Trend 1: Mobile-First Indexing

Since the end of September 2018, Google has switched to Mobile-First Indexing. This means that the mobile version of your website serves as a starting point for Google to determine the ranking. If your site is also fast, clear and user-friendly on a mobile device, it will perform better in the rankings. This is not exactly a new trend, but in 2019 it remains one of the most important points in search engine optimization.  
Trend 2: GDPR

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been in effect since May 25, 2018. This privacy law applies throughout the European Union. Since the introduction of this law, you must clearly state on your website which data you store and for what purposes you use the stored data. This data is collected by cookies. It is therefore important that you give website visitors the option to refuse or disable unnecessary cookies. So check carefully whether your website complies with privacy laws and regulations.

Trend 3: Speed

The aspect of speed will play an even greater role in determining website positions in Google in 2019. Via PageSpeed ​​Insights you can see how well your website scores on the aspects of optimization and speed. Google indicates points for improvement that you can implement, so that your website scores even better in terms of optimization and speed.

Trend 4: Branding

Google includes online brand mentions in its search algorithm. The search engine can use a brand mention as a ranking signal in two ways. Based on unlinked brand mentions, Google sees that your brand is a professional player. Google analyzes all properties that mention this and this gives the search engine a good idea of ​​your position on the market. Furthermore, the context of a story on an external site is important. This way the search engine learns to distinguish between good and bad entries. Google guidelines state that a company's image is included in the ranking.

Trend 5: Google Ads remains important

It will continue into 2019 as well Google Ads an important part of the SEO strategy. If you use this advertising program correctly, you can achieve very profitable results. Since properly applying Google Ads is a profession in itself, it can be smart to outsource this to a professional online marketing agency. You often quickly earn back this investment.