SEO is constantly changing and evolving to provide accurate results, as well as create a better user experience. Google changes its search algorithm at least 550 times per year. With all these changes, it only makes sense that the techniques used to rank higher have changed as well.

Think about how you use a search engine and what results you click on. Do you type in a bunch of random words, or do you type in a question? It's becoming more common to type a full question into the search bar. Search engines are paying close attention to how people are using their services, and this is the driving force behind the changes they are making.

One thing that has not changed: Great content will produce better ranking. Google has always valued content first.

What SEO Techniques Should I Use in 2014?

1. Great Content Makes For Great SEO

If you can provide high quality content to answer the questions people are asking, you will rank higher. To create this high quality content, put yourself in the user's shoes. What questions do people ask to find YOUR website? Base your website content on that, make sure to use good keywords, and you've got the first step down.

2. Social Media Gets The Word Out

Don't just rely on people randomly stumbling across your content… put it out there! The easiest way to do this is to utilize social media. Get on Facebook and Twitter to tell people about your services and website. Encourage them to share and engage. If social media sites like Instagram or Pinterest are useful to you, take advantage of those as well! If you are willing to pay, you can do some paid advertising as well (Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn all have good ad programs).

3. User Experience is Important For SEO

A well organized, easy-to-use website is a place where people will stick around. They are also more likely to interact and even bookmark the website to return to it later. All of these things (longer staying time, return visitors) will help you rank higher. How do you know if they are sticking around or returning? Use your crystal ball, silly! Just kidding. Sign up for Google Analytics (it's free, easy, and we tell you more about it here).

4. Mobile Websites For Your Mobile Users

This kind of fits into "User Experience" as far as keeping people on the site, but it goes a step farther. Mobile web users are quickly overtaking the number of desktop users, and it is essential that you give those mobile device users a way to browse your website on their phones and tablets. If they can't navigate easily, they will leave and may not come back. Want to learn more about Mobile Websites? We've blogged about it before, and we also have a solution: EXCEED CMS Mobile.

5. Use Long Tail Keywords

Long tail keywords are longer and more specific search phrases. For example, instead of "weather philadelphia", a long tail keyword would be "what's the weather in philadelphia". Trends are moving towards using these longer phrases as people are typing full questions into search engines instead of just a couple words. There is also less competition for long tail keywords, and they are much more targeted. You should still use regular keywords if they are applicable, but getting a few good long tail keywords can be excellent for your SEO.

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