Updating the Algorithms
According to Google itself, it ‘uses search algorithms to return useful information from the web’. So therefore, any update to its algorithms is done in an attempt to enhance these processes and deliver the best search results possible.
“Google updates its algorithms fairly frequently, but they tend to vary in terms of their severity,” says Yasser Mohammed, full stack digital marketing manager at Un.titled. “There are occasional updates that happen without much knowledge, and then there are bigger updates which have a bigger impact on the digital community. Generally, an update will cover different factors depending on what Google feels it can improve. But an update could involve changes to the importance of content on a page, or reconsider factors such as site speed, mobile performance or user experience to name a few.”
April 2018 Updates
What’s the current relevance of all this? Well, last month, Google carried out a ‘broad core algorithm update’, as confirmed by its public liaison of search on Twitter.
So what kind of implications might there have been from the latest algorithm updates? Have you noticed a shift in where your company appears in search results?
“Companies might notice a shift in their rankings, and that might be in a positive or a negative direction,” says Mohammed. “However, if a company has been using sneaky SEO tactics and an algorithm update comes along, they could see their rankings drop significantly. The most recent update focuses on improving rankings for sites that were previously considered to not have been rewarded through updates in the past.”
That means that if the quality and relevance of your site was underappreciated by Google before, you might see your stock rising, and this may well coincide with more site traffic.
Ways to Stay Ahead
Of course, companies today require a strong SEO approach as part of a successful digital strategy. With this in place, they stand a better chance of remaining in a positive position whenever Google makes a change to its search algorithms.
“Be sure to stick to original content, and make your website meaningful to the user,” advises Mohammed. “Although companies should always look to please Google, there are factors such as usability, readability, accuracy, relevancy and much more that are essential for a visitor to your site. Don’t forget about these elements, because if you stick with tailoring your website and content to user needs and requirements, then you will naturally see your website perform well in search results. Also, being actively engaged on social networks and blogging platforms helps your content and website become visible to a wider audience, enabling people to reach out and share your content.”
Get your Company Seen
If you have concerns about where your company is appearing in Google’s search results, Un.titled has Google SEO optimisation experts that are happy to discuss your situation with a view to improving your search engine marketing and your rankings.
Get in touch with one of the Un.titled team today and find out how our SEO agency can support your digital marketing efforts.
