How Are the New Algorithm Changes Going to Affect Your Website?
Google has done it again- an aggressive new algorithm update, now known to us as “Fred”. It’s safe to say that Fred has caused his fair share of destruction, but if you follow the basics listed below, you’ll come out of this on top.
CONTENT- LEARN IT, LOVE IT, LIVE IT
Bring it, Google- it doesn’t matter how many algorithm changes they make, if you have quality content, you’re already winning. Your stuff needs to be well-written, grammatically correct, address relevant topics that your users care about, and have a well thought out word count. Length is important, but don’t let it dictate your content. Quality will rank higher than word count.
GEO-TARGET IS REAL
Location plays a huge part in search results. Google makes it easier for their users to find the locals first. If you want to use this to boost your rating, your geo-specific search information needs to up-to-date. Checking this is easy enough: have your business listed in local directories, use local keywords in your content, or set up “Google My Business” page.
UX
No one is going to punish you for giving your customer an above-average user experience (UX), not even Google and their algorithm updates. You want to focus on navigation, platform-optimization, using a schema markup, and making sure your website’s structure is significant and logical.
DID WE MENTION MOBILE?
Do you know how many customers find you on their mobile device? We don’t either, but we know it’s a lot. Fred has taught us that a mobile version of your website is way more than smart, it’s mandatory. Google actually gives preference to your mobile site over your desktop site. Why not let this work to your advantage: make sure your content stays consistent across all platforms, make sure your site looks correct on every device/fits the space appropriately, make sure you use the mobile-oriented plugins. If you act on these three simple tasks, you will see a drastic load-time decrease (70% of mobile sites have an average load-time of seven seconds, but you will knock that down to three, securing a greatly reduced bounce rate).
If you want to know more about Google algorithms and how you can work them to your benefit, please contact us.
