Google's Matt Cutts
In addition to the other 200 signals that Google uses in determining search rankings, Google is now factoring your website’s speed, according to Google’s Matt Cutts in his popular Search Engine Blog. Cutts goes on to explain that site owners should not be unduly alarmed about this site speed addition, pointing out that the rankings of a mere 1% of sites could be negatively affected by this minor change to the Google algorithm.
Cutts was keen to debunk the myth that larger companies are more likely to benefit from the change, as they can afford to pay for the very fastest web servers. In fact, the Google engineer points out that small companies can react much faster to web changes:
“I think the average smaller web site can really benefit from this change, because a smaller website can often implement the best practices that speed up a site more easily than a larger organization that might move slower or be hindered by bureaucracy.”
This is a good reminder to small business owners that it is in their best interests to provide a great experience to their website visitors. Although most site owners will be unaffected by site speed penalties, it is well worth revisiting your website from a customer’s point of view. Is your site design tidy and memorable? Can the user find the answer to the question your website offers? Is your content up-to-date, accurate and clear? If not, you should look at addressing these issues before spending time on web marketing (search engine optimisation) – as your efforts will be wasted if your visitors simply leave your site within seconds of arriving!
Here is a handy tool for checking your website’s speed.
Got questions about how this change your impact your website? Digital Orchard will be only too delighted to get you started. Call us now for a no obligations consultation on 052 6123359 or email us at info@digitalorchard.ie.
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