Google Algorithm Changes: A Small Business Guide to Staying Ranked
Google changes how it ranks websites almost daily. For small business owners, keeping up feels impossible. With every update, your website rankings might rise or fall, affecting your sales and enquiries. Here's what you need to know about the latest updates and how they affect your website.
Recent Changes That Matter
Google's making big moves in handling business websites. Local Bedford bakery owner Sarah Thompson felt this firsthand: "Our website traffic dropped 30% overnight after Google's November update. We didn't know why until we checked our content quality."
Sarah's not alone. Many UK small businesses saw ranking changes in late 2023. The good news? Once she updated her website content, her traffic returned stronger than before.
Small businesses across Bedford and Milton Keynes report similar stories. Those who adapted quickly saw better results than those who waited. The key? Understanding what Google wants and making simple changes to meet those requirements.
What This Means for Your Website
Google now looks closely at:
- How well your content answers customer questions
- Whether your website loads quickly on mobile phones
- If visitors can easily find what they're looking for
- How often you update your business information
- Whether your contact details match across all platforms
A Milton Keynes plumber recently told us: "We updated our service pages with clear pricing and area coverage. Our local search rankings jumped within weeks."
Your website needs regular attention to stay visible in search results. Think of it like a shop window - you wouldn't leave the same display up for months. Your website needs similar regular updates to attract customers.
Simple Steps to Keep Your Rankings Strong
- Check your website speed using Google's free tool
- Update your business hours and contact details monthly
- Add fresh content about your services or products
- Make sure your site works well on mobile phones
- Remove or update old content that's no longer accurate
Small changes make big differences. One Bedfordshire cafe owner spent 30 minutes updating their menu prices and opening hours. Their Google rankings improved within days, bringing in new customers who found them through local searches.
Common Ranking Problems
Many business websites struggle with:
- Outdated contact information
- Slow-loading pages
- Missing descriptions on images
- Content that doesn't match what customers search for
- Poor mobile phone display
These issues hurt your rankings but are easy to fix once you spot them. The trick is knowing what to look for and having the right tools to make changes quickly.
Tools That Help You Stay Ahead
The KickstartSEO Portal spots ranking problems before they hurt your business. It shows exactly what needs fixing and helps you make changes quickly.
Our Onsite Optimizer lets you update your website content directly - no technical skills needed. One Bedford shop owner saved three hours weekly using these tools to update their site.
The Portal also tracks your rankings for important search terms, showing you how changes affect your position in search results. This helps you understand what works for your business.
Take Action Today
Don't wait for Google changes to affect your business. Get a free SEO audit and see how your website measures up. We'll show you exactly what needs fixing and how to do it.
Small businesses that act now have the best chance of staying ahead as Google continues to change its ranking system. Let us help you keep your website working hard for your business.
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