This is no different when it comes to SEO. Oftentimes, search engine tactics become popular simply because they’re effective.
So, how have the trends changed for 2020? What are some untapped tools that you can use for your benefit? How do you follow popular methods but still stand out? There are plenty of answers to all of your questions.
Use social media for keyword research.
Any SEO guru will tell you to put yourself in the mind of the searcher. And why wouldn’t they? It makes perfect sense. However, many entrepreneurs stumble when it comes to execution. It turns out that simply imagining what a searcher is looking for is a little more complex than it would originally seem.
Even keyword research tools can only take you so far. On top of that, some of them are notorious for slow updates, inaccurate results, and poor suggestion features. Instead of taking a shot in the dark, turn to where customers are actually talking: social media.
While you may want to jump directly onto Facebook and Twitter to see how consumers talk about different products, consider thinking outside of the box. For many, Reddit still seems like an underground type of website when it’s actually one of the most-visited on the planet. With a variety of subreddits to choose from, you can see exactly how consumers discuss their favorite products, topics, and services.
Of course, social media shouldn’t be the entire basis of your keyword strategy but it’s a fantastic start.
Pair with an agency that gets results.
It’s been popular in past years and it’s only going to continue that trend of popularity. SEO agencies can absolutely get you the results you need—if you’re willing and able to invest. However, not every agency is created equally. For instance, companies like Link Laboratory can run your site through their metaphorical link lab and come up with a strong SEO strategy without nickel and diming you along the way. You want to find the perfect combination of pricing and results.
There are a few common red flags to look for when choosing between agencies. First, any company that promises “lightning-fast results” is possibly using underhanded black hat tactics to help you rank. For the most part, SEO is a slower, more deliberate process that requires time and attention to reap the rewards. Second, while affordability is important, you shouldn’t choose a service strictly because it’s “cheap.” Oftentimes, cheap translates to cut corners, outdated tactics, and cheap results. As the saying goes: You get what you pay for.
Investigate Google Ads for inspiration.
Sometimes, drafting the perfect title tag and meta description is a hassle. It can be difficult for inspiration to strike. Luckily, there are places you can turn for some clutch assistance. Google Ads is known for its model of short, to-the-point advertising. Almost as short as, say, a title and meta description. While you should never, ever outright copy someone’s hard-won advertising, you can use it as a basis for your own pages.
Simply type in a search query for a product or service you offer and click “Search.” Take some time to review a page or two of ad listings. Since these are ranking near the top for their respective keywords, it’s safe to say the content and body text are doing something right. Take down some notes and use these ideas for your next round of metadata.
Though there are a few unconventional ideas mixed in, more and more SEO experts are taking notice and using them in their own campaigns. While you still need to keep up with your SEO fundamentals, it never hurts to switch things up a bit.
This is because, while they’ve stopped being the end-all, be-all of SEO, backlinks and smart anchor text are still incredibly important – nicely illustrated in this backlinks guide.
