The Tides of Change are Shifting

Oh boy, here we go again. Another year, another round of SEO trends that seem to pop up faster than weeds in my garden. Just when I think I’ve finally got a handle on this whole search engine optimization thing, the ground shifts beneath my feet.

But you know what they say – the only constant in this industry is change. And that’s why I’m here today to talk about whether you should ignore last year’s outdated SEO trends, or if there’s still some value to be found in those once-cutting-edge tactics.

Navigating the Murky Waters of SEO

Let me start by saying that I get it – keeping up with the ever-evolving world of SEO can feel like a full-time job in and of itself. Between Google’s algorithm updates, the rise of AI-generated content, and the looming specter of Search Generative Experience (SGE), it can be downright exhausting trying to stay ahead of the curve.

In fact, a recent report from Conductor suggests that the future of SEO and content marketing is all about pivoting towards a more user-centric, human-first, and expertise-driven approach. Gone are the days of keyword stuffing and link farming – the name of the game now is demonstrating E-E-A-T (Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) through your content.

Embracing the New, Remembering the Old

But here’s the thing – just because the SEO landscape has shifted, that doesn’t mean you should automatically discard everything you learned last year. There’s still value to be found in certain tactics, even if they’re not the shiny new toys on the block.

Take, for example, the oft-touted importance of voice search optimization. According to Conductor, voice search is something of a red herring – the predictions of its dominance have yet to come to fruition, and the majority of our searches are still being conducted the old-fashioned way, through good old-fashioned typing.

Striking a Balance Between Past and Present

So what’s a savvy SEO practitioner to do? The answer, in my humble opinion, lies in striking a balance between embracing the new trends and holding onto the tried-and-true tactics that have served us well in the past.

Sure, you’ll want to make sure your content is optimized for E-E-A-T and that you’re leveraging the power of AI-assisted tools to streamline your workflow. But don’t be so quick to discard those long-tail keyword strategies or your link-building outreach efforts. There’s still plenty of life left in those old dogs, and they may just be the secret sauce that sets your website apart from the competition.

Adapting, Evolving, and Thriving

At the end of the day, the key to success in the ever-changing world of SEO is to remain agile, adaptable, and open-minded. Don’t cling too tightly to the past, but don’t be so eager to chase the shiny new trends that you lose sight of what’s truly important – creating valuable, engaging content that resonates with your audience.

Because let’s be honest – no matter how many algorithm updates Google throws our way, or how advanced AI becomes, there will always be a place for the human touch. And that’s where you, my fellow SEO warrior, can truly shine.

So, should you ignore last year’s outdated SEO trends? Not entirely – there’s still some gold to be mined there. But don’t be afraid to embrace the new and evolve with the times. After all, MCR SEO is all about staying one step ahead of the curve and helping our clients thrive in the ever-changing landscape of search.