Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Many websites are losing their search rankings - fast!

Have  you noticed a change in the results you've received after a search query? The new Google update may be part of the answer. If you are noticing the difference, just know, that other people are seeing the changes as well.

For many years, online marketers encouraged their clients to buy every domain name that described their products or services, ie: www.idothis.com, www.thisismyproduct.com, www.iamthebestatthis.com, etc. For a long time these exact keyword or brand name domains showed up in the top of the list in the search results even though they may not have had the content that someone was looking for.

According to Google the idea of this recent update is to provide searchers with the most relevant and high quality results. That isn't always the sites with exact match domain names.

Many companies attempted to “trick” the search engine into listing the company’s web site more highly by using a popular exact match domain, yet the website may have delivered low quality content and web spam.

This update reinforces the important of a high quality website. A successful online presence requires an ongoing plan to stay current and engaging. One page websites and business card type websites will continue to fall in the search rankings. Unless someone knows your exact domain name, they may not find you in their search results as easily as they did in the past.

Keeping your online presence high quality should include:
1. Current, relevant and engaging content on your website
2. Properly optimized content (Yes, you can over optimize and black-hat optimize. Both of which will penalize your web rankings.)
3. High quality links into your website
4. Social engagement. (this is more than merely talking about your persona life or posting jokes, unless that is your profession)
5. Unique navigation with relevant engaging content rather than the over used standards.

What to do if you already own exact keyword match domains?
Make sure it meets the list above. If not - fix it, fast before you lose ranking altogether.

Quick summary: Provide information, answer questions, provide a way to continue the relationship.

So you need help doing this? We can help. Contact us. We'll listen first, look at your online presence and then offer our recommendations.  One size does not fit all.The solution for you should be unique to your business and goals.


No comments:

Post a Comment