Nicknamed Caffeine, Google’s newest algorithm update is set to happen later this month. Quality Control Team leader, Matt Cutts calls this update the largest and most fundamental change to the Google system since 2005! Those words sent chills down the backs of many SEO managers and indeed will have lasting affects on rankings.
However, website owners who have been listening to our advice over the years will have a definite advantage when it comes to surviving Caffeine with the least disturbance to their rankings.
- Content Content Content
Keep your website’s content updated! Not only should you have new content frequently, but your content needs to be relevant. Caffeine will not just review your site to gauge the content, but it will also judge how important your information is. Old and outdated content will be more readily excluded. Solutions to this issue would be things like adding a blog, or installing a content management system so you can update your content.
- Original Content
If you have copied and pasted content from another site, or many sites, Caffeine will definitely not be your friend. This goes for templated copy too. Many franchise organizations provide similar information on their website for each organization like a “fill in the blank with your details” model. Many “content providers” supply content that is the same to many different sites. These will both count as duplicate content.
- Fast Loading, Clean Site Code
Our clients don’t have to worry about this one. All of our code is clean and indexable thanks to the Essential SEO elements we put into each site. However, if your website came from a developer who doesn’t include Essential SEO, or if you used a website generating application or a template, then you might have reason to worry.
- Relevant Links
Do your links go to where you say they will? Website owners who have used unscrupulous SEO agents might want to make sure. Bait and switch links will have consequences on your rankings.
Now is the time to take action!
If you believe your website will be affected by any of the components of Caffeine, you need to contact a reputable web design firm (like us!). We’re happy to help you fix, update, and write content to make sure your site survives (and thrives!) after the Caffeine update.
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