Ensure that your site is running at top speed. Being slow will not suffice. And by slow, we mean 5-10 seconds of loading time. In that time, the majority of your users will leave your website in search of a quicker result. This problem is typical if you’re using a shared hosting environment: a server with several thousands of websites on it.
These are often slow, uncontrolled and inadequate in meeting the demands of users.We at Creative 7 Designs love to help our clients prosper both online and in their businesses. In doing so, we’ve noticed some key areas in which mistakes are being made. When you’re optimizing your website for search engine success, we urge that you avoid these common mistakes that are no longer tolerable in 2019. Take note of our top 6 mistakes you need to avoid this year to remain Google’s top pick!
1. Your Site is Not Protected by SSL
Make sure that your site is secure. This seems simple enough. But, we’ve come across countless websites that are not protected by SSL- a Google requirement and a necessity in gaining user confidence. Without this, your browser will quickly announce to any visitor that your site is “not secure.”
Generally, users need to be sure that a site is safe to perform any sort of action. Otherwise, they will quickly leave.
2. Your Website is Not Mobile and Tablet Friendly
Just like your old school friend who still owns a flip phone, if your site isn’t mobile or tablet friendly, you need to get with the times…seriously! Users are often operating from these devices, making it necessary that your site is compatible. It is no longer good enough for you to have a mobile site.
Rather, you need to have a website that is completely responsive and looks great on all devices. You can check your website’s responsiveness here.
3. Your Website Doesn’t Have Enough Content
Make sure that your website has plenty of content. This is your chance to tell the world who you are and all that you have to offer. Don’t miss your opportunity! Plus, this is important for your digital authority. If you want to stand out in a crowded search results page, you need to have more content than ever before.
In organic search results, this is essential if you want to top the list.
4. Your Website is Really Slow
Ensure that your site is running at top speed. Being slow will not suffice. And by slow, we mean 5-10 seconds of loading time. In that time, the majority of your users will leave your website in search of a quicker result. This problem is typical if you’re using a shared hosting environment: a server with several thousands of websites on it.These are often slow, uncontrolled and inadequate in meeting the demands of users.
5. Your User is Lost
Consider your user’s experience as they navigate your website. Are they given a clear direction for where to go? Is it easy for them to find what they’re looking for? You need to provide your users with the very best user experience in response to their expectations. And while it’s great to be creative with your site’s design, take note that one’s navigational behavior is derived from habit. So, if your menu bar is in a weird place or individual pages are hard to find, people may have a hard time finding their way around. Remember that internet users are likely impatient.Make sure their experience is as seamless as possible, or they might just leave and move on to a new site.
6. Your Website is Not up to Date
Keep your content current and regularly updated with weekly changes and additions to your site. Yes. Weekly! Search engines will soon implement “live results” into their search results. This means that Google will favor sites that are making consistent content changes. So, don’t get left in the dust. Take action, and make updates! These content changes could include blogs, new and updated pages. And while you add, pay attention to any dated content. Google knows if you have old information on your site. As this may affect your validity among users, your ranking cold also be at risk.
Your website is your greatest tool in communicating to the world. It is your announcement of who you are and what you do. And it is your best opportunity to grown your business. So make sure that it is in tip-top shape! And when you face a daunting website challenge, do not hesitate to give us a call!
