Welcome back to "Adventures in Local Marketing," kicking off 2021 with a splash! In our first episode of the year, we had the pleasure of chatting with SEO maven and keynote speaker, Lily Ray. If you’re looking to get ahead in the SEO game, you’ll want to pay attention to her insights drawn from extensive experience with a diverse clientele and a deep dive into 2020's search landscape.
COVID-19's Impact on SEO
First off, let’s address the elephant in the room: COVID-19. The pandemic reshaped how consumers interact with brands and search engines alike. Lily pointed out that “businesses that adapted quickly saw massive gains, while others who clung to old ways were left in the dust.” This transformation isn’t just a blip; it’s a full-blown paradigm shift. If your strategy hasn’t adjusted to this new reality, you could be losing valuable traction.
Embracing E-A-T in Your Strategy
Next up is the vital concept of E-A-T: Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Lily emphasized the need to weave E-A-T into your SEO strategy for 2021. "Google is doubling down on E-A-T," she noted. “If you’re not showcasing your expertise and building trust with your audience, you’re setting yourself up for failure.” Start thinking about how you can position your brand as a trusted authority in your niche.
Preparing for Google’s Page Experience Update
As we move further into 2021, it’s crucial to prepare for Google’s Page Experience Update. Lily reminded us that “user experience is not just a nice-to-have anymore; it’s a must.” She suggests focusing on page speed, mobile-friendliness, and overall usability to ensure you’re not left behind when this update rolls out. A positive experience keeps users engaged and improves your rankings, so don’t overlook this aspect!
Be Cut-Throat with Content
In 2021, content isn’t just king; it’s the entire royal court. Lily's advice? “Be cut-throat with your content strategy.” This means prioritizing quality over quantity and making sure every piece serves a purpose. Regularly review your content library, and don’t be afraid to prune the underperformers. High-quality content that resonates with your audience will yield better results than a plethora of mediocre posts.
Resources to Dive Deeper
If you’re keen to explore more, Lily has conducted a thorough analysis of over 1,000 winners and losers from the December 2020 Google Core Algorithm Update. You can also catch her discussing Google E-A-T Implementation & Authority Signals on Search Engine Journal Live.
Final Thoughts
As we gear up for what lies ahead in 2021, take these insights to heart and ensure your strategies are in line with the current SEO landscape.
In a digital world where visibility is everything, GMB Fox ensures your business isn’t just online—it’s the first choice customers make. Let us handle the complexities of digital marketing, so you can focus on what truly matters: growing your business.
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