Navigating the changing landscape of SEO in 2024
The digital landscape is constantly evolving - and, in our opinion, one of the most exciting (and notable) shifts is coming in the world of SEO.?
The field of search engine optimisation is currently experiencing some major changes. Here at Littlebigbox, we see this as a good thing; an opportunity to innovate and adapt, reshaping the way organisations use SEO to achieve truly extraordinary feats.
Because the power of SEO is extraordinary. And there’s no better time to use it to boost your brand, reach new audiences and maximise the magic of your content.
Read on for our lowdown of the key trends influencing the SEO landscape in 2024.
1. AI, SEO and content creation.
It’s the elephant in the room - Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its ability to find a seat at every table in the industry.
In 2024, it’s suggested that AI algorithms will not only deepen search engine rankings, but could also enhance the way that content is generated. While Wix led the charge with AI and SEO tools, Wordpress now has a huge host of plugins - such as AI for SEO - that promise to leverage state-of-the-art AI algorithms to generate SEO metadata for your content.?
However, we strongly believe that AI is a long way away (if ever!) from replacing real-life experts when it comes to something as complicated and changeable as SEO. If the recent viral Willy Wonka AI advertised immersive experience is anything to go by, businesses cannot expect to hand their content over to an AI system and hope for the same results they would receive from a genuine person skilled and experienced in the world of digital marketing. Instead they may opt to utilise - and make wise decisions - learning from AI algorithms. Here at Littlebigbox, we’ll be sticking with the failproof human touch!
2. Voice search optimisation.
Voice search is definitely on the rise, and SEO strategies need to keep up with this. We all know how much people value speed, and the reality is that voice search is 3.7 x faster than typing. In 2023, the number of voice assistant users reached 125.2 million - let’s face it, voice search isn’t going anyway. That’s why, in 2024, we strongly recommend that business owners place prominence on optimising their content for voicesearch, with long-tail keywords and conversational content under the magnifying glass.
This one is a biggie in terms of SEO shifts. It means completely reimagining SEO strategies to align with the conversational nature and contextual relevance of voice requests. Enter, the human psychology behind language. Marketers must understand how people phrase voice searches and adjust their content accordingly.
3. Local SEO and Geo-Targeting.
While local SEO is hardly a new concept, its significance is building. Many users will search for products and services specific to their local area, and so this must be tied into SEO strategies. This could include:
In addition, geo-targeting has become more refined: you can now deliver personalised content based on user location. It’s an ideal method for strengthening ad content and targeting specific areas for more website traffic and conversion.
4. The death of the hashtag (and the rise of SEO tailored captions).
We may be website experts, but we also know that your website is one part of your entire digital ecosystem. If one part of that ecosystem isn’t working, it can all fall apart.
Which is why we’re encouraging our clients to take a look at their social content. Of course, this could benefit from an entire blog of its own; but, in terms of SEO shifts, captions now need to tick the SEO boxes too. In a nutshell, the hashtags you use are far less important compared to writing captions that feed the SEO overlord’s hungry bellies. And as we ALL know by now, that doesn’t mean keyword stuffing: it means meaningful, well written content that effectively drip feeds those all important words in a way that feels natural and engaging.
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5. Emphasis on E-A-T: Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness.
Eh-hem. What on earth is E-A-T, we hear you ask?!
Again, Google E-A-T isn’t exactly new, but it is something that many business owners aren’t aware of. The Google E-A-T principle is a guiding force in SEO, reminding us of the importance of content quality and credibility. But, in 2024, E-A-T is no longer just a guideline: it’s a paramount step if you want your SEO campaign to succeed.
Essentially, everything you write and share has to be dripping in expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Surrounding this is the (vital) need to build an unbeatable online reputation, strengthened by high-quality backlinks, and content that positions a business as an industry authority.?
6. Visual and video search optimisation.
If you aren’t doing it already, then 2024 is the year that you bring visual and video optimisation into your SEO strategy. This includes:
Image recognition and video analysis is getting way more intelligent, and so we need to buck up our ideas before it runs too far ahead. But remember - you can capitalise on this, which is a good thing! When using video and visual, always remember that search engines now have a rising understanding of exactly what these images and videos are communicating. Make their job easier. Ensure your tap into video and visual SEO and get your content centre stage.
What do the experts think?
We spoke to Graham Hodge, SEO guru at Littlebigbox about what he thinks of these shifts.
“The thing I love most about SEO is exactly this - its ability to constantly adapt, grow and change. The direction that SEO is taking in 2024 is an exciting one, and I actually believe this could be the most dynamic era yet for SEO professionals.
“I do, however, know that the changes can feel overwhelming for those not fully immersed in the digital space. It’s why I really encourage business owners - or even digital marketers who have less experience within SEO - to reach out to the professionals for help and advice before they get too bogged down in the technicalities and jargon.
“I’m really looking forward to working with more clients this year on harnessing the power of SEO for their digital marketing. It’s a busy world out there, and I think SEO is the best way to stand out among it.”
Can Littlebigbox help me stay on top of my SEO in 2024?
Oh, we thought you were never going to ask!
We are experts when it comes to organic SEO - we have an entire department dedicated to it. So, whether you are looking for an SEO audit or an SEO strategy, we’re here to remove the guesswork and guide you towards actual success.
Pop us a message and we’ll get a call booked in. And, in the meantime, we’ve got a really handy SEO mini-series on the blog that you may want to check out.?
We look forward to connecting very soon!
Loved reading your insights on SEO's evolution! ?? As Darwin wisely noted, adaptability is key to survival - something SEO champions excel at. Let's keep pushing the boundaries of innovation! ?? #Innovation #SEOAdaptation