A huge aspect of building a business nowadays is ranking your website on major search engines and getting more leads. Therefore, Google routinely updates its ranking criteria through its algorithm so that users can get helpful information.
As a result, Google’s algorithm updates are centred around providing the best quality of information to match the user’s search intent. Therefore, businesses need to adapt to the changes in search engine guidelines to ensure the new update does not affect their ranking. Moreover, companies must also leverage the update’s criteria to boost their rankings in the SERPs. Let’s look at a few ways you can do just that!
Don’t Create Content That Is Just For Search Engines
Google has a go-to SEO guide if you’re looking to be at the top of search engine results pages (SERPs). Businesses can check it out and implement the requirements to certify higher rankings. The search engine has placed the most emphasis on quality content within the guidelines.
You must create original, informative, and value-adding content for your target audience. Therefore, when creating content, here are a few things you need to avoid:
- Don’t add unnecessary details. If you’re writing content meant to give answers about a particular topic, ensure you provide a direct, confirmed solution. This will help you optimise your content for Google snippets.
- Don’t create content irrelevant to your expertise just to get more search traffic.
- Don’t add unnecessary words. Google doesn’t give much regard to the word count. Instead, it focuses more on the amount of value it provides the target audience.
- Make sure your content satisfies readers so they don’t feel the need to search for another site that provides better information.
- Don’t just write about topics because they are trending at the current time.
- Don’t just rephrase other people’s content without adding value.
- Don’t use tools and software that automatically produce generic content on trending topics.
- Don’t produce loads of content, hoping that some pages may just rank. Instead, focus on providing unique information to your audience.
- Don’t use complex vocabulary. Write easy-to-understand pieces that flow naturally.
Conduct an SEO Audit
The most important step to meeting Google’s algorithm requirements is to conduct an SEO audit. This will include the following:
- Ensuring all the citations are relevant.
- Ensuring there are no dead or broken links.
- Ensure that all the information (address, phone number, website URL) is completely accurate.
Gain Visibility in Local Searches
The best way for local small and midsize businesses (SMBs) to gain traction through search results is by creating a detailed Google Business Profile. Here are a few tips on doing so:
- Upload videos and pictures of and related to your business.
- Use Google Maps whenever going to work so that Google knows people are visiting the location.
- Create local landing pages that are fully optimised.
Well-Managed Reputation
Reputation management has become a necessity in the current business landscape. It empowers consumers to submit honest reviews about a particular business. So, you must make it easy for your customers to leave reviews. Moreover, you must quickly and effectively respond to negative and positive reviews to engage with users.
Conclusion
Optimising your business’s digital presence to meet the demands of the search engine can place you at an advantage. By learning how to use Google’s algorithm updates to your advantage, you can appeal to your target audience and ensure higher rankings on the Search Engine Results Pages.
If you’re struggling to understand SEO for your business, get help from a team of experts who can do it all for you. Contact us to initiate a free 30-minute discovery session now.
