Google’s Maccabees update: What it means for your website.

Late last year, Google confirmed new core changes to their algorithm. The new roll-out was quickly named the Maccabee update by the SEO community, and websites all over the globe began feeling the effect of the changes. It is important to note that the Maccabees update was not one single update, but multiple changes happening during December.

The digital marketing and SEO community were not surprised by these changes, as Google updates its algorithm regularly. However, some businesses have still reported that their organic search traffic has decreased 20-30 percent.

The update focuses on improving the relevancy of websites, to provide better value for consumers. Some of the relevancy signals updated with Maccabee include how backlinks are scored, how content is scored, and the relevancy of a search query to the webpage.

Let’s explore further what these updates will mean for your business.

Relevancy! Relevancy! Relevancy!

The updated Google algorithm focuses on improving the relevancy of websites, in relation to keywords and search terms. In the past, websites have been able to rank higher on Google based on the number of keywords used per webpage. However, now Google ranks webpages higher based on the relevancy of these keywords to the webpage, regardless of how many keywords are used.

To rank successfully in Google, content needs to become more and more relevant to those keywords, otherwise, the Google considers the web pages ‘bad’. It is becoming increasingly difficult for businesses to trick the system, and rank high on Google, if they only rely on keywords, without putting in the effort to ensure those keywords are relevant to the webpage.

White Hat SEO

White Hat SEO refers to SEO techniques that are in line with the terms and conditions of all search engines, including Google, Bing, and Yahoo. When businesses implement White Hat SEO tactics, they improve their Google rankings and keep their website’s integrity intact. These techniques need to become industry standard, to avoid becoming deceitful or harmful to consumers. Using anything other than White Hat SEO tactics could also get your website banned from Google, which is a good way to lose customers.

Some of our favourite White Hat SEO techniques include:

–    Quality Content and Services

–    Descriptive Meta Tags and targeted keywords

–    Remarkable UX across desktop and mobile devices

 Versatility is key

Your SEO strategy needs to be versatile, otherwise, you risk falling behind your competition. You cannot just focus on one SEO tactic, you need to focus on them all. Even with the Maccabee updates, Google’s algorithm is still based on links. However, most link building techniques only work for certain niches, depending on target audience. It is important to remember that the aim of your website is to create value for consumers, not rank the highest on Google. Once you start creating value, ranking high on Google will come easier.

The Future of SEO is Mobile

Every year people spend more and more time on mobile devices. You’re probably reading this from a mobile device right now. However, there is a big difference between having a desktop friendly webpage and a mobile friendly one. Desktop sites are often difficult to read on mobile devices which is why having a mobile-optimized website is critical for your business. It is important to ensure visitors have a good mobile experience on your website to turn them into potential clients.

We can help

We don’t expect you to understand everything about the new Google updates, you’ve got a business to run after all. Which is why we’re here for you. The team at Digital Presence stay up to date with all Google’s updates. We will help you create the perfect SEO campaign, that will optimize your business and put your business ahead of the competition.