All the tech talk can be a little confusing, right?! So much is lost in translation. We know small businesses often feel lost. I mean, the very word ‘algorithm’ can make one weak in the knees. A graphic designer wants to design, a painter wants to paint and it’s most likely neither of them want to decode the latest Google update for website requirements. That’s where we come in! We’re here to lay some ground work and help you understand some basics about what to do (and what not to do) when doing online marketing and building your company. It’s not as complicated as it seems!
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Penguin, Panda, Hummingbird?! – what do these animals have to do with being online? Well, Google has decided to represent their updates in this way. Here’s what you need to know for SEO optimization and higher ranking in Google searches.
- Panda – requires high quality sites, great content and a good experience for users. Don’t duplicate and over use content. The need is even higher now for original, quality content that will be useful for users. Find out how to Create Fresh Content to ensure a quality website!
- Penguin – removal of backlinks leading to unqualified sites that won’t give a user the information they’re looking for. Ensure ALL links match the content linked to and the information is correct. Unnatural links can cause your site to be penalized.
- Hummingbird – allows Google to better understand a user’s inquiry or information search by what they type in the search box. Google is very focused on the user experience and wants to ensure they get their user to the website that will best answer their questions or give them the information they need.
Mobile World – this was an important update ensuring users will be led to the best possible user experience on their smart phone. A mobile-friendly design is now a requirement in terms of Google ranking. They’re looking for a ‘responsive site’ – meaning the site adapts to all screen sizes and will display information in a pleasant and helpful manner for users. Click through to Find out if your Website is Mobile Friendly.
Doors, Doors and More Doors – in the past, there was a way to get people to your site through other “doorways” (meaning multiple ways to get to one place of information). Often, the doorway did not represent the actual content at all! For example, multiple domain names leading to the same site was one way of having these doorways. This is no longer allowed in Google. They want to ensure the domain name, website and content match.
These changes aren’t as complicated as you think. It’s actually become more simple and has levelled the playing field for small businesses. You no longer need to spend thousands on backlinks, domain names and pricey sites. Instead, well-designed and fresh websites with authentic content are ranked higher. That’s great news! These Google algorithm changes and updates are to allow for the BEST user experience, so if you follow these guidelines as a company, you will be rewarded!
Want to build your online presence but don’t know how to start? Talk to us today so we can help you!
