The State of SEO in 2019: Mastery Through Coaching

The landscape of SEO in 2019 continued to evolve, shaped by algorithm updates, technological advancements, and changing user behaviors. For those navigating the complexities of SEO, the expertise and guidance provided by an SEO coach became more critical than ever. Here’s how the SEO scene unfolded in 2019 and why coaching was key to mastering it.

Focus on User Intent

2019 saw a deeper focus on aligning content with user intent, moving beyond keywords to understanding what users truly sought. This shift required a nuanced approach to content strategy, where SEO coaches played a vital role in teaching how to research and interpret user intent to create content that matched.

BERT Update – A Linguistic Shift

The introduction of Google’s BERT update was a significant milestone in 2019, enhancing the search engine’s understanding of natural language. This update made it clear that optimizing content for clarity and context was essential. SEO coaches helped demystify BERT, advising on how to optimize content in a way that aligns with natural language processing and search intent.

Mobile-First Indexing

With mobile-first indexing becoming the default for new websites, the importance of having a mobile-optimized website was underscored. SEO coaches guided through the technical nuances of making sites mobile-friendly, ensuring that sites performed well across all devices to meet Google’s indexing preferences.

Secure Websites (HTTPS)

The push for secure websites (HTTPS) over non-secure (HTTP) became more pronounced. Google Chrome started marking non-HTTPS sites as ‘not secure,’ impacting user trust and site credibility. SEO coaches stressed the importance of security in SEO strategies, helping businesses migrate to HTTPS to improve security, user trust, and SEO rankings.

The Emergence of Video Content

Video content’s influence in SEO strategies grew significantly in 2019. With users increasingly preferring video over text for information and entertainment, optimizing video content for search became a critical strategy. SEO coaches provided insights into video SEO, from optimizing video titles and descriptions to understanding how to leverage platforms like YouTube for increased visibility.

Structured Data and Rich Snippets

Structured data and the implementation of rich snippets became a game-changer in enhancing search visibility. By coaching on how to properly use structured data, SEO coaches enabled websites to stand out in SERPs with rich snippets, driving higher click-through rates.

The Importance of Local SEO

Local SEO remained a cornerstone for businesses serving specific geographic locations. Optimizing for local search involved more than just claiming a Google My Business listing; it required a comprehensive strategy including local keywords, consistent NAP (Name, Address, Phone Number) information, and managing online reviews. SEO coaches played a critical role in developing localized SEO strategies tailored to businesses’ specific markets.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

2019 highlighted the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the SEO field. With frequent algorithm updates and shifting SEO best practices, staying informed and agile was crucial. An SEO coach not only provided the latest insights and strategies but also fostered a mindset of ongoing learning and flexibility.

Conclusion

The state of SEO in 2019 demanded a blend of technical know-how, content excellence, and strategic foresight. The complexity and dynamism of SEO made the role of an SEO coach indispensable. Through personalized coaching, professionals and businesses could navigate the year’s challenges, capitalizing on opportunities to enhance their online presence and achieve SEO success.