One small misstep online can have a huge impact on your current search ranking or your ability to rank in the future. It is very important that you pay attention to the information online about your business and constantly watch for inaccurate data and duplicate accounts.
In the excitement of major business changes, don’t forget to update your business’ online presence to match what’s happening offline.
5 Ways to Prevent Drops in Your Search Rankings
1. Don’t Change Your Primary Domain Name
Your business can have multiple domains but you only have 1 primary domain and all others redirect to this one. If you change that primary domain, you lose any ranking authority that your business has built up under the original domain. Only change your primary domain URL when it is absolutely necessary.
2. Always have a trained expert launch a new website
Launching a new website is a complex process and missing a critical step can result in website downtime and damage to your search rankings that can take months or years to recover from. Always have a trained expert in web development and hosting launch a new website and handle the DNS updates, 301 redirects, and best practices to make sure the any current search rankings are well maintained.
3. Make Sure Your Address is Accurate EVERYWHERE
If your business moves and changes addresses, update your address online as soon as possible. Make sure your website and your Google My Business account always show the correct address. Search engines can mistake your business for another business residing at the old address. Any local search rankings can also be hurt if your business has data errors online.
4. Beware of Duplicates
Having multiple websites for the same business will cause all the sites to compete against each other in rankings. Also, watch for any duplicate profiles of your business because those can confuse search engines and potential clients. You can monitor or update directories and profiles manually, or use a third-party service to clean up duplicate and inaccurate data.
5. Keep Online Directories and Social Media Updated
Search engines like Google look at other sources to confirm the identity and information about your business. Make sure you select the same industry category for your business on Google My Business, social media platforms and major industry directories. Every few months check and update the description of your business on any directories so it is consistent.
