In a recent survey conducted by Aleyda Solis, it was revealed that SEO consultants are most concerned about Google’s favoritism towards certain types of websites and its own features. These concerns are seen as the biggest threats to SEO efforts in 2024.
According to the survey, 52% of respondents identified Google updates that prioritize user-generated content and big brands in search results as the primary threat. This means that smaller and mid-sized brands and websites may struggle to compete with larger, more established entities.
The second biggest threat identified by 48% of respondents is Google’s preference for its own features and services over external sites. This self-preferencing behavior can limit the visibility and reach of websites that rely on organic search traffic.
AI Overviews, which provide users with a summary of information directly on the search results page, were seen as the third biggest threat by 41% of respondents. While these AI Overviews can be helpful for users, they can also reduce the need for them to click through to external websites, impacting organic traffic.
The survey also highlights other notable threats to SEO consulting efforts. These include the adoption of Language Models (LLMs) for search instead of Google, AI personalization of search results, and the increasing use of social platforms for search.
In response to these threats, SEO consultants are focusing on various strategies. The survey found that they are prioritizing efforts to create high-quality and user-focused content, improving website performance and technical SEO, and building strong backlink profiles.
The landscape of SEO in 2024 is challenging, particularly for smaller and mid-sized brands and websites. The survey indicates that there are numerous threats to overcome, such as Google algorithm updates, increased competition, and limited resources. However, despite these challenges, there are still opportunities to reach and influence people during their search journeys.
The survey was conducted among 337 SEO consultants between July 21 and August 21. The full report, titled “The SEOFOMO State of SEO Consulting – Survey 2024 Results,” can be accessed for further insights into the findings.
In conclusion, the survey reveals that SEO consultants are most concerned about Google’s favoritism towards certain types of websites and its own features. These concerns, along with other threats such as AI Overviews and the adoption of LLMs and social platforms for search, pose challenges for SEO efforts. However, SEO consultants are actively working on strategies to combat these threats and navigate the complex search landscape of 2024.
