Q4 Updates: Key Updates and Best Practices in SEO with Alex Moss, Yoast (episode 222)
by Chloe ThomasAlex Moss is Principal SEO at Yoast, and also co-founder of FireCask. He’s been in SEO for over 20 years working a mix of in house, agency-side, AND now software-side roles.
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Dive in:
[09:00] SEO hasn’t changed much, just more info.
[10:37] GDPR regulations in Europe caused legal challenges.
[16:14] Website ads frustration and conflicting views on helpful content.
[18:36] The 4 types of search intent.
[20:32] Update on Google’s monopoly and the Department of Justice.
[25:49] Insider Tips from Alex!
The Google Leak: A Validation of SEO Best Practices
The Google data leak served as a validation of many long-held SEO principles. Factors like user interaction, content quality, and technical optimisation continue to play a role in search engine rankings.
- Confirmation of existing strategies. SEOs who had been focusing on creating high-quality, user-centric content and optimising their websites for technical SEO were likely reassured by the leak.
- Need for continued adaptation. While the leak didn’t dramatically change SEO strategies, it showed the need for SEOs to stay informed about Google’s algorithm updates and adapt their approaches accordingly.
Google’s Third-Party Cookie Backtrack: A Temporary Relief
Google temporarily halted the removal of third-party cookies. This offered relief to marketers and website owners worried about the potential impact on data collection and tracking.
- Preservation of data. The delay allowed for continued use of third-party cookies, letting businesses gather data about their audience and website performance.
- Reduced complexity. It prevented the need for technical adjustments and legal considerations related to data privacy regulations.
- Uncertainty about the future. While the delay was a positive development, the future of third-party cookies remains uncertain. Businesses should still prepare for potential changes.
AI’s Impact on SEO: A New Frontier
The increasing integration of AI into search results presents both opportunities and challenges for SEOs.
- Enhanced search experiences. AI-powered features like AI overviews can provide users with more relevant and informative results, potentially increasing website traffic.
- New SEO considerations. SEOs need to adapt their strategies to ensure that their content is compatible with AI algorithms and can be effectively understood and presented by these systems.
- Potential for disruption. AI could disrupt traditional SEO practices, making it necessary for SEOs to stay updated on AI developments and experiment with new approaches.
Listen to hear Alex’s Insider Tips on SEO!
Interview links
- Check out Yoast
- Connect with Alex via his website
- Alex on LinkedIn
- Check out FireCask
- Link to the ranking updates / incidents >> here <<
- Link to documentation updates >> here <<
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