There’s been a big important change recently in how Google ranks websites and it affects all businesses .Overnight many websites that previously were in top three position in Google searches disappeared for page one altogether .Panic stricken web based businesses saw enquiries and sales  drop dramatically.The traditional Search Engine Optimisation Agencies have been thrown into turmoil.

Google has by far the biggest share of the search market and still dominates the way we all find the website we are looking for even though rivals like Bing and Social Media like Facebook and Twitter are catching it.

Consequently Google is always looking for ways to keep its  search results relevant so we all keep using it ! Its important that when you search for a keyword or term the results (links to websites) you see on the page are relevant to your search with authentic content .

Google makes regular changes to the way it ranks a website and on 24th April this year it made arguably its biggest change ever. The change was called Google Penguin and replaced Google Panda  (dont ask me why they called it that  !Why do Google call the latest version of their Android Smartphone software Ice Cream Sandwich for goodness sake ? Answers on a postcard  (remember them ? )).

What does all this mean for your website and how it ranks on Google ?

Well out go techniques that try and fool Google like keyword stuffing cloaking, participating in link schemes,and deliberate creation of duplicate content.

In comes ‘Content is King’ -relevant ,genuine,human and authentic with particular reference to Social Media like Blogs,Twitter and Facebook .You need to be busy and active on Social Media being authentic and relevant and make sure your website reflects this  too.If you don’t put quality information on products and services in your website, you can’t expect visitors to stick around and thats now how Google see it too !

The number of links to your website will be relevant but there is much more of an emphasis on the reputation and quality of a site that’s linking to your specific domain rather than the sheer number of links that point in your direction.  Those £10/mth for 2000 back link offers are now not only pointless, but they’re also quite dangerous.

If your concerned about the ranking of your website and the number of enquiries you are getting Contact Us for a free review and consultation .

Please feel free to comment below

Richard