How to ensure your website is featured in search results

Did you know that mobile compatibility will soon no longer be optional?

Google’s mobile-first indexing update will be fully implemented on July 5^th, 2024. This means websites that aren’t optimized for mobile devices will be excluded from search results. This could lead to a significant decline in website traffic and revenue. 

Having an engaging website that is mobile-friendly, has a user-friendly layout and is optimized for search engines is essential for creating a great first impression and maintaining visibility.

Website optimization checklist

1. Modern design and high-quality visuals
   • Does your design reflect a professional brand image?
   • Are the visuals high-quality and engaging?
     
2. Current and original content
   • Is your content original and up-to-date?
   • Are your business name, address, and phone number accurate and consistent across all digital platforms?
     
3. Up-to-date ‘About Us’ page
   • Is your About Us page current and does it include headshots of your team?
     
4. User-friendly navigation
   • Is your website navigation intuitive and functioning correctly?
     
5. Mobile compatibility
   • As asked earlier, is your content displaying properly on mobile devices?
     
6. Effective calls to action (CTAs)
   • Are there clear calls to action on your website?
   • Do all CTAs (contact forms, phone numbers, etc.) work correctly?
     
7. Review collection and display
   • Do you have a process for collecting reviews?
   • Are you featuring current customer reviews? (95% of consumers trust online reviews.²)
     
8. Search engine optimization (SEO)
   • Have you checked your search ranking and reviewed your SEO plan?
   • Without proper SEO, your competitors may rank higher than you.

Key information to include on your website

• Brand description and value proposition
  • Clearly describe your brand, value, and the products or services you offer.
    
• Contact information
  • Ensure you have a contact page that makes it easy for users to get in touch.
    
• Testimonials and reviews
  • Showcase testimonials and reviews to build trust and credibility.
    
• SSL certificate*
  • An SSL certificate confirms that user data is protected and your site is legitimate.
    

Continuous improvement

Your website works for you 24/7. Perform an annual review to ensure it continues to connect with your audience effectively. Ensure your website is accessible to all users, meeting ADA compliance** by adhering to the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0.

If your website is not ranking in top positions or generating phone calls and form fills, it may indicate underlying issues. In such cases, consider seeking professional help.

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*SSL Certificate: A digital certificate that authenticates a website’s identity and enables an encrypted connection. SSL stands for Secure Sockets Layer, a security protocol creating an encrypted link between a web server and a web browser.

**ADA Compliance: Refers to Americans with Disabilities Act Standards for Accessible Design. This ensures your website is accessible to people with disabilities. The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.0 define how to make web content more accessible.

References:

Chain Store Age. (2023, November 7). Study: 81% research online before making big purchases. Retrieved fromhttps://www.chainstoreage.com/news/study-81-research-online-making-big-purchases/

Comstock, J. (2018, October 2). 95% of Americans find online doctor reviews reliable. MobiHealthNews. Retrieved from https://www.mobihealthnews.com/content/95-americans-find-online-doctor-reviews-reliable-survey-suggests/