Google’s algorithm updates aren’t the end of the world
Whenever there is a rumour regarding the Google Algorithm update, it seems like the SEO companies are really freaked out. This fear is normally associated with potential negative changes in their website’s ranking on the Search Engine Results Page (SERPs). However, if the guidelines provided by Google are followed correctly, then these updates should not scare you.
1. Feed Fresh Content to your Website
Publishing new content at least once per month is necessary! But what’s the benefit? Well, Google loves fresh content and supports websites that are updated regularly. Also keep in mind that Google’s algorithms are designed to search content that matches a user’s query to the best, and if you are able to do so, your chance to gain a higher ranking on the Google SERPs increases, leading to more website traffic. Hence, make sure that your content is unique, relevant, of high quality, and most importantly, include keywords that your target audience usually searches for.
2. Your site speed matters
Yes, it truly matters. A good site speed means a good user experience and where UX is valued, the end result is always useful. Your website should not take longer than 3 seconds to load. If it does, there will be an increase in bounce rate which means visitors will abandon your website and may not even come back again.
So if you are curious to analyze your own site speed, use PageSpeed Insights Tool. You will receive feedback on your speed performance, for both desktop and mobile sites along with recommendations for improvement.
3. Say no to spammy backlinks
Earning backlinks is essential but you need to make sure that they are not spammy or toxic. While high-quality backlinks are considered as a “vote of confidence” in your content, toxic backlinks can hurt your SEO efforts and affect your ranking as they are links from low-quality websites. It can even make you lose most of your organic traffic as part of the Google Penguin Penalty.
So make sure that your backlinks are from high-quality websites so that Google can see it as an indicator that your website has valuable information.
4. Secure your Site with HTTPS
Choose HTTPS to add privacy and security to your website. HTTPS uses Transport Layer Security (TLS), formerly known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to encrypt communications and thus, visitors are more likely to convert on such websites as they feel safe to provide their credit card and other personal details. What can be better than being perceived as a secured website in the eyes of Google and your target audience? So are you ready to switch to HTTPS?
