Did you know that Google assesses over 200 different factors
when determining whether your website is a good search result or not? While
business owners tend to understand that content inbound links are important to
their search visibility, many underestimate the impact of several technical
factors that also come into play.
That’s bad news for business owners who don’t pay attention
to things like website performance. However, it’s great news for those to want
an easy way to get an online marketing edge over the competition.
Let’s look at seven technical issues that can cause Google
to ignore your website, and what you can do to fix them…
#1 Slow Web Page
Loading Times
Google likes websites that load quickly, and so do its
users. If your layouts take a long time to display, particularly on mobile
devices, you’ll have a hard time attracting traffic.
Luckily, slow website performance is usually easy to fix. By
improving your web hosting package and optimizing images and text you may be
able to shave seconds off of your delivery time.
#2 Non-Responsive
Website Layouts
More than half of all web traffic comes from phones and
tablets. If your website isn’t compatible with mobile devices than Google won’t
present you as a viable result.
It’s not difficult to upgrade to a responsive web design
that adapts itself based on screen size and browser type. But, it’s not a
change you should put off if you haven’t made it already.
#3 Broken Links or
Missing Pages
When you have links on your website that go nowhere, that’s
a sign to Google that your content isn’t well-maintained or that your website
has structural problems.
It can be surprisingly easy to overlook these kinds of
problems if you’re examining a website with the naked eye. However, a good web
design partner can use automated tools to spot any problems you might have.
#4 Page Redirects or
Missing Referrals
In the same way, links or referrals to content that exists
on your website (or beyond) has to be updated. If it isn’t, then your pages
can’t be considered a reliable or useful resource for visitors.
This is another area where a web design partner can use detailed
tools to identify problems and correct any issues that are hidden within the
code in your website.
#5 Missing SSL
Security
Over the past year, Google has started prioritizing websites
with SSL (Secure Socket Layers) connectivity that encrypts any transfer of
information. It’s just safer for users who might be sending things like email
addresses or financial information.
SSL is inexpensive and can be added through your web hosting
package with the help of a web design partner.
#6 Apps or Plug-ins that
Don't Work
Over time the apps and plug-ins you've added to your website
to increase functionality or marketing power might go out of date, conflict
with one another, or simply stop working altogether. When that happens, Google
reads it as an error on your site and a potential security risk.
As part of a website audit we can help identify problematic
apps and help you to update, remove, or replace them.
#7 Content
Duplication Errors
If your website has text or other content that has been
“borrowed” from other websites – even your own – Google treats that as a signal
that your pages aren’t unique results.
Of course, you can always write new content for your
website, or work with online marketing specialists who can help you to craft a
message that appeals to Google and real-life buyers.
Is Your Website Being
Held Back or Pushed Ahead in the Search Engine Listings?
As we’ve already mentioned, these technical SEO factors can
drag you down the search rankings or give you a boost that propels you ahead of
your close competitors. If you don’t think you’re getting as many visits from
Google as you should be, contact Kinetik IT today so we can arrange for a
detailed website audit and get the answers you need.