Top Influential SEO PPC Predictions and Trends for 2015

A new year is coming, and you know what that means—more of Google ruffling our feathers with ninja Penguin updates and Panda roll-outs. (Just kidding. Kind of. Google has it right regarding wanting better content for its users. Although we’re, sure “ninja penguin” updates would strike even more fear into SEO black hats. Just sayin’.)

In all seriousness, the search engine optimization world isn’t immune to change. We know it, you know it. But if you thought internet marketing was evolving enough already, well…

In the words of Bachman-Turner Overdrive: “B-b-b-baby, you just ain’t seen nothin’ yet.”

Here are some of our best SEO predictions 2015 and PPC predictions for 2015 to prepare your website for a new year of business: (Considered some of the best business trends for 2015)

SEO Predictions for 2015 – Trends in Digital Marketing

Mobile Marketing Trends 2015

  • Mobile traffic will ultimately surpass organic traffic for most businesses.

Is your website optimized for mobile? It had better be. The continual rise of smartphones puts a search engine in everyone’s pocket—even for business-related searches. If you don’t want to miss out on new business due to your un-optimized mobile site, perhaps it’s time to make that a priority New Year’s resolution.

SEO Trends for 2015 - Mobile

  • Google will reward websites that offer users an excellent mobile experience.

While mobile optimization is already considered a ranking factor, you might start seeing some tangible results in increased site traffic. We already see this with the mobile-friendly labels that now appear in Google search results. But considering Google’s focus on user experience, this prediction could give you a significant advantage over competitors who have yet to jump to mobile.

Content

  • Only content that adds value to the readers will rank well.

How do you define “value?” Well, ask yourself how your users “use” your content: Do they read the whole page? Do they click your links? Is your content doing what it needs to get you closer to conversions? For 2015, we’re betting that content that adds to user experience and provides them with the answers they’re looking for will begin to rank better than pages that don’t. That’s right—content will be all about meaning this year.

  • Semantic search will understand search queries at such a level that keyword-focused content will be pushed off the first page of search results.

As search algorithms improve, so will semantic search’s ability to find exactly what users are looking for based on the meaning of the words. Sound too futuristic? Google’s Semantic Search project has been in the works since 2012 (Source: Wall Street Journal). Assuming these SEO predictions for 2015 happen, this change will drive copywriters to produce tighter, more focused content—no more grey/black hat SEO. Not without fear of severe ranking punishments, that is.

  • Exact keyword use will diminish.

Exact keywords might not be as helpful to users as they may have once been—at least in Google’s eyes. Like the Semantic Search prediction, it’s the meaning behind the words that Google wants to help users with. Expect to see some changes in your top-ranking keywords this coming January.

SEO Predictions for 2015, PPC predictions for 2015

  • Information websites will compete with Google as Google continues to expand its knowledge box, beating out Siri and Cortana for direct answers.

Search engines have always served as great places to find answers. So with all this focus on meaning and context in 2015, other websites will have to butt heads with Google to prove themselves as authorities. This might mean a shift from providing free, helpful content to visitors and instead hoarding it from non-subscribers.

  • Influenced authors with high authority in their fields must write website content based on social signals and high-quality writing.

Online authority goes a long way. While link detox can tighten up your online profile now and then, nothing enhances your public image quite like website shares and backlinks. But that takes quality content. More than simply being in the right place at the right time, the latest SEO trends tell us 2015 will be the year thought leaders start clashing to prove who belongs in the field and who should sit in the bleachers.

Website Architecture

SEO Trends for 2014 - Crawler Errors

  • Fixing crawler errors will be a top priority, as Google rewards sites without errors by increased rankings, bringing a 2-5% increase in traffic.

2015 will be when your techs will brush up on their stuff. While crawler errors deter users from your site, the fact that their presence may be inhibiting your site from better traffic is all the reason you need to fix them right away.

  • Increased emphasis on encryption and security.

The internet can be scary, and we don’t mean your high school Myspace photos. Users need to feel secure when visiting websites. To meet this need, we predict many businesses will jump from HTTP to the more secure HTTPS and implement improved CAPTCHA and other security features to provide users with better peace of mind.

