5 Website Optimization Hacks that Still Matter in 2020

Will your 2019 website optimization strategies still work in 2020? If you're not implementing the right hacks, then likely not.

You'll find that some things will remain relevant this year and going forward. For example, mobile optimization will continue to be essential (if not more so) as people increasingly use their devices to search and shop for goods.

As a local business, you want to pay attention to this growing trend. Local SEO will be a top priority if you want to gain visibility for your small business.

Let's take a look at several website optimization hacks you can use to grow your company in 2020.

Website Optimization for the Featured Snippet

Getting to the top of Google's search results is and likely always will be a top concern for small businesses. But the way we go about it is changing.

You see, we're no longer using SEO and keywords to rank to the #1 spot. Sure, this can still help deliver long-term results.

However, this is no longer the top position of the search engine results pages (SERPs). So what's taken over this spot?

Featured snippets.

When you conduct a search, you'll find a box with the answer you're looking for. For instance, if you type in "recipe for potato salad," you'll see a box with three recipes (and their ratings).

Then users can click on the link to view the site it comes from. You can optimize for this by clearly labeling your subheadings with the question users ask and immediately following with the answer.

Bullet points work well for recipes, steps, and top 10 lists.

Website Optimization for Voice Search

In 2016, there were nearly 178 million mobile phone search users. This is expected to increase to 211 million in 2020.

Why is this important for website optimization? Because of how they search for answers.

They're not typing into their tiny screens -- instead, they're using voice search. What this means is they're using everyday language (how do I get to Pizza Hut?), not awkward keyword phrases (Pizza Hut Miami, FL).

To optimize your website for voice search, you'll need to implement localized keywords that are in question format.

Add Video to Your Content Strategy

Now that we've clarified the rise of the mobile user, we have to pay attention to their consumption habits. They're not sitting around reading through text all day.

No, they're consuming large amounts of audio and video content. In fact, by 2021, we're expecting to see 78% of mobile data consisting of video consumption.

So if you want to attract more of these local mobile users, then you should be publishing video content.

Consider adding a video showing the interior of your business. Or maybe offer quick tips on how to solve problems using your product or service.

The key is to edutain (educate and entertain) your visitors. Then to ensure they find your videos, you can optimize them for search.

For website optimization, be sure to include SEO in the title and description.

Optimize Your Site's Images (to Boost Sales)

When prospects are searching online for your product or service, they'll come across a mix of links, videos, and images. You're already optimizing your site for regular search results and videos -- now, it's time to focus on images.

Google has an image search section, which can further help guide people to your website. To show up here, you'll need to optimize your photos by doing the following:

• Include local SEO keywords in the alt tag
• Upload high-quality photos
• Use the right format and size

The format of your photos will determine the quality. It's best to use PNG, GIF, or JPG, depending on the type of image. It's also critical to compress the size of your pictures, so it doesn't bog down your site.

If they're too large, then your site load speed will slow down, which will turn most users away. To give you some perspective, sites that load in five seconds witness 70% longer average sessions.

So if your site is loading slower than that, then you're losing money at the gate!

Hone in On Your Local SEO Strategy

All of the tips on this list can help improve your local SEO strategy. However, there are vital things you should do to help increase online visibility for your business.

This includes:

• Adding/creating listings in business directories
• Growing your online reviews

Aside from being featured in rich snippets on Google, you want to target the next best thing -- Google Local 3 Pack.

When you look for a local service, you'll see a box show up at the top of the SERPs with the top three businesses (based on ratings).

The key to getting a position here is to claim your Google My Business listing. Fill this out completely and ensure the name, address, and phone numbers match what's on your website.

Then you'll need to solicit customers for Google reviews. The better your ratings, the higher you'll rank in the local 3 pack.

Improve Your Website Optimization Today

Website optimization should take precedence in 2020 because it's what will help you to get more leads and customers.

There are tools you can use to help with managing your listing and your online reviews. GoSite Reviews and Placement is designed for the small business owner who needs better (and easier) control of their online reputation.

But if you don't already have a website, then you'll need to begin with GoSite Sites -- a simple website builder tool.

Check it out today to start building your online visibility!