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Modern SEO Trends That Are Redefining How Websites Rank on Google

Bassem Ghali is a 2-time winner of the Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year award and a digital marketing strategist with over 20 years of experience working with companies such as Canadian Tire, Vistaprint, Remax Canada, Alpha Laps, Xplornet, and Toronto Star.


Today, let’s talk a bit about SEO and what is currently trending. I’ve had a couple of emails from people asking what is happening with SEO and if the concept that became a major hit a few years back is dead. Emails in this pattern are becoming quite much, and I think it will do a lot of good that I dedicate this article to it, at least to clarify a lot of issues.

First, SEO is not dead and does not even look like it will begin to decline any time soon. You couldn’t be more wrong to think in this direction. Because SEO has been on a steady rise to its peak over the past few years and with the way Google is developing its algorithm, we expect a lot of exciting changes soon, such that if you’re not keeping up, there’s a considerable possibility of being left behind. No! I didn’t say that to scare you in any way; instead, I mentioned it to get you prepared for what’s already happening.

Okay to be more explicit about what I’m talking about, let me take a moment to discuss the change that is affecting today’s SEO quest and accompanying efforts. 2018 was notably not a dull year for Google as they consistently churned out updates and upgrades that affected Search Engine Result Page (SERP) and how results are ranked.

With the continuous update of Google’s algorithm to better align with users came a complete change in the look and feel of SERP. These changes have created new challenges for firms and SEO experts. As a business owner that’s seeking for market leadership, there’s a need to continually develop new SEO strategies if you want your content to be well optimized to feature on the first page of search results. View our SEO Services for Small Businesses!

Let’s take a further dive into some of the major trends that have shaken up how search engine result pages rank. One of the most significant changes that we’ve seen in Google algorithm strongly affecting how SEO is planned is the move from traditional text-only search format. Today, people are adopting the use of voice search and a few other upgrades to make their search easier, faster, and better. You will be in for a big disaster if you fail to acknowledge or incorporate these changes into your website. To be clearer, let me take each one of these popular trends and try to explain them the best way I can.


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Google Mobile First Algorithm Update

Mobile first is turning into a buzz word, thanks to Google’s recent update that favors mobile-friendly websites in search engine result pages. The reason for this is not farfetched from the fact that people are spending more time with their smartphones and so are more likely to use their phones for searches than with desktops, unlike in the past when the reverse was the case.

If you still think that people sit behind their desktop to search for the products or services you have to offer, then you are wrong, because as it stands, people are always on the go and as such, may hardly have enough time to dedicate to sitting behind their desktops. Additionally, statistics also show that when people search on their mobile phone, they are likely in more urgent need to contact someone that offers their desired services quickly.

So you see, by optimizing your website for mobile usage, you are not only setting it apart for better ranking on search engine result pages, but you are also attracting the right type of audience for whatever product or services you offer. View our Digital Marketing Services!


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The Reinvention of Voice Search


Yes, the use of voice command for searches didn’t just start today, it’s been there for years, but it is only recently that a lot of people started paying heed to it. The use of voice command have climbed exponentially over the past few years, and right now, an estimated 1 out of every four searches is done using voice command either on mobile or Google home.

In case you’re still asking what this means to your campaign; well, it means that about 25% of your target audience are using voice search to look for you, and if you don’t pay heed to this area, you might be losing much in total visits and eventual conversion. Comscore has even predicted that by the year 2020, 50% of all searches will be through voice command.

That’s only a few months from now, and with the rate at which things are going, this figure looks very achievable. It’s time to start thinking about optimizing voice search on your website if you don’t want to be left behind. The battle has become fiercer with the change in behavior by customers that are looking for your product. Now is the best time to upgrade your SEO strategies, or face the risk of being left behind.

Google have come such a long way since its creation, with hundreds of upgrades and updates already made over the years to enable better user experience. Of course, we expect more innovative changes in coming years, and that’s why you need to ensure that your SEO strategies are not only long-term but are good enough to keep you strong in your competition in the years ahead. If you’re still confused about any of the things I’ve talked about, or think there’s any part of SEO that you need to learn about, feel free to contact me and I’ll be willing to discuss your company’s potentials.


Want to Learn How to Dominate the First Page of Google?

