For every business, it’s very important to be visible in the market. Most consumers search for services online before contacting the business, whether they are looking for a restaurant, an electrician or a lawyer.
This is why whenever Google updates the algorithm it affects everyone. So it’s crucial to understand these updates.
Importance of Google updates for your business
These algorithms get updated a few times a year and they impact:
- How your business website ranks in search result
- Businesses which will appear on Google Maps
- High intent keywords will be more crucial such as “electrician near me” or “best lawyer near me”
Small change in the ranking of your website can make you lose lot of customers.
Key changes in the algorithm by Google
1. AI powered search results are now standard
To understand the user intent, Google is now using the advanced AI. It means:
- Questions must be answered in the content in a clear and comprehensive way
- Websites with very little content and with too many keywords are stuffed in less content will be penalised.
- More emphasis on informative blogs, FAQs and local guides to rank page high.
It’s important to focus on creating valuable content for the customers and understand what they are actually looking for.
2. Importance to local Search and Google Maps
Some of the important changes are:
- More importance to Google business profile signals
- Influence of reviews and ratings
- Accurate NAP (Name, Address, Phone) is very important
Keep updating your Google Business profile weekly with photos, posts and encourage reviews.
3. Page experience and Core Web vitals are highly important
Google gives priority to website which loads faster, mobile friendly and user experience is very smooth.
- Page speed is one of the most important ranking factor
- It is non negotiable if the mobile page is not optimised
- Interactivity, stability, and responsiveness affect rankings
Make sure that your website is loading fast and fix the issues immediately.
4. E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trust) is mandatory
Google favours the websites which shows credibility:
- Licences, professional certifications or affiliations increase trust
- Content which has high authority written by experts gets ranked higher
- Link building from trusted local sources is very important
Put more testimonials, case studies and awards on the website
5. Voice search and conversational queries are getting prominence
With the use of smart devices and smart phones, lot of Australian people are using natural conversational tones to search products or services.
- “Find a good divorce lawyer near me open today”
- “Best restaurant near me for birthday function for kids”
Content on the website should be optimised for such conversational language, FAQ’s,
What’s in this for Australian businesses
Australian businesses should update their SEO as per the new update otherwise:
- The rankings of their website will drop
- Local competitors will capture more leads
- They will lose organic traffic and will have to spend more on ads.
Local businesses which will update their online presence as per the new algorithms will dominate the local market.
This is how Optirank can support
Optirank specialises in supporting Australian Businesses as per the new algorithm update. With our local SEO services and Website improvement services we can help local businesses to stay up to date with the Google’s new algorithm and dominate the local market.
Conclusion
The new algorithm update of Google impact the market directly as they are not just a technical changes but it will force the business to update their SEO strategy to stay competitive in the market. It is important for Australian local businesses to update their website so that they:
- Rank higher in Google searches
- Capture more leads and attract more customers
- Stay ahead of your local competition.