Google is constantly updating its core algorithms which are becoming more and more difficult to follow for business owners, marketers and agencies managing clients’ web presences.
In order to ‘keep up’ with these changes and to support your online presence in line with the trends, you need to focus on what these Google alterations are and the effect they have on your website and search rankings every day.
“Google updates its search engine ranking algorithm up to 600 times each year”, Markets Insider.
Most Recent Google Algorithm Changes
The top three main changes that Google made in 2018 focused on securing websites, mobile website speeds and SERP changes. These changes are the most influential of the 600 made in the last year and the most damaging to your website rankings overall if not followed.
By following these updates on your own website, you can be seen as ‘following the rules’ and be placed into Google’s good books when it comes to ranking and domain authority.
SSL Security Importance
It was back in 2018 when Google first used SSL as a ranking factor in its core algorithm. If your website is not HTTPS, it can seriously effect its position in Google rankings and it can be instantly penalised as dangerous for any users and therefore not pushed forward in searches for them to visit your site over another.
SSL doesn’t only secure your website but it also builds trust amongst your users and credibility with brands also. As well as “safety for all your subdomains”, SEO advantages and increased security online, there is no reason to not have SSL on your website in 2019.
Mobile Website Speeds
Although marketers and web developers have been discussing mobile websites for years, Google now looks at the speed of them as a ranking factor also. Your mobile website could look great, work easily for all users but if it isn’t fast enough in Google’s eyes, your website will not rank highly amongst its competitors.
The most common factors taken into account with page speeds on mobile devices includes redirects, compressions and minifications. Google now uses “Real User Measurements (RUMs)” to score your website page speeds which is created using data directly from the chrome panel your users are active in.
The Impact of SERPs
A SERP is a ‘search engine results page’ and it is the list of websites you see when you use Google to search for a keyword, location or service. All current SEO gurus are tracking SERP’s and the changes that are happening every day from Google and the following has been found.
It was right at the start of 2019 when the first big changes were noticed, shifting the overall rankings and keyword capabilities. This is one of the biggest signs Google has given recently when it comes to their algorithm changes because until now, there have been times when they haven’t let on at all they were updating their core methods.
Today’s SERP rankings now include videos, images, featured snippets and other related products rather than just the usual text snippets. With so many more ways to rank and so many ways to get there, SEO is a never-ending rollercoaster of changes and updates that even the most experienced marketers can struggle with.
The Complex Nature of SEO
There is not one SEO expert on this earth, that can clearly predict the future of SEO or even tell you what needs to be done next week in order to stay on top. SEO is a waiting and watching game in order to keep up with Google core changes.
There are so many tactics involved in SEO that it is one of the most expensive forms of marketing that every business will dedicate budgets too. Although it is so complex, it is so important in the world wide web and without it, you will not rank and will not compete online at all.
Get in Touch
To speak more about SEO for your business and Google Algorithm updates, call First Digital Media today on 01524 544346 and find out what we can do for your business online.
