Predictions of SEO and Google algorithm experts for 2023

2022 has been a whirlwind year for the SEO industry and there is no sign of slowing down.

This year alone, Google has dropped eight confirmed and unconfirmed updates, leaving many companies struggling to keep up.

With so much volatility, how can you adjust your SEO strategy to keep it fresh and relevant?

How will this year’s algorithm changes affect your SEO strategy for 2023?

How can you prepare for Google’s next move and stay ahead of the curve?

On December 14, I moderated a webinar with Pat Reinhart, VP of customer success at Conductor.

Reinhart recaps this year’s biggest SEO insights and shares some expert predictions based on 2022 algorithm updates to find out what the next year might hold.

Here is a summary of the webinar. To access the entire presentation, fill out the form.

Prediction #1: Google’s Volatility Will Continue To Intensify

There is a lot of volatility going on and this could be the new normal.

[Learn tips on navigating the new normal] Access the webinar now →

What makes this year, and maybe next year, so busy is that the time between algorithm updates is getting shorter and they’re starting to build on top of each other.

Image by Conductor, December 2022

Google will continue to test new features and result types.

What does it mean? More algorithm changes will happen in less time, which equates to higher volatility.

3 Things To Pay Attention To:

[Learn how to simplify the management of these updates] Access the webinar now →

In the coming year, there will be more testing and data requests from Google due to what is happening in the younger generation, leading us to the next prediction.

Prediction #2: Visual Search Will Become More Prominent

Gen-Z are turning to TikTok and Instagram for their search needs, effectively bypassing Google.

The younger generation connects better with images because it gives them a better experience.

Therefore, Google now uses more visuals in search.

3 Things To Pay Attention To:

[How you should approach each “search engine”] Instantly access the webinar →

Prediction #3: More Companies Will Take Technical SEO Seriously

Google wants to provide users with a good experience, so it’s becoming increasingly important to ensure that your site works on a technical level.

Many businesses now know that the solution is to create a system where your site is constantly monitored, moving towards an “always-on” mindset.

[See what “always on” looks like] Access the webinar immediately →

3 Things To Pay Attention To:

Prediction #4: Companies Will Waste Money On The Metaverse

It’s wise not to invest in the Metaverse just yet as it hasn’t been proven.

3 Things To Pay Attention To:

[Find out why] Access the webinar now →

Prediction #5: Everyone Is Going To Forget About Universal Analytics Going Away

Everyone will forget that Universal Analytics will go away on July 1, 2023. And it will become crazy for those who have never installed GA4.

While most forecasting has a lot to do with algorithms, at the end of the day, it’s about the content you create and the experience you provide for your customers, so make sure you’re able to track that effectively in 2023.

[Slides] Expert SEO & Google Algorithm Predictions For 2023

Feature image: Paulo Bobita/Search Engine Journal