Search Engine Optimization is an ever-evolving entity. In fact, SEO changes at such a frenetic pace, oft times it’s difficult to keep up with the latest trends. Considering 91% of users never go past page 1 of a Google search, we here at Little Dragon understand the fine art of ranking on search. The more exposure a business gets, generating quality leads 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, the more digital sales.

The competition is fearsome, and it’s never been more imperative for Canadian companies to rank on page 1 for relevant keywords online. Here are the top SEO trends for 2019 that every Canadian company should know.

Voice Search Begins to Dominate

Among the biggest trends in SEO for 2019 is voice search. This isn’t surprising considering the growing popularity of voice assistants like Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, and Google Home. The voice search trend is increasing so rapidly, that some experts believe 50% of all searches will be voice searches by 2020.

Seeing as voice search usage is beginning to dominate, a different optimization strategy is needed. A voice search is going to be completely different from the way a user types it out – Spoken questions are different from typed questions. Companies must make sure that their content is optimized for a more conversational feel, and what it sounds like out loud. If the content is quick to the point, easy to read and understand, you’re on the right track.

Featured Snippet Optimization

Snippets are those short answers that often appear above all other results in a search. Also, these short answers are often what you hear in a voice search. Given the rapidly growing popularity with voice search, it’s not surprising that Google wants featured snippets to be voice-search friendly.

In 2019, Canadian companies should make it a priority that content is optimized to appear in these featured snippets. Not only what the content looks like, but more importantly, how it sounds.

Mobile-First Indexing is Key

In March of last year, Google began migrating sites to a mobile-first index – Meaning, they rank the mobile version of a site to establish its search engine ranking, before moving onto desktop websites. Considering that nearly 60% of all traffic now comes from mobile devices, it’s understandable why Google is making a heard lean towards mobile-friendly.

Canadian companies must ensure that their content is optimized for mobile. Yet, equally as important, is a responsive website with pages that load quickly. In July 2018, Google introduced its Speed Update, thus making page speed a factor for ranking mobile searches.

Although it’s still early days for mobile-first indexing, building better mobile websites is imperative. Canadian companies must ensure that their sites are fast, easy to use and navigate, and highly secure.

(Image: Wikipedia)

The Rise of Amazon

Today, more than 50% of all online consumers now go straight to Amazon for their shopping needs, and that percentage is on the rise. Likewise, just as many if not more, search on Amazon first for products before going to other sites, because of the convenience and easy shipping. In essence, it means fewer people are searching on Google for the products they want – that’s huge. Suffice to say, Amazon Search Optimization is a major SEO trend in 2019.

For Canadian retailers (large and small), it is vital to have as much branding and content strategy on Amazon. If you’re not available on Amazon, then you and your brand are missing out on an enormous number of potential customers.

SEO is changing constantly, and 2019 is no different. Both old and emerging technologies are beginning to greatly impact SEO. By preparing and planning for these game-changers, Canadian companies will both benefit and thrive.

Sarah Bauder

Sarah Bauder is a senior content specialist at Little Dragon Media. Sarah has a degree in journalism and has a decade of experience writing content at numerous renowned publications. She enjoys writing about digital marketing, business, entrepreneurship and more.