The word algorithm is a term that describes a step-by-step process for solving a specific problem. Google’s algorithm finds, ranks, and returns results for a specific search. Google, Bing, and Yahoo are the most prominent players in the game. Each search engine has its own way of ranking websites.
Google and other search engines constantly tweak their search algorithms. Trying to figure out what each tweak means can sometimes confuse site owners and marketers.
Perhaps one of the best pieces of advice is not to sweat every single update as if your life depended on it. There are avid Google followers who spend their time tracking and blogging about the latest algorithm changes. They’re doing the leg work for you.
One of the easiest ways to remain updated is to check out what the experts are saying. Keep in mind their credibility is always on the line. The best try to fact-check everything.
Verify that anything you hear about Google updates is true. Rumors about what an update implies can spread through the SEO world fast. Before you make any drastic website or SEO changes, make sure you have all the facts. If your end goal is to deliver quality content and a top-rated user experience, you’re headed in the right direction no matter what algorithm changes occur.
A New Algorithm Change Is Always in the Works
You can bank on the fact that algorithm changes are just around the corner. Of course, many site owners are sensitive to search traffic because they have a history of not turning a higher percentage of visitors and leads into sales opportunities. Here’s what you can do to coral Google’s ever-changing algorithm.
1. The one thing you can always do to stay ahead of any pending algorithm changes is to prioritize the needs of your visitors first. Think about the search engines second. Make sure that when visitors land on your website they’ll find the information and products they need. It matters how long people remain on your site and what they choose to do while there.
2. Consider running pay-per-click advertising campaigns. As a backup for organic search engine that may or may not disappear, you can still pull in traffic from PPC that can bring buyers directly to your doorstep every day.
3. Continue to add fresh and relevant content to your site every day, or at least every week. This includes content for social media, blogs, refreshed page content, and content that produces inbound links. Paying attention to these things will satisfy any algorithm change. Traffic and inbound links usually indicate people and businesses like what they find on a website.
4. Keep in mind, too, that ranking well with Google is never a sprint. It’s usually a marathon that takes a lot of strategic planning strategies. Shortcuts should never be a consideration even if they seem to appear to be quicker and cheaper. Effective content marketing is always a winning factor because it can provide a lot of value to visitors and readers.
5. Another way to stay ahead of Google’s shifting algorithm is to keep mobile-first in mind. It should come as no surprise that up to 60% of all Internet search is through a mobile device. Google, of course, favors those websites designed to accommodate mobile search. Mobile-first optimization helps marketers to future-proof their online assets.
Remember, Google algorithm updates aren’t designed to tweak the universe every time a new change occurs. Consider them as refinements that search engine’s use to improve a user’s experience. Besides, it may be difficult and unnecessary to change your website to accommodate every algorithm change.
Continue to study and educate yourself about algorithm and marketing trends. As long as you’re in the business of offering a product or service online there will be something new to learn along with marketing challenges to overcome.