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Toronto's construction market is fiercely competitive. To stay ahead, you must keep up with the latest digital trends. One of the biggest game-changers recently is Google's AI Overviews. This new feature uses artificial intelligence to give people quick summaries of what they're searching for, which means they might need help to even click on individual results. So, how does this affect your construction business? It means you have to work even harder to stand out in search results. At Green Lotus, we help construction businesses like yours adapt to these changes and ensure you're still getting noticed by potential clients. We focus on making your website and content the best it can be, so even with AI in the mix, you come out on top. Deconstructing AI Overviews: How They Impact Your Construction Business AI Overviews represent Google's attempt to deliver quick and comprehensive answers to user queries directly on the search results page. This means that your online presence needs to be optimized not only for traditional SEO factors but also for these AI-powered summaries. Consider it a competition to become the "featured snippet" for various construction-related searches. If your business consistently provides the most relevant and authoritative information, you'll be well-positioned to capture valuable leads and drive business growth. Check our digital marketing services contractors, construction companies & SEO services home builders Content is King, Context is Queen, and Quality is the Kingdom: In-depth Content: Go beyond basic service descriptions. Toronto residents commonly encounter roofing difficulties, such as leaks and damaged shingles. To acquire confidence and demonstrate your competence, provide high-quality content that addresses these challenges and even more. A guide like "Navigating Your Roofing Options in Toronto" may appeal to your target audience. Alternatively, provide practical advice in an article such as "Top 5 Roofing Problems in Toronto and How to Prevent Them". Focusing on your audience's requirements allows you actually to connect with them. Keyword Optimization: Integrate relevant keywords naturally throughout your content. Use long-tail keywords that show the specific services you offer and the areas you serve. For example, if you provide "custom home building in North York," incorporate this phrase and related variations throughout your website and content. Schema Markup: Schema markup is like a translator between your website and Google's AI. It helps the algorithms understand the context of your content, making it more likely to be included in AI Overviews. Ensure your website uses schema markup to identify your services, location, customer reviews, and other essential information. Elevate Your Google Business Profile: Comprehensive and Accurate Information: Consider your Google Business Profile your digital storefront. It is frequently the first impression a potential consumer receives, so keeping it correct and current is essential. This includes ensuring that your company's name, address, and phone number are accurate. But don't stop there! Include your website, service areas, business hours, and any extra services you offer. A rich and accurate profile enables customers to easily find you and understand what your firm is all about. Visual Storytelling: A picture is worth a thousand words, and high-quality photos and videos can make all the difference in the world of online search. Showcase your completed projects, highlight your team's expertise, and give potential customers a visual tour of your capabilities. Customer Reviews as Social Proof: Encourage satisfied customers to leave detailed and positive reviews on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews improve your local SEO and enhance your credibility and trustworthiness in AI Overviews. Consider implementing a system for collecting customer feedback and testimonials. Building a Robust Online Presence: Local Citations for Authority: Consider local citations virtual "votes of confidence" for your business. Ensure your business information is consistently listed across relevant online directories and platforms, including industry-specific directories, local business associations, and general online directories. Backlinks as Trust Signals: Boost your website's authority with high-quality backlinks. Think of backlinks as a much-needed vote of confidence from other websites. When reputable sites in the construction industry, such as suppliers, associations, or even local news outlets, link to yours, it signals to Google that your content is valuable. This increases your website's trustworthiness and improves its search ranking. Backlink development is essential for enhancing your website's search engine rankings. These "endorsements" indicate to Google that your content is trustworthy and deserving of promotion in search results. The better your website ranks, the easier it will be for potential clients to locate you. Social Media Engagement: Maintain an active and engaging presence on social media platforms relevant to your business. Share valuable content, engage with your followers, and join industry-related discussions. Social media signals fluctuate but might indirectly affect your SEO and increase your online presence. Harnessing the Power of AI and Automation: AI-Powered Tools for Efficiency: Digital marketing is evolving rapidly, and small businesses must stay ahead. AI-powered tools can help you streamline your efforts and uncover new opportunities. From content creation to social media management, AI offers valuable solutions. You can gain a competitive edge in your market by embracing these technologies. Sales Automation for Lead Nurturing: Use sales automation solutions to improve lead generation and customer relationship management procedures. This can help you generate more leads, build stronger relationships, and convert prospects into paying clients. Real-World Applications for Construction Businesses: Consider a Toronto-based construction company specializing in historic building restoration. By creating in-depth content on topics like "heritage home preservation techniques" or "restoring Victorian architecture in Ontario" and optimizing their Google Business Profile with relevant keywords, images, and customer reviews, they can increase their chances of being featured in AI Overviews for related searches.
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