Search Engine Optimisation : Changing Paradigm

Since the inception of Internet sites and blogs descended upon us. A veritable media gift it transgressed all boundaries that limited search and increased accessibility to information.   The search engines evolved continuously in order to perfect the delivery. In this case it was to put forth the right solution/answer to the query. Not to mention Google took the lead with algorithms that deliver much better results. 

With the plethora of  websites and blogs online a hoard was initiated to rank better by the owners. This lead to tips and tricks being worked out. The search engines wanted the best sites for a query to surface. So guidelines were made public which enumerated salient features of a good website that was nearer to the preferences set by the the search engines.

Then the experts realised the value of external links pointing to the website. These links made the website rise up the SERPs since these were votes that indicated popularity. This was the assistance accepted by the indexing and ranking programs and the website was place higher.           

Leading from these development search engine optimisation came into picture. The webmaster provided the expertise to the clients in order to make a career. 

Was this the end? Well no!

The SE companies soon realised the spam that had started, and webmasters who could trick the system ruled the roost. This lead to websites ranking high on SERPs even if they did not provide a satisfactory answer to the query, had poor architecture and contents.  Those who could manipulate were happy. At last a lucrative career.  

But constantly the algorithms were evolving - the main goal was to root out spam. Hence constant updates and filters changed the algorithms and they still do. 

The Result!

• No more cheap link building. 
• No more keyword stuffing. 
• A pluralistic keyword or anchor text profile/
• Ouster of improper, low information content. 
• Weight on onpage factors that added to sound user experience. 
• Mobile friendliness became important as mobile search increased.       
• Dilution of on page tags H1, H2 etc.??
• Slow devaluation of keywords in domain name. 
• Title is like a house name plate so will remain important. 
• Description is now used as such and has lost much of the SEO value.
• Keyword tags have nearly become redundant. 
• Proper placement of relevant contents is a must. 
• Internal links are less important but can assist in site architecture and UX.  
• Images, videos, sound all provide interactivity hence relevant to SEO. 
• Fresh contents may not be possible on websites hence add a blog and keep writing usefully.
• Use of parameters, tags and of technologies that assist in proper indexing.  
• Creating snippets using structured metadata. 

These changes eventually resulted in better results. And companies like Google assist in search engine optimisation by publishing guidelines. Hence SEO is a two way street, and webmasters will always remain active and valuable to the SE firms. 

Links & Keywords

Much more is going on but high valued links are still required. Since the algorithms could not be the sole judge of websites popularity. Keywords are still required in a semantic manner with less reliance on percentage.   

Site Architecture & Contents

Good fluent architecture takes the cake so does user friendly and relevant contents. The latter has become imperative and will remain so since user experience is much enhanced by contents especially of interactive and anecdotal nature. Domain age and authority spells success coupled with all enhancing factors. 

Social Media & Online Reputation 

Another means of judging a popularity of site is the online reputation. Hence social media has come into picture, the extent is not known but nevertheless popularity on networking sites is essential for SEO which is the main element of Internet or Digital Marketing.  

Activity on social media sites also means marketing and this is the chief mode of online marketing. Hence you get two benefits with one activity.     

Webmasters

The paradigm has changed and further evolving. Some aspects have become important:

Content Writing:  This is of great importance to webmasters - write good or perish. 

Technical Seo: Understanding technicalities are important, content writer may not be able to implement on website but they can always take assistance from web designers and programmers.  

Architecture & Content Creation: Understanding these elements are of utmost importance since they are implemented at white board stage and should lead to user friendliness.  

Discouraging Factors

Intervention By Search Engines,.

Brand preference on SERPs to what is already known and the names are on the lips.  This has prevented or discouraged deeper search since the SERPs are being overwhelmed by popular brand leaders. Unique information or finding the less known has become difficult as few visitors go beyond the first or second page.  Visitor love mystery and esoteric findings. 

Devaluation of tags. Well this is assumed but if true it will be discouraging for proper formatting of contents and interactive elements due to the fear being penalised. 

Indexing & Ranking

There are more than two hundred metrics which enable indexing and ranking this is bad news for spammers. Hence search engine optimisation calls for a pluralistic approach. A wide mix of activities are necessary. Avoid Spam!

Online Ads

Though out of the SEO exercise they are valuable means of keeping the site afloat and get seasonal or opportune business. Since the cost is high the Ads require a proper strategy.  But they should be mixed with the campaign depending upon the budget.