Search engine optimization (SEO) is the practice of improving the visibility of a website or a web page in search engine results pages (SERPs). The ultimate goal of SEO is to increase organic traffic to a website by optimizing its content and structure to align with search engine algorithms. However, search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, and Google’s core algorithm updates can have a significant impact on a website’s search ranking. In this blog post, we will discuss five ways to develop an SEO strategy that isn’t vulnerable to core algorithm updates.
The Latest Algorithm Update
On March 15, 2023, Google rolled out its latest core algorithm update, which aimed to improve the search engine’s ability to deliver relevant and trustworthy information to its users. This update has had a significant impact on the SERPs, with many websites experiencing either a boost or a drop in their rankings.
The March 2023 core update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to provide users with the best possible search experience. The search engine has been working to improve its algorithm for years, and the latest update is a continuation of this process. Google’s algorithm determines the ranking of websites based on a wide range of factors, including the relevance of the content, the quality of the website, and the authority of the website.
March 2023 Core Update Focus
One of the most significant changes that the March 2023 core update has brought about is a focus on the expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T) of content. Google has long been striving to ensure that its users receive high-quality, trustworthy information, and the latest update is a step towards achieving this goal. Websites that have content that is written by experts in their field, backed up by reliable sources and demonstrates a high level of authority and trustworthiness have seen a boost in their rankings.
On the other hand, websites that do not meet these criteria have seen a drop in their rankings. This includes websites that have content that is not backed up by reliable sources, contains errors or inaccuracies, or that does not demonstrate expertise in the relevant field. This is because Google’s algorithm is designed to prioritize content that is reliable, accurate, and trustworthy, and websites that do not meet these criteria are considered to be of lower quality.
Another significant change brought about by the March 2023 core update is a focus on user experience (UX). Google has been increasingly prioritizing user experience over the past few years, and the latest update is a continuation of this trend. Websites that provide a good user experience, with fast loading times, easy navigation, and high-quality content, have seen a boost in their rankings.
Conversely, websites that provide a poor user experience, with slow loading times, difficult navigation, and low-quality content, have seen a drop in their rankings. This is because Google’s algorithm is designed to prioritize websites that provide a good user experience, as this is seen as an indicator of quality.
The March 2023 core update has also had an impact on local search results. Google has been increasingly focusing on local search over the past few years, and the latest update is a continuation of this trend. Websites that provide local information, such as opening hours, directions, and contact details, have seen a boost in their local search rankings.
How to Up Your SEO Game
What these core updates often show us is the importance of having a solid SEO strategy and regular review of your site for compliance with SEO best practices. All of the Taktical clients have seen stability in their rankings throughout the algorithm update and where a greater focus on E-A-T for content is an easy optimization for our team.
In light of this, here are our recommendations to implement a core update-proof SEO strategy.
Build a Website You Want to Use
Search engines want to provide the best possible user experience for their users. To that end, they prioritize websites that are easy to navigate, load quickly, and are optimized for mobile devices. Make sure that your website is easy to use and navigate, with a clear site structure and intuitive menus.
From the user interface, to the questions you answer through your content, you need to have a website that anticipates what users want to know and provide a satisfactory answer. So whether you’re an e-commerce site selling products, a digital services agency, or an online platform, spend some time thinking like the people you want to reach and build a web experience that matches the user intent. Starting there enables you to build a compelling website that users want to come to again and again, and point other people to enabling branded organic growth opportunities.
Keep in mind, though, that a website you want to use is a website that is fast and responsive. Numerous studies have shown that if your site takes more than three seconds to load a page users are less likely to convert, and slow pages makes consumers less trusting of your business. Google recently announced the retirement of various ranking signals like page experience and page speed, it still matters to the individuals visiting your site. Many SEO professionals agree that when you’ve built a site that humans like using Google often ranks that site favorably even if they won’t confirm that this is a ranking factor.
Consider optimizing your website’s loading speed by compressing images, minifying code, and leveraging browser caching. Don’t forget to ensure that your website is also optimized for mobile devices, as more and more users are accessing the internet from their smartphones and tablets. All of these play into your core web vitals, which Google still cares about.
Focus on the Customer
Content is the backbone of any SEO strategy because if users don’t like what’s on the page, it doesn’t matter if you rank well. Search engines prioritize content that is unique, informative, and relevant to the user’s search intent. When you write quality content it helps to establish your authority as a reputable source of information in your niche and attracts natural links from other websites.
To create quality content, don’t just research the topics that are trending in your niche, relying solely upon tools such as Google Trends and Google Keyword Planner to identify high-volume keywords. Spend time thinking as a member of your target audience to identify what would resonate most with them.
Also, keep in mind that quality content isn’t just about text – it can also include images, videos, infographics, and other multimedia. Media trends from YouTube and TikTok show us that easy-to-digest video content is what some demographics prefer, so don’t shy away from embedding rich media content into your site that others can easily share and link to.
Build a Strong Backlink Profile
Backlinks are one of the most important factors in determining a website’s search ranking. Google’s core algorithm updates have increasingly focused on backlinks as a signal of a website’s authority and credibility. However, not all backlinks are created equal. Focus on building high-quality, relevant backlinks from authoritative websites in your niche. You can do this by creating compelling content that naturally attracts links or by reaching out to other websites and offering to guest post or collaborate.
Make Sure You Know What’s Happening in the SEO World
Staying up-to-date with industry trends and best practices is essential for developing an SEO strategy that isn’t vulnerable to core algorithm updates. Join online communities and forums, attend industry events and conferences, and read industry publications to stay informed about the latest developments in SEO. By staying on top of industry trends, you can ensure that your SEO strategy is always evolving and adapting to changes in the search engine landscape
Diversify Your Traffic Sources
While organic traffic is the primary goal of SEO, it’s important not to rely solely on search engines for traffic. Diversifying your traffic sources can help to insulate your website from the impact of Google’s core algorithm updates. Consider investing in social media marketing, email marketing, and other forms of digital marketing to drive traffic to your website. Additionally, consider building an email list or social media following to maintain a direct line of communication with your audience.
In conclusion, developing an SEO strategy that isn’t vulnerable to core algorithm updates requires a focus on producing quality, informative content, building a strong backlink profile to sites that make sense, building a site experience users like to use, diversifying your traffic sources, and having a finger on the pulse of industry trends. By implementing these strategies, you can build a robust and sustainable SEO strategy, so that Google’s core algorithm updates don’t phase you.