Apple

  • Launch their search engine to compete with Google.

While we can’t guarantee anything about the iSearch (or whatever it’ll be called), we know it’ll at least be trendy. We’re waiting to see how they can tie it into their Apple Watch.

PPC Predictions for 2015 – 2015 Digital Marketing Trends

Mobile

  • It is estimated that 40% of all paid search traffic will come from mobile in 2015.

People do more than search for business on their smartphones; they do business, too. (Source: MediaPost) With search engine marketing expected to grow next year, so will people’s needs for on-the-go search results, leading to increased ad potential.

  • Bing Ads Unified Targeting Phase 2.

As Google had done previously, Bing Ads may launch its second Unified Targeting movement, estimated as early as March next year. This will push all ad campaigns automatically, targeting the thriving mobile market. Suddenly that 40% increase in paid search traffic looks much more significant.

Google Shopping

PPC predictions for 2015 - shopping

  • Google Shopping to become 25% of Google Search spending with more targeting and optimization capabilities.

If you aren’t familiar with Google’s M.O., we’ll repeat it: Google is all about the user. We won’t be surprised if Google dedicates a quarter of its 2015 search spend to make its price-comparison service more user-friendly.

Online Reviews, Social Credibility, and Ad Extensions

  • More advertisers utilizing Seller Ratings (gold stars) in their ads

Shoppers love ratings. And why wouldn’t they? They want to ensure their hard-earned money goes to a reputable seller. Gold stars add visual appeal to make good merchants recognized for their outstanding service.

  • Ad extensions that enhance the size and looks of ads.

If you thought the “But wait—there’s more!” saying was outplayed, don’t dismiss it yet. Online ads that appear even more prominent and better-looking may be on the horizon this coming year.

  • It increased consumer rating annotations on more businesses.

Google’s steady focus on providing tailor-made user experiences extends even to their ads. As Google Consumer Surveys gather info, it will conduct more independent research and then link that to your business domain within your ad. Better news, better business, right?

Search Retargeting

  • More people are doing multiple searches before making a purchase.

Fresh off the holidays, this is a feeling we know all too well. To find the best online deal, users will keep an increased eye out for your goods or services. Consciousness gives you an even more incentive to make your ads stand out.

  • They are retargeting for search ads is becoming a more significant part of every advertiser’s strategy.

Search retargeting works as part of your existing marketing strategy. But PPC predictions for 2015 believe you may see an increase in its use, as re-engagement of users can lead to the conversion you’ve been looking for. With people taking more time to evaluate their purchase than ever (see the above prediction), retargeting allows you to return to the game.

Internet Marketing Agencies

Our CEO Garry Grant weighed in on our SEO predictions for 2015 by taking a top-level look at internet marketing agencies. “I think we’ll be seeing more consolidation of SEO companies. We’ve seen some of this happen already. But as smaller agencies are absorbed by larger agencies, who will serve all these small- to mid-sized businesses? There’s no outlet for them.”

It’s something to consider if you’re a burgeoning young startup. Here at SEO Inc., our philosophy is that SEO is a long-term treatment rather than a quick fix—a marathon versus a sprint. Showing up in Google’s SERPs not only takes time but perseverance.

“If you spent $200 for 2 hours a month, what kind of work would you get out of that?” The answer: Not much. Nothing that will make a meaningful, positive impact on your website’s traffic.

6 - 2015-predictions-end

How to Prepare for the New Year

So how do you make the most of these SEO predictions for 2015?

Take a look at your business. What needs work? Where would you like to improve? Is it your on-site content? Your social media? Your Google AdWords campaign?

Identify one area you’d like to work on and go from there. Start slow—remember, New Year’s resolutions take time. Keeping a potential problem area in mind allows you to anticipate changes without being blindsided. (NINJA PENGUIN UPDATE!—Just kidding.)

If paying attention to these trends helps you get ahead of the game, we’ve done our job. You’ve got all the tools for a prosperous new year—let’s make it a good one!

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