All contractors want to know this answer.
There are 3 things that are killing your website ranking that you can fix fast.
Let’s start with the quick answer to why your website isn’t ranking and then move onto some detail as well as offer solutions to these 3 problems.
The quick answer is that there are things not done correctly in either the content, the code of the site, or with the backlinks, that are preventing Google from indexing your site properly.
In a nutshell, indexing means how Google sees your site. You have to make it easy for them to get through your site and understand it with their automated program.
When they can fully index a site, they get a clear understanding of the content, as well as the intent of the site, then they know where to rank it.
Putting roadblocks in the way of the search engine robot is like cutting off your nose to spite your face. Unfortunately…most people create roadblocks accidentally.
To check to see if your site is indexed well – Go to Google and type site:yourURL (Ex: site:www.myseoguys.com) Look to be sure that all of your pages are there. Make sure that there aren’t way too many pages (an indication you’ve been hacked). Look at your META titles and tags – are they compelling enough to get people to click on your site?
Why is good content not enough to get your website ranking well?
There is so much competition today for most keywords and phrases that simply having some good content is not enough.
Does good code overcome bad content?
No, good code without the right content does little to get you ranked well.
There is a mixture of technical expertise and great content that really makes a site rank well.
If you are not technical - build your site in WordPress and install Yoast as the SEO plugin. Yoast will give you tips on SEO and tell you how you’re doing... and it’s easy to use.
Let’s talk about content.
Is your content informative...
Google likes content that gives the user a good experience, and they don’t like content that is written just to attract the search engine.
A few years ago you could write content that was really aimed at attracting Google and get ranked. That doesn’t work anymore.
It’s more about user experience now.
Give some free tips and information to the site visitor
Don’t have a flat out sales message – seems no one likes that anymore. I mean…don’t you change the channel or station when a commercial comes on?
Your goal is to be a subject matter expert. If you are a roofer, then you better know, and convey that you know, what you’re doing in your content. Give some free advice that will showcase your expertise without bragging.
If you are a home remodeling company, then give a little free information that could be helpful. Maybe…the 3 things you should know before starting any remodeling project.
If you’re a mold remediation company…perhaps give away a pdf on how to check to see if you have a mold problem.
Unless you are a great writer...
You might want to use expert writers that research your industry and write content for your site that is expert and informative.
Final thought on content, the marketing message in your content has to be compelling so that you convert website visitors to leads, and ultimately into clients or customers. There are many resources on the Internet to show you how this is done and if you need some ideas - call us.
Formulate the right marketing message and see your conversions skyrocket!
Good content provides both what the user wants and what the search engine needs.
Now let’s talk a little technical info without going all geek on you.
Did you know that if your site is not responsive you get penalized by Google?
Responsive means that it automatically presents itself perfectly on any sized screen.
So phone users see it one way, tablet users, another, and desktop computer and those viewing it on a TV sized screen see it even differently... so all users get a great experience.
If your site is not responsive – you may need professional help getting it redesigned.
To check for responsiveness:
- Open your site and click the “restore down” icon in the top right of the screen…it’s the one that looks like 2 overlapped squares between the – and the X. The window will get smaller.
- Now put your mouse on the right edge of the screen and grab it by left clicking your mouse.
- Drag it to the left.
- Is the screen resizing to fit the changed size or is it cut off. If it resizes your good to go. If not…you’ve got a penalty.
Or to make it easier, use the Google mobile checker. Here's a link https://search.google.com/test/mobile-friendly
Did you know that your META information is really important, but putting keywords in your code is useless to Google?
That’s right – your META information, which is what someone see’s when they see you in the search engines, is very important.
The title has to be structured correctly or it won’t work, and the description is how you get someone to choose your site over the others they see.
Are your titles and descriptions compelling enough to get Internet searchers to pick your site over the other 9 on the page?
A quick tip – Use your page title to start your Meta title and use around 70 characters total – if you’re local and have room left... add the city name – like this:
A good description contains between 156 and 300 or so characters and might go something like this:
Notice that we have a call to action in the description – we find the response really jumps this way.
Years ago, all web developers were taught to add keywords to your code in a tag labeled META KEYWORDS.
Google doesn’t even acknowledge that any longer – that’s old code.
Google gets your keywords and phrases, as well as the intent of your site, through your content.
Backlinks – do they help or hurt?
The short is answer is yes.
They can help or hurt you depending on how you get them.
Backlinks must be earned --- Never purchased. Read that again please.
Get your backlinks by setting up social media and directories and link them to your site.
Good directories are Google+, Yelp, Yellow Pages, Moz and there are a ton more. You don’t need tons of backlinks to rank well and if they appear unnatural they may get you penalized.
To check for bad backlinks – go to your Webmaster Tools account and see if Google has left you a message about suspect backlinks. If they have you can disavow the bad links by following the directions in Webmaster Tools. If you do nothing you will continue to be penalized.
We could go on and on but these couple of things are a great way to see why your site isn’t ranking well along with a few ideas to get them fixed.
Good luck and as always leave us your thoughts or questions.