In 2014, Top Spots will be Earned with Quality Content and Lots of it

As we begin a new year, those who depend on websites to bring some, if not all, of their business can’t help but wonder, ‘what will it take to get to the top and stay there in 2014?’ When 2013 brought with it algorithm updates like Hummingbird that seemed to effortlessly rattle the positions, and in some cases obliterate the rankings, of websites around the world, many business owners are looking to invest in an internet marketing and SEO strategy that’s capable of staying the course for 2014. Whether you like it or not, all predictions point to a well-designed content strategy that includes valuable and informative content, shared across as many social channels as possible, as the key to online domination this year.

Earning a Place at the Top

In past years, Search Engine Optimisation, or SEO, was heavily focused on just that; formulating a plan to optimise websites and content in ways that won favours with search engines like Google. Now, the days of keyword stuffing are long gone, but still, what seemed like more of a mathematical equation of keyword ratios and backlink building was the ticket to the top in the not so distant past. As many website owners came to learn, however, search engines set out to prove that site owners could no longer try to pull the wool over their eyes. What the mega algorithm updates of 2013 made abundantly obvious is that for 2014, earning your way to the top by being the authority real people want and need is now the name of the game.

In actuality, whereas SEO used to be the be-all-end-all, social media is rapidly advancing. Don’t get me wrong, white hat SEO is still crucial to success online, but now the businesses that are being buzzed about in Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and the like are the leaders in their markets.

Content Marketing Predicted to be Bigger than Ever in 2014

While leading internet marketing experts may not agree on all the nitty gritty details, the one thing they do seem to agree on is that if content was king in 2013, it’ll be the equivalent of the Almighty this year. Writing informative content that’s focused on providing solutions to site visitors’ pain points is now much more valuable than content that’s written only to persuade people to buy. Instead, the goal for any content strategy in 2014 should be to engage so that people want to share the content across as many social channels as possible, across the web. Now, what satisfies real people’s wants and needs is not only what pleases Google and other search engines, but also generates sales.

I’m sure there are a lot of you groaning right now and wishing for the days when you could just spam the heck out of the internet and see a site move up to the top spots in the rankings, where the vast majority of searchers clicked. Whipping up high-quality, informative content on a regular basis isn’t something every small business owner’s schedule can accommodate, but times have changed and your content strategy had better keep up or fall far, far behind.

For years, you’ve talked the talk and made claims about being the best provider of X, Y or Z in your industry, on the internet, but now it’s time to prove it. Show that you’re the authority in your niche by providing useful content people can use and this strategy will ensure your site is better protected against the algorithm updates that are in-store for 2014. When a top spot in the search rankings isn’t the only thing your business’ site has going for it, you’ll be in a better position to dominate your market.

To learn more about how you can earn your brand a rock solid reputation with all the traffic, leads and sales that go with it, get in touch with The SEO Company on 1300 885 557 or email us here.