As a website owner, you should always be on the lookout for algorithm updates that can impact your search engine rankings. Google, which accounts for the majority of search engine traffic, recently made an important algorithm update that many websites are feeling. If your website has experienced a dip in traffic or visibility, you may have been affected by it.
This update, known as the Google Core Algorithm Update has been making waves throughout the SEO community. The goal of this update is to improve the relevancy of search results, and it uses artificial intelligence to determine the quality of the content and the expertise of the publisher.
While the update’s effects have not been the same for everyone, some experts claim there is an emphasis on high-quality, authoritative content that’s relevant to the user’s search queries. This means that websites that have spammy content or low-quality pages may get penalized, while those that have relevant, high-quality web pages are more likely to rank higher in search results.
So, how do you adapt to this new Google update to maintain or improve your website rankings? Here are some tips to help:
1. Refresh your content
The first and most important step is to review your website content to ensure you have high-quality, authoritative content. Conduct a thorough content audit to identify low-quality pages and outdated content. Refresh your content regularly with accurate and up-to-date information that satisfies your audience’s search queries.
2. Focus on quality
This update is all about prioritizing quality content that adds value to users. Ensure that all your website content is informative, engaging, unique, and relevant to your target audience’s search intent. Do not attempt to achieve quick rankings by relying on spammy tactics like keyword stuffing, link schemes, or cloaking.
3. Optimize for users
Rather than optimizing your content strictly for search engine crawlers, focus on the user experience. Make sure your website is easy to navigate, with a clear structure and organization, to make it easy for users to find relevant information quickly. Ensure that your website loads fast and is mobile-friendly, as this plays a critical role in ranking factors for Google.
4. Build high-quality backlinks
Backlinks are still a critical ranking factor, but it’s more important now to focus on high-quality, natural backlinks. Avoid links from spammy directories or link farms, which can negatively impact your site’s ranking. Focus on building relationships and partnerships with other relevant websites or blogs in your niche for natural, quality backlinks.
5. Engage your audience
Finally, engage your audience actively. Create content that encourages social media sharing or participation in forums or online communities. Interact with your audience often via social media and offer excellent customer service to build trust and loyalty, which will establish you as an authority in your niche.
Final thoughts
While it’s crucial to keep pace with algorithm updates like the Google Core Algorithm update, remember that your primary focus should always be on providing value to your audience. Create high-quality, informative webpages that add value to your target audience’s search intent. When you prioritize value for your users, your website is more likely to rise naturally in search engine rankings. As always, be patient, consistent, and persistent in your efforts to rank higher in the search rankings.