Earlier this year, Google released a significant algorithm update now known as “Fred”. To say Fred was disruptive is an understatement: while some companies saw their online business increase, others experienced 50% - 90% drops in organic traffic. Fred comes on the heels of other big updates like Panda, Penguin, and Possum, all of which have kept websites and SEO specialists on their toes.
As a leading digital marketing agency serving Lynwood, WA, Inquisitek always keeps its customers apprised not only of the latest tech happenings, but also of their effects. What do Google algorithm changes like Fred mean for your website? Read on.
Quality Content is Key
One of the best ways to avoid being adversely impacted by a Google algorithm change is to maximize the quality of your website’s content. Well-written content – the kind that thoroughly addresses its topic and provides comprehensive answers to relevant queries – is the kind of content Google algorithms like. Word count is important too, but not as important as quality content.
Optimize Your Visibility
Possum, the latest Google search update, makes it easier for internet users to find local companies. Search results are heavily skewed based on proximity to nearby firms, and how the user’s “local business” query is phrased. In order to maximize these benefits, you should double-check that your geo-specific search info is current. There are several ways to do this, including creating a “Google My Business” page, getting listed in local directories, and using the most relevant “local” keywords in your content.
Focus on User Experience
One thing a Google algorithm update will never penalize is a website with a high-functioning user experience (UX). If you have concerns in this area, Inquisitek can assist you in refining your UX in all key areas: optimization for all platforms, ensuring your site is easily navigable, using a schema markup, and confirming that your website’s structure is relevant and logical.
Mobile is Mandatory
If algorithm updates like Fred have confirmed one thing, it’s how important a mobile version of your website is to successful search hits. In fact, Google currently works on a “mobile-first” ranking system that gives preference to your mobile site over your desktop site. Leverage this system by taking the time to confirm that a) your content is homogenous across all platforms, b) you’re using the correct viewport configurations, and c) you’re exclusively using mobile-oriented plugins. Following these steps can get your load time down to three seconds, which is ideal. This is a huge advantage, considering that around 70 percent of mobile pages still take seven seconds to load - a problem that saddles slow mobile pages with an unsightly bounce rate of 113 percent.
