Tracing the history of search engine optimisation is like tracking the history of the handshake. Although it’s important to acknowledge that it exists, we don’t spend much time thinking about its origins. We only focus on how we use it daily.
Search engine optimisation is still relatively young. It’s notable that although it’s only been around for a short time, Google has undergone numerous algorithm changes.
In this article, we’ll look at the history of search engine optimisation and how it became so important. We’ll also talk about the various factors that contributed to its evolution.
The Early Days
In 1945, the idea of creating a global archive for all the world’s data was presented by Dr Vannevar Bush in an article published in The Atlantic. He proposed a series of steps that would involve gathering data and observations, extracting parallel data, and adding new material to the database.
In 1990, Alan Emtage, a student at McGill University, created the search engine Archie. Some believe that it was the first search engine, though Bill Slawski, the founder of SEO by the Sea, said it was still very primitive at that time. According to Slawski, Archie was the best way to find information related to search engines on the internet at that time.
The Present
Google’s new Instant technology was introduced in September 2010, making it easier for users to see its suggestions for their queries.
Despite the various controversies surrounding the implementation of Google Instant, it was still regarded as a significant step in the company’s mission to provide the best possible user experience. Eventually, the algorithm was adjusted to penalise sites that used negative reviews to improve their rankings.
What’s Next?
As mobile usage continues to rise, search engine optimisation is expected to evolve. According to experts, the increasing number of digital media users will eventually make it more important for search engines to cater to this growing market.
The rise of mobile-friendly search engines is already apparent in how Google has improved the user experience of its users. In the future, it’s expected that a significant chunk of search engine optimisation will be focused on voice search. Currently, around 20% of all searches are carried out by voice, and this figure is expected to continue growing due to the rise of Amazon’s Alexa and other voice-powered assistants.
Despite lacking a clear-cut strategy for optimising voice search, we believe the resources will eventually become available. This will create another vital pillar of search engine optimisation.
Local Search
One of the most important factors that businesses should consider when it comes to search engine optimisation is the localisation of their listings. As a result, local businesses can benefit from the increased visibility their listings can receive on third-party sites. For instance, if a user asks for a restaurant near me, I can easily find out what’s nearby by searching through the listings of local businesses on Yelp.
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It’s clear why search engine optimisation has become a full-time job. The skills and ethics involved in this industry require a high level of expertise and patience.
Unfortunately, having a dedicated person focused solely on search engine optimisation is not always possible. That’s why we’ve created various resources designed to help people improve their skills.
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