Google is the domain that search engine (SEO) professionals and marketers need to focus on for their work! And since Google algorithms are sudden and no know one the way it works, most SEOs stay in mystery about it. The best answer that the experts can render when asked about the expanse and impact of the SEO changes and Google algorithm updates, is “it depends”.
It might seem like an incomplete and unsatisfying answer. However, there’s a reason for this, as well. Today, the SEO domain and Google are inundated with different websites, various niches, multiple and varied audiences, and different competition as well. However, SEO professional is trying to arrive at the best strategy to succeed in SEO, irrespective of the business type. If one can arrive at that, it would be great news. The only way this is possible is to keep learning.
To keep on learning is not an uninteresting or static strategy! Ongoing education is critical for SEO success. That is the secret to the leading SEO professionals making it to the top. Always! You need to know that SEO is forever in flux, and the landscape is changing forever. The same is applicable for search rankings. Hence, anyone that stays the status quo usually loses their ground. However, all these conjectures, facts, and possibilities bring us to a question.
Is Google aiming to develop an answer engine?
Keeping in mind the latest trends with Google, it appears that they are aiming towards an answer engine instead of a search engine! Today, Google seeks to answer the questions by users within their platform, instead of offering the links for external resources. The concept of zero-result SERPs is a scary idea for SEO professionals. It is because most SEOs work for generating search visibility and increase organic traffic from Google’s search outcome. And for a few queries, it is the only reality. Additionally, the questions have increased, which shows the issue, but in zero-clicks. And that is not the best situation for SEO as well.
Rand Fishkin conducted researches in click-through rates and the way Google has been attempting to maintain users on its platform. It is essential to read about these findings and know more. This future casting is an excellent example of why SEOs are required to keep on learning as well as experimenting with SEO. It is necessary to recognize the trends for understanding the way the industry is heading. It will help SEO’s to plan ahead better.
For instance, if an SEO is targeting a keyword only because it has a high monthly search volume, whereas it has zero-clicks on queries, there will be many struggles to attract organic traffic. Functioning simply based on old assumptions will almost result in inefficient work.
Several SEO changes will keep on happening year after year! It helps the SEO landscape to evolve. Hence, when you are not paying any attention and working to up your skills, you will lag. Whether Google wants to appear as an answer engine or there are other plans, can only be understood through ongoing research and learning.