As search engine optimization continues to evolve, the algorithms will inevitably change to not only improve search results, but to thwart "black hat" webmasters from exploiting the system. While the importance of content, keywords, and backlinks shall remain prominent, there are many changes underway for SEO in 2010.
Page Speed
Starting in 2010, Google is launching its new search engine, internally nicknamed, "Caffeine." Like the codename suggests, the new algorithm is lightning fast and is a turbo version of its current search engine, displaying more than twice as many results in half the time.
Although Google states that search results shouldn't be affected since it is only an "under the hood" improvement, Google has also announced that page load times will play a big part in how a website is ranked.
Webmasters will now have to pay attention to load times as part of their SEO strategy. Load time can be affected by the number and size of images, as well as additional script coding that takes longer to load onto browsers. Be cautious if your website has a slick, animated element that takes more time to browse. The slower loading time may cost you rankings.
Branding vs. Linking
Another change that has actually been released in 2009 is new algorithmic elements that can spot branding trends. Branding is how a website is perceived by others and the popularity in which it gets "chatter." Google has already introduced this element in their current search engine. It can produce search results based more on the likelihood that a branded website is more relevant to a particular search.
This also means that linking is taking a backseat. Currently, a good part of a SEO strategy is getting other sites to link to yours. However, with so many paid links available, some webmasters can get search favoritism by paying for additional backlinks, and Google hopes to minimize the benefits of this phenomenon.
The bottom line is that your website will need to focus more on SEO content and branding than creating links in 2010.
Real-Time Social Search Results
Search engines like Bing and Yahoo! have announced that they will begin to incorporate real-time Twitter posts in search results, and Google is in talks to soon follow. This may give internet searches a way to obtain up-to-the-minute information on news and events. Thus, a 2010 SEO strategy may need to incorporate real-time elements, such as using Twitter updates as a way to increase search engine relevance.
Location-based Searches
Searches on mobile devices have become mainstream. Now, smartphones with GPS and browsers capable of noting current location can help narrow search results. With this technology, you could simply enter a broad keyword like "Thai Food," but the results will come back with only the local restaurants in your current area.
How does this translate for your SEO strategy? Be sure you infuse your website with local keywords so mobile browsers can find you in 2010.
2010 promises to be a year of change for search engine optimization, but with these tips, your website will be prepared for the momentum ahead.
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