Is Google’s Semantic Search The Death of SEO?

There is a lot of speculation running wild right now about Google’s upcoming Semantic Search algorithm changes and what it means in terms of SEO and getting ranked.

Google estimates between 10 – 20% of searches will be affected.

The reality is, that isn’t a lot. The very first Panda update affected about the same amount and while it certainly caused some damage to a few folks, most people’s rankings went unchanged.

What Exactly Is Semantic Search?

There is a great article on Mashable which breaks it down and even talks about some of the possibilities.

The fact is however, that nobody really knows for sure. The basic premise of it though, is that Google is going to attempt and think more like a human. Instead of relying on keywords alone, it will try to piece together the meaning of a search.

If you type in Apple Pie for example, it may try to figure out if you are searching for Apple Pie Recipes or Apple Pie Bakeries.

From my understanding it will also have the ability to pull out content and show that to you if it thinks it is what you want to see. So instead of reading a Meta Description, you could be reading a full on Google Snippet.

I Don’t Expect Huge Changes

For most people, I don’t expect there to be huge changes. At this point the only reason for you to be concerned is if your website lacks unique content and a lot of it.

Google has been going this route for quite some time though so this is nothing new to those who closely follow the industry.

What You Should Do To Protect Yourself

First of all, ignore the cries of panic that are starting to take hold. It’s nothing more than Mass SEO Hysteria.

Major algorithm changes sound scary but most of them are actually very tame. All the worry and chatter makes for great publicity though.

There are two things you should be doing right now though to help protect yourself.

1. Keep pumping out high quality content like it’s what you were born to do. The more of it you have, the better insulated you will be against any and all algorithim changes.

2. Establish a solid Social Media presence in an effort to become more Web 3.0 ready.

Search Engine Optimization never dies, it just evolves

Stay Positive, Stay Focused!

Robert