The new Google and how will it affect your SEO?

Google has released its latest algorithm update, Panda 4.0 but what impact will it have on your website?

Google’s last few updates have been directed at rewarding high quality websites and Panda 4.0 isn’t any different. Here are the key features of the Panda 4.0 update and how your business could take advantage of them:

Fresh, high quality content

The first Google Panda algorithm release was back in February 2011 and was aimed at low quality websites that produced scraped or duplicated content which had a huge impact on the search results.

Panda 4.0 is still targeting low quality websites, however it is not only a simple update but instead further highlights the need for website owners to post high quality content frequently to their website.

You need to ensure you have a content publishing plan in place, we would recommend you start a blog and produce high quality content to it regularly. It’s not enough to just have an inactive blog you only post to now and again.

What does Google mean by high and low quality content?

High quality content is unique, relevant, informative and interesting. Low quality content is content that is copied from other websites, unengaging, irrelevant and uninformative. It would also include not generating content on a regular basis, if you are guilty of doing this then you really need to rethink your SEO strategies.

It is important for you to set out a plan to create, post and share fresh content on a regular basis. Set aside time each week to create new content such as local news, industry news, how-to guides, videos, top 10 lists, infographics or anything else that is relevant to your business. If you don’t have the time to do this then you will have to look for an alternative solution.

The most important thing you need to remember when creating a blog is that your content needs to be completely unique, relevant to your industry and stands out not only to the search engines but your audience too.

Modernisation

Content goes a long way to making a quality website, especially in Google’s eyes but there are many other factors that have an impact on the quality of a website.

When we talk about quality, we are referring to the entire user experience. A website with a high quality user experience would have an intuitive navigation, clear structuring, optimised for mobile and user focused content. All of this will affect how your site gets indexed by Google as well as how you will be found and seen by your audience.

Many websites for estate agents don’t give their users a modern experience, with poor navigation, unclear direction and poor content. This will do you no favours with the search engines or your audience.

If your website feels outdated or poorly structured then it may be time for a new website. Your website needs to meet Google’s recommendations to ensure your website performs well for you.

What this means for estate agents

As long as you meet Google’s requirements by having a modern website that generates fresh content then the Panda 4.0 update is likely to favour your local business as other website that would be considered low quality will begin to slip down the page.

Google rewards those that produce high quality and useful resource to their audience.

Be sure to invest your time into producing regular, quality content that relates to your business and local area as it will help to drive even more visitors to your website.