Google’s People Friendly Change
Google Changing the Way We Search
On average, Google handles over 40,000 search queries every second and 3.5 billion searches per day. That is jaw-dropping! If your response was anything like ours, then you are probably asking yourself how Google sifts through all the information on the web to generate the best answers for your search. There’s no uncomplicated answer, but we are here to share everything we know about Google’s new search engine optimization (SEO) update. And it may just be the thing you never knew your company needed!
Google’s Helpful Content Update
Back in August, Google released its helpful content update and as of early September, the update was completed. This search engine optimization (SEO) update helps diminish the number of results that are search engine focused. The goal of this is to better reward content where visitors feel they’ve had a satisfying experience. In a nutshell, Google is changing the way we search the internet and market our companies by emphasizing a people-first approach.
What is a people-first approach? According to Google, “people-first content creators focus first on creating satisfying content, while also utilizing SEO best practices to bring searchers additional value.” In simpler terms, stick to your area of expertise. Don’t try to force topics or words into your web content just because you want to bring in users from search engines.
What Does This Mean for Your Business?
Google’s helpful content update could very well impact you and your business’s web presence and practices. Don’t fret; this is a good thing! Removing unhelpful content may help the ranking of your content in the search results. This means more exposure for your business! In addition, SEO that is focused should help you more efficiently reach your targeted audience(s) which could bring you more business!
There is one catch, though. To experience the benefits of Google’s update, you must make sure your already existing content as well as your future content is people-first content.
We’ve put together three tips to help you through the process based off Google’s update guidelines!
1. Focus on your business’s message.
“Do you have an existing or intended audience for your business or site that would find the content useful if they came directly to you? Does your site have a primary purpose or focus?”
As mentioned earlier, your content should represent your business’s priorities and purposes. Suppose you have a retail clothing business. Your content should educate and provide your audience with information pertaining to the clothes you sell or the fashion industry. If you post a review about the latest hit Netflix film trying to capture popular keywords, Google will now downgrade your page.
Communicate your business’s goals and mission clearly. Your visitors should be able to understand what your business is all about without looking that hard.
2. Steer clear of producing surface-level content.
“Does your content clearly demonstrate first-hand expertise and a depth of knowledge?“
Don’t pull your content from the sky. Use your own experiences, education, and research to communicate your messages. Back to the fashion industry scenario. Never heard of Marc Jacobs or been to a Marc Jacobs fashion show, then don’t try to cover his latest show without having that first-hand experience.
Be original with what you produce online. Incorporate your personal insights or photographs into your content.
3. Educate your audience.
“After reading your content, will someone leave feeling they’ve learned enough about a topic to help achieve their goal? Will someone reading your content leave feeling like they’ve had a satisfying experience?”
People like to leave with what they came for. If a visitor feels the need to search for the same thing that they came to your page for, then you’ve missed the assignment. When creating content, provide in-depth information on the topic you are covering. Don’t leave the reader confused or still asking questions. No one enjoys feeling like they wasted their time. Aim to satisfy.
More Resources
For more information on how you can make your web content stand out, visit Google’s webmaster guidelines. You can also read more about the update and what it means for your business here.
Need assistance with updating your content to meet Google’s helpful content criteria? DCA Virtual Business Support is here to lessen your load. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you!