Key Insights from the SEO Industry Study 2023: Marketers' Strategies for 2023

Key Insights from the SEO Industry Study 2023: Marketers' Strategies for 2023

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Key Takeaways from the SEO Industry Study
3. The Greatest Threats to the SEO Industry
4. The Strategic Approach to Google Updates
5. The Importance of Content in SEO
6. The Shift in Link Building Strategies
7. The Perceived Impact of External Links on SEO
8. The Rise of Video Content
9. Short Form vs Long Form Video
10. The Importance of YouTube in SEO Strategy
11. Conclusion

📈 Introduction

In this article, we will dive into the biggest changes happening in the SEO industry based on the Ignite Visibility 2023 SEO industry study. We surveyed 121 marketing professionals in the United States to understand where the focus lies for search engine optimization (SEO) and beyond in 2023.

🔍 Key Takeaways from the SEO Industry Study

Before we delve into the details, let's highlight some of the key takeaways from the study:

1. 74% of marketers are now using creative assets.
2. 73% of marketers are focused on YouTube.
3. Most marketers didn't see any significant change after the helpful content update.
4. Internal links are rated more important than external links by almost three times more marketers.
5. The majority of marketers will be allocating their budget to video content rather than blog content.

Now let's explore each of these takeaways in more detail.

🛡️ The Greatest Threats to the SEO Industry

When asked about the biggest threats to the SEO industry, marketers couldn't settle on a single answer. However, 19% of respondents felt that Google updates pose the biggest threat, while 18% mentioned a lack of experience resulting in the wrong strategy. As an SEO professional with over 18 years of experience, I can attest to the fact that adopting the wrong strategy can be detrimental.

🎯 The Strategic Approach to Google Updates

Marketers are now taking a more strategic approach to Google updates, rather than merely accepting the results. In response to updates, they are emphasizing the creation of higher-quality content. According to the study, 50% of marketers plan to produce more content, 34% will invest in high-quality content, and 31% will refresh their old content. This shift is in direct response to the Google helpful content update.

Surprisingly, 49% of respondents stated that the Google helpful content update had no impact on their rankings, while 43% reported improved rankings. Only 6.6% acknowledged a drop in rankings, although it's possible that some were hesitant to admit it.

📚 The Importance of Content in SEO

In the study, a majority of marketers indicated that they prioritize creating great content rather than investing in older link-building tactics. While link building remains a significant ranking factor, strategies have shifted towards a method called digital PR. Digital PR focuses on creating exceptional content that people naturally want to link to, and reaching out to them to promote it. At Ignite, we have found great success with this approach.

Although link building is not the top priority, 16% of marketers plan to allocate the most budget towards it. This move away from external links doesn't diminish their importance; it simply signifies a shift in strategy.

🔗 The Perceived Impact of External Links on SEO

Interestingly, when asked about the perceived impact of external links on SEO, only 16.7% of respondents gave it a rating below five on a scale of one to ten. The majority felt that external links play a crucial role in rankings, indicating that they deem it an important factor.

📹 The Rise of Video Content

The study revealed that video content is on the rise. When asked about the most valuable type of creative content for their consumers, 48% of marketers cited video, followed by 32% for photos, 14.9% for infographics, and only 4.1% for GIFs. Respondents also shared their plans for the types of videos they will create in 2023:

• 53%: Product or service demo videos
• 48%: How-to videos
• 37%: Customer testimonial videos
• 39%: Information strategy videos

This data emphasizes the importance of investing in video content, especially as Google increasingly features videos in search engine results.

📹 Short Form vs Long Form Video

Marketers overwhelmingly see higher ROI with short form videos compared to long form videos. 92% of respondents reported better results with short form videos. This data underscores the effectiveness of concise and engaging video content.

📺 The Importance of YouTube in SEO Strategy

A notable shift in SEO strategy is the increased reliance on YouTube. According to the study, 72% of marketers plan to include YouTube in their SEO strategy for 2023. This highlights the growing significance of the platform in reaching and engaging audiences.

📈 Conclusion

The Ignite Visibility 2023 SEO industry study provides invaluable insights into the current landscape of SEO. The key takeaways indicate a focus on creative assets, the rise of video content, and a strategic approach to Google updates. It is clear that SEO continues to be a vital channel for online businesses, and marketers are adapting their strategies accordingly.

If you have any questions or comments regarding this industry study, please leave them below. Thank you for taking the time to read this article.

Pros:

• The article provides insights from a study conducted by Ignite Visibility, adding credibility to the information presented.
• It discusses key takeaways from the study, allowing readers to quickly grasp important points.
• The article offers a strategic perspective on Google updates and the significance of content and video in SEO.
• It concludes by emphasizing the continued relevance and growth of SEO as a channel for online businesses.

Cons:

• The article does not provide specific data or statistics from the study, which could have added more depth to the analysis.
• It mainly focuses on the findings of the study and does not elaborate on other important aspects of SEO, such as keyword research and on-page optimization.