Consistent, high-quality content that focuses on SEO will help your site climb higher in search engine results and drive organic traffic to your page. A sudden decline in search engine rankings could mean a number of things. Fortunately, it’s fairly simple to diagnose a drop in search engine rankings and course correct. Here’s what you need to know about analyzing and fixing a decline in search engine rankings.
Google Penalty
If your business experienced a sharp drop-off in search rankings seemingly overnight, a manual or algorithmic penalty may be to blame. An algorithmic penalty usually occurs when Google releases an algorithm update, which it does frequently without notice. A manual penalty is typically applied by an employee of Google and takes further investigation. Go to your Google Webmasters Tool (GWT) and review the Manual Actions section to determine whether a manual penalty was enacted.
Outranked by Similar Business
Staying on the first page of search engine results requires constant monitoring, since your competitors are also trying to score a top spot. If you notice that your website suddenly sits below your competitors in search engine rankings, it likely means they’ve changed their SEO strategy to outrank similar businesses. Staying aware of what the competition is doing regarding SEO strategy, linking, and content can help you adapt and revise your content strategy to once again achieve top placement.
Website Issues
Broken links, repetitive links, and slow load time can cause what is known as on-page issues. GWT can help you determine what may be going on within your website’s pages. Use its HTML improvements tool to identify problems with tags, page speed, or potential security threats. Large HTML files or poor crawlability can deter a search engine from choosing your site. Crawlability often relates to broken links within your own website and inadequate flow from page to page.
Link Irregularities
A drop in search engine rankings may be due to a drop in the number of external links that are inbound to your site. Check your site’s lost links first. Various free or inexpensive backlink checkers are available so you can easily run a report and start from there.
Updated Google Algorithm
Many SEO-related websites and businesses will publish articles related to the most recent Google algorithm updates. Unfortunately, Google doesn’t announce each update and it is up to the business or marketing company to identify and learn about the new update. If your content is organic, authentic, and unique, you can often avoid a drop in search engine rankings despite numerous google algorithm updates. Search engines want to provide their customers with the best possible information that will answer their queries. If your content stays consistent, relevant, and helpful, you are more likely to be chosen regardless of algorithm updates.
A sudden drop in search engine results rankings can be alarming, however, the problem is usually a simple one. It’s important to consistently monitor your website, ranking, and performance so that you can be immediately aware of issues and regain a top spot. We do the heavy lifting for you. Our team of experts run regular website audits, address issues, and produce high-quality content. Contact us today to learn more.