New Year, New Google Algorithm
Finding a New Normal
Let’s face it, 2020 has been, in a word…interesting.
The entire world has had to shift their way of life over the past 10 months. Many people are now having to work from home. Something as simple as a grocery store run requires you to think ahead and make sure you don’t forget your mask.
This past year has brought significant changes to a variety of things, if not just about everything. This also includes how Google ranking in SEO works with digital marketing.
End of Year Push
On December 3, Google announced a new core update for their search engine algorithm. This is, of course, not the most challenging change of 2020, but it is a critical change for those digital marketing companies working in Search Engine Optimization (SEO).
The new update was set to be rolled out in increments and was announced as complete on December 16.
As the roll out began, there was an improvement for several niches. However, as the days continued and more put into place, there were some witnessing their visibility drop to below their standing prior to the update.
So what does this mean for you? How do you find out the algorithm’s likes and dislikes?
What’s Next?
The new algorithm is precisely that: new. We don’t know the exact ins and outs Google has put in place, but we do have some ideas.
First of all, the most important thing we have identified Google wants for their top-ranked sites is high-quality content, and we don’t think that will ever change.
Moving forward into 2021, the best thing you can do is create original, quality content for your website.
Next, make sure you are making changes to your site periodically. If you set up your homepage and never update or make changes, it will decrease your rankings.
Even simple changes will be the significant difference to insure your website does not have stale content.
Another piece of content you want to include in your website is posting and writing content internet users care about.
While this seems obvious, it’s not uncommon for businesses to try and fluff-up their content and come off sounding pretentious.
Just be honest and straightforward. Think about what you would want to read about or want to discover.
Another SEO strategy is speaking to current and past clients. Ask them how they found you and what they searched for. Find out if there is something related to your business they want to know more about. Discover what will make your business relevant to searchers online.
These are important conversations and opportunities that will lead to unique content marketing techniques to help you stand out from your competition.
And finally, create a website platform you would want to go to and stay on.
Create a webpage with a positive user experience. Google ranks pages they notice internet searchers love, spend significant time on and continue to go back to time and time again.
A positive user experience includes a quick load time for your webpage, no broken links and creating a webpage with an intuitive flow so everything is easy to navigate and find.
While these are not the only pieces of creating a positive user experience, these are definitely some of the most important ranking factors.
Let’s Do This Thing!
Google is continually updating their algorithms with users in mind.
As they learn what piques users’ interest, so should we. And as we learn what drives someone to a business’s website, we are given an opportunity to grow.
2021 is looking bright.
In reality, the bar for 2020 was pretty low. This year doesn’t have far to go to see an improvement.
The worst thing you can do is nothing. But if you implement the SEO tips above, you will notice positive changes and increased visibility for your website.
In the words of Linguini from Pixar’s Ratatouille, “Let’s do this thing!”
Are you ready to start the new year with a thriving business? Contact the New Orleans SEO company, Write 2 Rank, and let our digital marketing team set you up for success.
