Trends and Predictions for SEM in 2022
SEM, or Search Engine Marketing, has become an integral part of any digital marketing strategy. In 2021, businesses had to adapt their SEM strategies to cope with the pandemic and its effects on search behavior. As we head into 2022, there are a few key trends and predictions shaping the future of SEM.
The Rise of Voice Search
Voice search is not a new trend, but it is one that is gaining momentum. As voice assistants like Siri and Alexa become more prevalent, the number of people using voice search is increasing. According to a study by Voicebot.ai, 128 million Americans used voice assistants in 2020, a 12.5% increase from the previous year.
This means businesses need to optimize their SEM strategies for voice search. Voice queries are often longer and conversational, and businesses need to adjust their content accordingly. Long-tail keywords and colloquial language are important for optimizing content for voice search.
The Growing Importance of Local SEO
As the pandemic continues to disrupt businesses and consumer behavior, local SEO is becoming increasingly important. With lockdowns and restrictions, consumers are searching for local businesses online more than ever before.
This means businesses need to prioritize local SEO in their SEM strategies. This includes optimizing their Google My Business listings, building local citations, and creating location-specific content.
The Emergence of Visual Search
Visual search is another trend that is changing the way we search for information online. With visual search, users can upload an image or take a photo and search for similar images. This is especially useful for eCommerce businesses, where users can search for a specific product by uploading a photo.
Businesses need to optimize their images for visual search by using descriptive file names, alt text, and image metadata. This will help their images appear in visual search results.
The Importance of Mobile Optimization
Mobile optimization is not a new trend, but it is one that is becoming more important. With the majority of searches happening on mobile devices, businesses need to ensure their websites are optimized for mobile.
This means having a responsive website design, optimizing load times, and creating content that is easy to read on a mobile device. Businesses need to prioritize mobile optimization in their SEM strategies to ensure they are delivering a positive user experience on all devices.
The Role of AI in SEM
Artificial intelligence (AI) is already being used in SEM, but it is set to become even more important in 2022. AI can help businesses automate and optimize their SEM strategies, making them more efficient and effective.
AI can be used for tasks like keyword research, ad targeting, and bid optimization. This frees up time for marketers to focus on strategy and creativity. Businesses that embrace AI in their SEM strategies will have a competitive edge in 2022.
In conclusion, these are just a few of the trends and predictions shaping the future of SEM in 2022. Businesses need to adapt their SEM strategies to stay ahead of the competition and deliver a positive user experience. By optimizing for voice search, local SEO, visual search, mobile, and AI, businesses can stay ahead of the curve and drive more traffic and conversions.