The two most complex sciences in current existence are that of search engine optimization and the search engine giant, Google; however, research, analysis, and studies have confirmed a few of the most popular trends in both areas for the year 2018.

Search engines are consistently striving to improve the overall quality of the results that their software renders to internet users.

It is a known fact that ranking factors are constantly changing; some simply become non-existent while others seem to develop seemingly overnight.

Currently, the algorithm utilized by Google consists of more than 200 individual factors. This is why it is more important – than ever before – for businesses and website owners to become familiar with SEO trends and Google trends.

The best place to hide…is page two of Google….”WPCookHouse

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strengthening in Power

In terms of search, artificial intelligence is gaining in power.

To provide an example of this, let’s consider RankBrain. Just a little over two years was when this initiated. It is a specially-designed learning artificial intelligence system that was presented by Google.

At its start, it processed approximately 15% of all of the queries in search engines by internet users. Today, it handles 100% of those internet search queries. Based on products and services integrated by Google, we can see that AI is going to be a heavy trend and incorporated into all search engine optimization.

In the past, it has been said to optimize for humans. This will hold even more truth as AI takes hold.

Voice Search Increases in Popularity

According to the latest figures, approximately one out of every five searches on mobile devices originate from a voice search.

As more voice-based devices emerge on the market, this is expected to increase quickly. Voice searchers utilize snippets that are located above traditional search results and answer their questions.

These are called “position 0” rankings.

By placing snippets within the SERPS of web pages, website owners are sure to see a drastic increase in their click-through rate. If you want to stay in the trend when it comes to Google and SEO, snippets are creating content for voice search inquiries is a necessity.

Mobile-First

The next big trend for 2018 in terms of both search engine optimization and Google is the indexing of mobile content first.

Just over three years ago, the searches on mobile devices exceeded that of desktop devices. Now that mobile use and searches has increased dramatically, Google is now engaging in the act of indexing mobile versions of content first and desktop only content last.

In short, it is quite possible that mobile searches will create the only SEO signals that search engines utilize to rank websites. If a site is not designed to be utilized on a mobile device, it will become completely out-of-date.

Get Ready NOW!

Change is coming, in terms of SEO and with Google. While many other changes apart from those mentioned in this guide can be expected, these are the most relevant to online businesses and websites. You should start preparing now. Failure to do so could result in the failure of your online presence.

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Resources:
https://searchengineland.com/rank-position-0-3-simple-steps-featured-snippets-primer-275941
https://searchengineland.com/8-game-changing-seo-trends-that-will-dominate-2018-286023
https://searchengineland.com/faq-google-mobile-first-index-262751