SEO and keyword search is still alive and an important factor in getting visibility on the web. However, with the advancements of AI and voice and other technologies, we expect many changes to occur sooner than later in how users will get to your content. While WS still offers high-level search engine optimization or SEO, keywords may soon become a thing of the past. How can we prepare in 2023 for the changes to come?
Linking is still a determining factor for optimization
It’s always been important to create a network of links to your site. When done properly, it’s trusted by Google and the robots. Without backlinks (external links to your site), robots are not sure if your site is better than another site. Links in that case are a proven criteria for trust.
Getting these backlinks can be difficult for certain sites. But it should be in the method of any SEO performance. Identify related websites and attempt to create links. Though one may want to consider automatic solutions, the best is to find partners and link. Note that reciprocal links are not enough. Sites need to be linked to from a variety of sources. That means the best angle of attraction is creating original and useful content that appeals to users. This aspect will most likely become even more important in the future given how AI will replicate content abundantly. Sticking out will require originality at all levels.
The biggest advantage of course is that these referrals can actually bring you qualified leads. So, even if the nature of search technology evolves in the future, linking will still be a heavily weighed factor in how users can find you. It’s web real estate and it will have high value (especially the unpaid natural links).
Hierarchy and semantics for content optimization
When writing paragraphs, it is best practice to structure each paragraph or section with a header. There’s no exact rule, but one or two paragraphs per section is recommended. Each section should have its H2 or H3 tags according to the context.
More importantly, the H2 must relate to the H1, and each H3 relates to its respected H2. And so on. So when there is a focus keyword for the article, from the title to the lowest header, there is consistency. It should follow simple academic writing to simplify the understanding.
Writing web content that stands-alone
Further, each section should therefore be enough to read on its own. While this contributes to certain redundancies, it makes scanning the article easier for humans. The web in many ways is not meant to read, but seen through a mental kaleidoscope that constantly filters noise. By simplifying the reading process, you promote faster recognition of the points you want to make.
Granted, articles must still be written grammatically correct with proper punctuation and complete sentences. However, more and more robots will try to emulate the spoken world, or even the social media world filled with acronyms and misspelled words and incomplete sentences.
What will happen to SEO in 2023?
Does that mean one can write web content similar to how their users speak? It will depend on the essence of the article, but for SEO purposes, it may be better to let go of the obsession of keywords and write the way your target audience communicates. Write content that matters to them and they will come.
Helpful content, the new mantra for optimization
Helpful content is the most recent Google update at this moment, and clearly it underlines Google’s need to submit results that are perfectly aligned with the request. Too many spam sites or sites with clickbait will drive users away from Google. The search engine was founded based on excellent results. Should they fail, users will choose other means.
In this light, keywords become less important. Users will begin to search with longer sentences that may or may not have keywords. Google themselves says recently that in the current trends : “In Basics of Google Trends, we learned that it’s usually best to search for topics, rather than terms. These are language agnostic and include misspellings.”
Also, note that thanks to structured content, your website may provide an answer to users that never comes to your website. Google uses the FAQ schema to provide answers directly in the search. AI will provide answers to the user without them needing to click.
How will businesses reap the benefits of their content? Other channels of search and linking must be addressed.
The human touch to web content optimization
Given the propensity of AI, the knee-jerk reaction will be to enhance the human touch to web content. Humans will strive to be better than robots, or at least to manipulate robots to their advantage. While we are in the early stages of popular AI usage, it will surely grow as both businesses and consumers understand how to use it for their own interests.
Will the keyword search die completely? Maybe not die but certainly evolve into a different animal altogether.
When will it all happen? It’s happening now. This article was written by a human and validated by AI as well-written and informative.
The article makes some accurate points and predictions about web content optimization in 2023. It correctly states that SEO and keyword search are still important factors for visibility on the web, but notes that changes in technology may lead to keywords becoming less important in the future. The article also accurately highlights the importance of backlinks, the value of creating original and useful content, and the need for helpful content to improve Google search rankings. Additionally, the article accurately notes the importance of proper structure and hierarchy in web content optimization. Overall, while some predictions may not come to pass, the article provides useful insights and recommendations for web content optimization in 2023.
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AI proposed further resources on the the future of SEO
“The Future of SEO in 2023 and Beyond: 9 Predictions and Recommendations” by Search Engine Journal
“SEO Best Practices for Content Optimization in 2023” by Single Grain
“The Future of SEO: 10 Predictions for 2023” by Search Engine