Despite Google's latest core update in October 2023, one website has actually experienced an explosive increase in its impressions. This shows that it is possible to maintain strong visibility through proper optimizations. Here are some of the most important strategies.
Table of Contents
- Focus on Impressions and Clicks after Updates
- Optimize for Multilingual Visitors
- Structure Content with the User in Mind
- Leverage Visually Engaging Content
- Invest in Good Keywords and User Experience
- Choose the Right Platform for Easier SEO
- Summary - How to Handle Google Updates
Focus on Impressions and Clicks after Updates
When Google rolls out major updates, it's important to monitor how they affect your website. By tracking key metrics like impressions and clicks, you can quickly see if visibility has improved or declined.
Impressions show how many times your pages and posts appear in search results. If the number of impressions increases after an update, despite no changes from you, it indicates better visibility.
Click-through-rate (CTR) measures how many click from the search results through to your website. An increase in CTR is also a sign of improved ranking.
By comparing the trends for these KPIs over time, you gain valuable data on how well your current SEO efforts are working. You can also quickly spot any issues and adjust your strategy according to Google's latest guidelines.
Optimize for Multilingual Visitors
One smart way to expand your website's reach is by translating it into multiple languages. When users around the world search for information in their native language, the chances of them finding your content increases.
By offering Spanish, French and other language versions, you reach a larger global audience. Moreover, Google favors multilingual websites in their search results. English-speaking users can still be reached, while you cover more relevant keywords in other languages.
There are plugins and tools that facilitate translation and management of multilingual content. Invest time identifying the most relevant languages for your niche and market for best effect.
Structure Content with the User in Mind
A simple way to improve both SEO and user experience is to review the structure of your pages and posts. By organizing the content logically and coherently, you make it easier for both visitors and search engines.
Start by adding a clear table of contents at the top of your longer articles and guides. This enables users to quickly navigate to the section they are interested in. Use descriptive headings and subheadings to chunk up the text.
By placing important information higher up on pages, and using bold titles, you increase the chance of ranking for related keywords. Always end with a summary and call-to-action for the reader to share the content.
Leverage Visually Engaging Content
Infographics, images and video can effectively complement your texts and make them more engaging. Try placing infographics and relevant images high up, where they are visible directly in the search results.
Visual content grabs visitors' attention and gets them to click through to read more. It also contributes to better SEO since search engines can index and interpret the images.
Make sure your images have descriptive file names and alt text. Consider using infographics to quickly summarize complex topics in a shareable format. Video can also be used sparingly to increase engagement.
Invest in Good Keywords and User Experience
The foundation for all successful SEO is focusing on relevant and effective keywords for your niche. Find keywords that have moderately hard competition - not too easy but not impossible either. By optimizing specifically for these terms, you can improve your position.
At the same time, good user experience on both mobile and desktop is crucial. Ensure your website loads fast and is easy to navigate. Check that the most important information is visible without scrolling on mobile.
Use tools like Google Search Console and Google Analytics to identify popular search queries and high-CTR sections. Let the insights guide your optimization for maximum effect.
Choose the Right Platform for Easier SEO
The platform your website is built on can greatly impact search engine optimization. For instance, Shopify is already optimized for SEO, while Magento requires more manual configuration.
If you compare two sites in the same niche - one on Shopify and one on Magento - you quickly notice the difference in search results. The Shopify site simply ranks better.
So when choosing a platform, consider how SEO-friendly it is. Platforms like Wix and Squarespace also facilitate optimization, unlike more complex systems requiring expert knowledge.
Usage Statistics for CMS Platforms 2022
CMS Platform | Market Share | Notable Features | Common Use Cases |
---|---|---|---|
WordPress | ~65% | Highly customizable, extensive plugin ecosystem, SEO-friendly | Blogs, business websites, e-commerce sites |
Joomla | ~3.6% | Advanced user management, multilingual support, extensions | Social networking sites, e-commerce sites, portals |
Drupal | ~2.8% | Robust architecture, highly scalable, high degree of customization | Large-scale websites, governmental websites, higher education institutions |
Shopify | ~3.2% | E-commerce focused, user-friendly interface, integrated payment gateways | Online stores, dropshipping businesses |
Wix | ~1.5% | Drag-and-drop builder, templates, app market | Personal websites, portfolios, small business sites |
Squarespace | ~1.4% | Sleek designs, built-in mobile optimization, e-commerce capabilities | Artists' portfolios, personal blogs, online stores |
Magento | ~1.2% | E-commerce focused, scalable, extensive extensions | Large e-commerce businesses, B2B platforms |
Blogger | ~0.7% | User-friendly, integrated with Google services | Personal blogs, hobbyist sites |
Summary - How to Handle Google Updates
By continuously monitoring and optimizing based on insights about user behavior, your website can continue growing even after major algorithm shifts.
Focus on impressions, CTR and other KPIs to evaluate the effects of updates over time. Invest in multilingual content, clear structure and engaging visual material for better SEO and UX.
Choose an SEO-friendly platform, focus on effective keywords and offer a streamlined experience for visitors. This way you can ensure your website performs well and continues driving traffic, leads and revenue even after Google shakes up its algorithms.
Feel free to share this guide if you found it helpful! We hope you got valuable insights into how you can optimize your website to best handle future updates!