The world of search is changing right before our eyes. Google is making waves, Microsoft just badda boomed Bing'ed themselves right back into direct competition with Google's giant chunk of the search pie, and Yahoo is shedding back investments like the winner of the Biggest Loser. The way thought leaders of the SEO industry are constantly changing the definition of SEO everyday. Yet, with one eye covering the rear and the other on the road ahead, there is still obvious potential of SEO capabilities that have yet to be achieved. Even though not everyone has their own functioning magic 8 ball, it is always worth a shot in the dark to anticipate the next big moves in SEO.



Wolfram Alpha may have accelerated the collapse of Yahoo 360. Google's broadening of their crawling abilities still has flies escaping the web. Microsoft's next big thing, Bing, could make local, shopping, and travel search more refined, but will it create a need for browsers that Google doesn't provide? Apple did it with Microsoft to sky rocket their computer market share, now it's Microsoft's turn to do it to Google. Revenge can taste sweet when you use lessons you learned in losing to your advantage.

As everything on the web changes for the debatably better, the fundamentals of search itself hasn't changed at all. Relevancy remains the primary objective of Internet search. SEO is still based on building a search friendly site structure, focused around relevant content that provides value and inspires links, trust and engagement. The fundamentals of SEO haven't changed, but the tactics for formulating a successful strategy has.

It is time to embrace these new tactics by producing relevant rich media results that help with site links, local listings, image tags, and company profiles. Blogging and social media are an absolute must for your company to have a future online. Blogging provides an enormous opportunity to create a conversation with consumers and industry colleagues that provide a new angle on your company. It is also extra affordable to initiate. If you spend time and energy on a blog, you will provide a great platform for new rankings for your site, to be found by new customers. It is also a great gateway into other social media that can springboard off what the blog started.

The ultimate objective of social media and blogging is link building and brand reputation management. Do not dive into social media with the expectation that the community is going to receive your messaging with open arms. If you become too pushy or spammy with your online interactions, you are making a huge mistake. To be a part of the online conversation, it is important that you listen first and then respond once you have something valuable to contribute. Social media is about community. If you aren't a part of the community in the real world, chances are you won't be online either. Reputation works both ways.

If you want to thrive in the future of SEO, it is important to stay involved with the online conversation of your target audience, in the social forums they exist in. Volacci is the leading Drupal SEO company and very passionate about your online success in the future of SEO. If you don't have the time or capacity for SEO, you should invest in the services of a solid SEO firm. By the end of your contract with Volacci you will have at least as much additional business from your web site as you spend on our services... or we'll work for free until you do.