For many people, Google has largely morphed into “the new homepage for local business,” and some believe that the information provided within Google search results has replaced the need for a separate website. However, there is no overstating the value of a quality website. Even if it appears that websites are less important in today’s world, this notion is far from reality.

Changes to Google Search

Not long ago, a search for a local business on Google would bring up a search engine results page (SERP) with 10 local businesses and links to their websites. As the format of Google’s search results changed to make paid ads more prominent, the number of listed businesses has shrunk. Instead of sending searchers to company websites, Google now tries to keep users engaged on its own platforms. A SERP offers information in a Knowledge Panel that includes a business’s address, phone number, hours of operation, photos, and more, and for many users, this provides them with the simple information they need without searching further.

Why Websites Are Important  

While some users may never click through from Google search results to a company’s website, having a quality site in place continues to be essential in helping improve search rankings. Business websites that rank high on Google organically are likely to appear in the SERP “local 3-pack,” the listing you see on the first page of search results that includes a business’s address and description, as well as reviews and photos. The best way to end up in that 3-pack is to have the strongest website possible, which is achieved in part through:

You probably see the letters HTTPS hundreds of times a day as you scroll through your favorite websites, check your email, and interact with people on social media. You may not know their meaning; however, this letter combination holds a lot of power over the websites you visit and how they rank in Google search results. 

HTTP vs. HTTPS

HTTP is an acronym for HyperText Transfer Protocol, which enables communication between different computer systems on the internet. This protocol allows data to be transferred from a web server to a browser, allowing you to view the hundreds of sites you look at each day. 

If you have noticed the rankings of various websites in search results have changed, it is likely due to the fact that Google has confirmed a “broad core algorithm” update that occurred at the end of February. 

Those who follow Google on Twitter may have seen their post explaining that they do these types of updates “several times per year”. Google said that “Some sites may note drops or gains.” This could very well be because Google has made changes to their ranking models. These changes are said to benefit “pages that were previously under-rewarded.” 

If you’re looking for Google’s full statement on Twitter regarding these changes, you can find it below:

The internet is a vast treasure trove of data, and the number and variety of websites covering every topic under the sun is mind-boggling. Without the help of search engines like Google, finding useful information online would be nearly impossible. This is why Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is so important; any business that wants to connect with their customers online needs to ensure that people will be able to find them in online searches.

When determining how to rank a site in search results, Google and other search engines look at a number of factors, but one of the most important of these is page load time. The amount of time it takes your site to load can play a major role in how people interact with the site, especially when they are using a mobile device. According to Google, 53% of website visits are abandoned if a site takes more than three seconds to load, but on average, mobile landing pages take 22 seconds to load.

Since Google emphasizes the importance of a site’s loading speed, it is essential to do everything you can to improve load times. One of the best ways to do so is through image optimization.

Today, the primary way people find information is by searching for answers on Google or other search engines. It is important to rank high in search results for queries related to your area of business, which is why Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is a key part of any modern marketing strategy. In Google’s search results, sites can greatly benefit from appearing in featured snippets.

What Are Featured Snippets?

Google’s standard search engine results pages (SERPs) typically feature a list of relevant pages related to a user’s search query. However, for some queries, Google SERPs also include a featured area at the top of the page that excerpts content from one of the search results and provides a quick answer to a user’s question.