Because of the constant evolution of search engine algorithms, it’s become important for digital marketers and firms to keep their SEO practices up to date. If Google Panda and Penguin (2.0) have proven anything, it’s that a number of practices can quickly become outdated. Many tactics that produced results a few years back are completely ineffective now. That’s why it’s always important to make adjustments along the way.

1. Saying Goodbye to 2013: The Year in SEO
Because of the constant evolution of search engine algorithms, it’s become important for digital
marketers and firms to keep their SEO practices up to date. If Google Panda and Penguin (2.0) have
proven anything, it’s that a number of practices can quickly become outdated. Many tactics that
produced results a few years back are completely ineffective now. That’s why it’s always important to
make adjustments along the way. Before the start of another year, here’s a quick look back at the year in
SEO.
Content Marketing is All the Rage
Content marketing moved from being just a buzz word
to a
mature marketing strategy. From an SEO
perspective, Google and its algorithms will be looking at
companies and websites that have strong content
marketing efforts as an indication that these are the kind
of business the search engine giant wants to support.
For companies that have yet to move in the direction of
content marketing, now is the right time to really
commit, diversify, and take the plunge.
The Trend of Going Mobile
This year marked the beginning of the rise of mobile
devices, with many experts even predicting it will eclipse
PCs in the coming years. And in this rise, Google’s
Hummingbird is just the small visible tip of the mobile
iceberg.
A website’s mobile performance is becoming a bigger
contributor to its rankings because the landscape is
shifting, and many users are running searches on their
mobile phones rather than on desktops. This also means
local search will be more important than ever, as people
will likely search for something while on the road, rather than while at home or the office. Since Google
recognizes these changes and shifts in searches, businesses and marketers are adjusting their strategies
to accommodate this new method of search.

2. The Social Media Bandwagon
Social media is no longer just a way for people to keep in
touch with friends and family. It’s become a way of life and
a way for sharing massive amounts of information every
day. More than a billion users are online, so it’s only logical
for marketers to follow the trend, go social, and encourage
conversation and interaction, rather than just establishing
connection.
The good news in these trends is that looking back, SEO is
heading in a good direction—one where they stay on the
lane of solid white hat tactics and are paying attention to
shifting areas that benefit consumers everywhere.
Resources:
http://www.searchmarketingexpo.com.au/
http://www.statisticbrain.com/social-networking-statistics/
http://moz.com/blog/what-kind-of-content-gets-links-in-2012
http://www.pcworld.com/article/2032207/tablets-may-eclipse-laptops-in-2014-but-theres-no-post-pcfuture-on-the-horizon.html