The SEO industry is ever changing, forcing a constant change in strategies and approaches. Every time Google tweaks its algorithm, we all turn into to Chicken Little, running around like the sky’s falling. However, with the right strategies, you can protect your website from any algorithm changes. Here’s why you shouldn’t worry about future Google updates and what you can do to protect your site.
We’ve Done This Before
To better understand the future of SEO, we must first reflect on the past. Google released a huge update named Panda in 2011. It followed with any even bigger update, Penguin, the following year.
Did the industry completely shatter? No, of course not! Each new update saw the industry banding together to figure out how to work with the new algorithms. In fact, now might be the best time for SEO ever as SEO service companies are ranking sites safer and smarter than ever before.
Three SEO Basics to Avoid to Keep Your Website Safe
1. Over Optimization
One of the biggest mistakes users make when trying to optimize their website is overstuffing keywords. While this tactic has long been phased out, a new tactic has begun to harm websites’ ability to rank: Unnatural use of keywords and phrases.
In order to avoid this, you should try to avoid using your main keywords over and over, as Google will classify this as spam. You should also use natural language, fitting your keywords in where they make sense. Try to use lots of variation and synonyms.
2. Anchor Texts
Ever since the Penguin algorithm update in 2012, Google has cracked down on off-site over-optimization. Essentially this means that Google will notice if your page has been linked one too many times. To avoid this, make sure to diversify your anchor text as much as possible.
Build links with diverse anchor texts. This will help keep your profile looking natural. There is some uncertainty as Google will continue to tweak the dial on what is deemed as acceptable anchor text ratios. As long as you make sure you are not building too many exact-match anchors, you should be safe in future updates.
3. Outed Blog Networks
In recent years, Google has cracked down hard on blog networks. So this means signing up with a network of different websites who all take turns promoting each other’s products will no longer boost your ranking. In fact, it will have a negative impact on your ranking.
Instead, try a more organic blogger outreach. Find influencers who are in the same industry as you or cater to a fanbase that shares similar interests. By creating valuable content, you should be able to network rather easily, finding like-minded influencers who are more than willing to help you.
We Can Boost Your Rankings
If you’re looking to boost your functional medicine practice’s website, our team here at Functional Medicine SEO is here to help. We offer a free market strategy session to help you get the most out of your website. Fill out this form and we will get back to you within 48-72 hours.
