Search engine optimization is an ever-evolving field that surprises us with new developments and changes. From the importance of voice search to the rise of artificial intelligence, the SEO landscape is constantly shifting and adapting.
Despite its importance, many things still need to be clarified about SEO.
So, in this article, you’ll learn about ten shocking SEO facts you wish you had known earlier.
You’ll learn about some insights that will give you a deeper understanding of what’s shaping the future of search and help you stay ahead of the curve.
So sit back, buckle up, and prepare for some eye-opening SEO facts and trends.
Why should you know about SEO?
You should learn about SEO to maintain a successful online presence. For instance, optimizing images for SEO can help you rank for targeted keywords.
Here are some other irresistible benefits:
- Improved website ranking: A deep understanding of SEO can help you improve your website’s ranking in search engines. It further makes it easier for potential customers to find you online.
- Increased visibility: SEO can improve your website’s visibility and attract more organic traffic, generating more leads and sales.
- Competitive advantage: SEO is an ongoing process, and staying ahead of the competition requires a deep understanding of current trends and best practices.
- Cost savings: SEO can be more cost-effective than paid advertising and other marketing strategies, especially in the long run.
- Improved user experience: A good SEO strategy can also help improve the overall user experience of your website, which can lead to higher engagement and better conversion rates.
- Better ROI: By improving your website’s ranking, visibility, and user experience, you can increase the return on investment from your online marketing efforts.
10 shocking facts about search engine optimization
So now that you are aware of why you should have a deep understanding of SEO, let’s hop on to learn a few shocking SEO facts:
1. Most website traffic comes from organic search results, not paid advertisements
The fact that most website traffic comes from organic search results, not paid advertisements, is a well-established trend in digital marketing.
Organic search results refer to the indexing of the pages on a search engine results page (SERP) due to their relevance with the search query, without any payment or advertising involved.
On the other hand, paid advertisements are sponsored listings that appear at the top or bottom of a SERP, often marked as “Ad” or “Sponsored.”
There are several reasons why organic search results are more trusted and preferred by users.
- First, organic search results are perceived as more credible and relevant, based on the user’s search query and the search engine’s algorithm, rather than being influenced by advertising dollars.
- Second, users are more likely to trust search engines as a source of information than a biased source influenced by advertising.
2. Images can be used to target specific keywords and increase visibility in image search results
Images play a crucial role in SEO as they can help increase a website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
Including relevant keywords and alt text in an image’s file name helps the image appear in image search results for that keyword. This drives additional website traffic and helps increase SERPs’ visibility.
Google has made it clear that user experience is a critical ranking factor, and images play a vital role in this.
Here’s how to do it:
- Use high-quality and relevant images,
- Optimize images for size and resolution,
- Include images in image sitemaps, further improving their visibility in SERP data and enhancing the overall user experience.
3. The length of a web page’s content can positively impact its search ranking
Search engines like Google have prioritized websites with more comprehensive and detailed content, which is seen as a sign of quality and relevance.
Longer content also allows for more opportunities to include relevant keywords, which can help boost the page’s search ranking.
As a result, many websites are now focusing on creating in-depth, informative articles and blog posts to improve their search visibility and attract more organic traffic.
It’s important to note that simply having longer content is not enough. For instance, you should engage your potential clients via brand storytelling to connect with them.
Also, the content must be high-quality and provide value to the reader to positively impact search rankings.
4. Using keywords in website content is an important ranking factor, but not the only factor
Using keywords in website content has long been an essential factor in search rankings. It helps search engines understand the topic and relevance of a page.
However, positive user experiences, such as:
- fast load times,
- easy navigation,
- mobile responsiveness,
- and a well-structured site also plays a major role.
5. On average, the first page of Google’s results contains 1,447 words per result
There is a shift in search engine algorithms towards prioritizing comprehensive and in-depth content.
Search engines, such as Google, aim to provide their users with the most relevant and valuable results, and longer content is often seen as a sign of quality and expertise.
It’s important to note that while longer content is a factor in search rankings, it is not the only factor. The quality of the content, user experience, site structure, and backlinks also have their parts.
Nevertheless, the trend towards longer content on the first page of search results is clear; it is likely to continue in the future as search engines prioritize comprehensive and in-depth content.
6. Backlinks from high-authority websites carry more weight
Backlinks are a critical ranking factor, with the number and quality of links to a site playing a significant role in its search visibility.
Backlinks are seen as a vote of confidence by search engines. And the authority of the linking website is one of the factors used to determine the value of that vote.
High-authority websites, such as those with a strong reputation, large audience, and relevant content, are considered more trustworthy and credible by search engines.
As a result, backlinks from these websites are given more weight in search rankings.
7. Website loading speed impacts search ranking
Websites that load quickly are more likely to keep users engaged and reduce the bounce rate. Consequently, they rank higher compared to slow-loading websites.
In addition, fast-loading websites improve accessibility, as users can access your site even with a slow internet connection.
Google has stated that website speed is a ranking factor in its search algorithms.
Google has also released a tool called PageSpeed Insights, allowing website owners to measure their website’s loading speed and receive suggestions on improving it.
8. Social media signals like likes and shares do not directly impact search rankings
You may have heard people say that social media likes and shares directly impact search rankings, but the reality is different.
While likes and shares on social media platforms are a great way to increase visibility and engagement with your content, they don’t directly impact your search rankings.
However, that doesn’t mean they’re not important. Social media can drive traffic to your website, and increased traffic can impact your search ranking. In addition, you can use social media as social listening to strengthen marketing programs.
The more exposure your content gets, the more likely people will visit your site and interact with your content, which can positively impact your search ranking.
9. Google updates its search algorithm several times per day
You must’ve noticed your website’s search ranking getting changed from day to day.
Well, that’s because Google updates its search algorithm multiple times every day. This means that Google’s criteria to rank websites can change regularly.
What can you do to stay up-to-date on these changes? One way is to regularly follow industry blogs and websites that cover search engine optimization and Google’s updates.
Another way is to subscribe to Google’s Webmaster Central Blog, which provides information about updates and changes to Google’s search algorithms.
10. Local SEO is more important than ever
While searching for a local business or service on your phone or computer, you must’ve noticed a map with a list of local options at the top of the search results.
This is because local SEO has become more critical than ever before. Local SEO is optimizing your website and online presence for local search results.
Ensure your website is optimized for local search, claim and verify your Google My Business listing, and focus on building local backlinks.
Doing these things will improve your visibility in local search results and make it easier for people to find your business.
Conclusion
These ten shocking SEO facts demonstrate the significance of keyword research, link building, mobile optimization, and other key components of a successful SEO strategy.
The world of search engine optimization is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to stay up to date on the latest developments and trends.
By keeping these facts in mind, you can make informed decisions for your website, drive more traffic, and achieve higher search engine rankings.
So, be sure to implement these strategies and stay open to new ideas and developments in the ever-changing landscape of SEO.
