SEO is changing fast, just like trends in music. With new updates and changes in search engines, it’s hard to keep up. Here are some opinions about SEO that might surprise you, but could help your business.
1. SEO is Real Marketing Now
In the past, SEO was about tricking search engines. Now, it’s about understanding what people want and creating useful content for them. Instead of saying, “I want to rank for this keyword,” start with what users are searching for and create content that meets their needs.
2. Tricks Aren’t a Good Business Model
Using sneaky tactics to rank higher in search results might work short-term, but it’s risky. For a serious business, it’s better to focus on real, valuable content. If you’re running a small, disposable site, taking risks might be okay. But for a business that supports families, it’s not worth it.
3. Search Engines Don’t Owe You Traffic
Search engines like Google and Bing are not required to rank your site fairly. Their main job is to satisfy their users. If users prefer certain brands, those brands will rank higher. To succeed, you need to become a trusted brand, which takes time and effort.
4. Search Engines Care About Their Users More Than Your Business
Search engines prioritize their users’ needs. To align with this, focus on what users want and make sure your content meets those needs. Keep in mind that user preferences can change, so your strategy should be flexible.
5. Not All Searchers Want Websites
People often search to get quick answers, not to visit a website. For example, if someone searches “how old is Taylor Swift?” they just want the answer (she’s 34), not a website with lots of ads and pop-ups. Create content that helps users quickly and effectively.
6. Paid Content is Not the Same as Useful Content
If someone pays you to post something, it’s an ad. Ads can be useful, but search engines might not see them that way. Promote paid content in ways other than relying on search engine rankings, like through newsletters or social media.
What to Do Next
SEO isn’t about using tricks anymore. It’s about understanding and meeting user needs. To succeed, focus on creating valuable, user-centered content. Also, diversify your traffic sources so you’re not dependent on just one.
As long as people need information and help, there will always be a place for marketers to guide them. Whether you call it SEO or marketing, the goal is the same: helping users get what they need.