Google core search algorithm has been offering relevant organic search results in a quick and accurate manner from its earliest days. For a few years, Google’s search worked perfectly, constantly predicting the most accurate search results every time. In fact, it was so good at that time that it sent jitters throughout the internet.
Things began to change when the influence of Google’s remarkable search engine grew, and individuals and businesses alike discovered the inherent power of appearing organically at the top of its first page.
The changes were forced by some unscrupulous individuals who were determined to exploit the system to their benefit – who would blame them with all that money at stake?
They mastered most of the rules and began jabbing and poking Google’s innards by creating big link farms, spinning inferior quality articles, and outrunning other listings by auto-generating links to secure the top position in Google’s coveted Search Engine Result Pages.
Consequently, Google launched some adjustments to its search logic with powerful algorithms like Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird, just to name a few. The algorithms, despite some initial shortcomings, were a true blessing for the end users as they were intended to weed out scammers and at the same time promote sites that offer exceptional user experience.
Now, anyone with a website will agree that it’s one thing having your site in the search engine results and another thing staying on top of the search engine results. As far as staying at the top of Google’s search pages is concerned, there are no assurances because change is the only word constantly present in Google’s dictionary.
Google releases about 500-600 algorithm changes annually to tweak and improve its search algorithms. Mostly, the updates are small and may be unnoticeable but not always.
The big question here is:How can you put yourself in a better position to survive the SEO onslaught so that major Google updates can still elevate your ranking?What should you do after the Google update?
Here is what you need to know.
Content is King
The written content is very important, and it cannot be emphasized enough. A lot of people pay little to no attention to content, but it’s one of the crucial factors that will pin you to Google’s relevance algorithms. Poor quality articles that are full of errors, or copied and spun text will only harm you. Ensure that the content is not only lengthy, but it is in-depth, engaging, and centered around keywords – ideally, long-term keywords – you wish to rank for.
Step Up Your Mobile Navigation Game
Nowadays, if your site lacks a mobile design and it’s tough to load the content on mobile devices, you’re setting yourself up for terrible disappointments. Mobile searches are shadowing desktop searches, and Google is fully focused on mobile. Adhering to a mobile first-design ensures that you’re in line with Google’s specifications.
Links, Links, Links
Of course, you’ll want high quality, relevant linking rather than low-quality junk. It’s all about what websites those links are coming from. Creating a healthy link profile is never easy, but if you put your energy on offering amazing content, the links will come without much effort. It calls for a lot of patience, and it’s not by any means simple, but the results will be worth your while in the end.
Quality content that can be accessed easily on any device, backed up by a healthy link profile should be enough to keep your ranking safe, regardless of what Google developers might come up with next. In fact, future major updates can promote you even higher, given that the value your site delivers is real.
However, if you are one of Google algorithm update casualties, here is what you should do to get back up on track.
Don’t Panic
Let’s be honest. When Google releases significant updates, many companies are either swayed into disarray or benefit immensely. Panicking and getting stressed out will not change the update so why waste your precious time? As a rule of thumb, always be sure about something before reacting to it. There’s no point trying to figure something out without having the facts right.
Wait for the algorithm to roll out, check the performance of your page and then decide, with cool head delve into some research.
Research and More Research
Now that you are relaxed and have your facts right, the next step is to research extensively.
You can start by reading Google Webmaster Blog, where all matters Google are posted. Search Engine Land Website is also another amazing resource. Carefully scrutinize what update they have posted and who has been affected. Should your site be affected, it means that there are things that you need to change.
In some cases, it’s worth noting that Google makes an update without including it in their official blog and it can be upsetting. This is where SEO experts come in to demystify the mystery for you, so you don’t pull your hair out trying to unravel the puzzle.
In a Nutshell
It is essential to ensure that you keep abreast with the best SEO practices to avoid scenarios where you are always reacting to Google algorithm updates. Even though the online world is ever-changing, strive to deliver great content, design sites that are optimized to offer great user experience, and you will be on the path to making a seamless algorithm-resistant site.
References
https://searchengineland.com/3-things-major-google-algorithm-update-260828
https://marketinginsidergroup.com/content-marketing/7-vital-seo-trends-know-google-rankings-2017
