For over a decade, the nexus-security blog has been a leading source of high-ranking content. We’ve gained extensive SEO knowledge, not by chance, but through actively addressing the challenges we’ve encountered.
This article shares insights into common SEO pitfalls and their solutions, helping you maintain exceptional traffic and rankings.
We’ll delve into these six SEO issues:
- Keyword competition
- Not keeping up with algorithm updates
- Slow page speed
- Low local ranking
- Page not indexing
- Resource constraints
While high rankings and increased traffic are the ultimate SEO goals, the issues extend beyond ranking drops or traffic declines. Numerous SEO factors can contribute to these performance dips. Let’s explore six prominent ones.
SEO issue #1: Keyword volume and competition
Underperforming content might be due to keyword volume (monthly searches) and competition (ranking difficulty). These can fluctuate based on seasonal, cultural, industrial, and economic trends.
Keyword ranking difficulty can also change over time.
Certain keywords can experience fluctuations in keyword volume and competition.
How to fix it
Consider these recommendations to tackle this prevalent SEO problem.
Enhance content quality
In a competitive landscape, ensure your content is current, aligns with top-ranking results, and has fresh links. Utilize our on-page SEO guide for optimal optimization.
Target diverse keyword types
While high-volume keywords attract traffic, they’re highly competitive. Targeting lower-competition, lower-volume keywords can still generate traffic and engagement, signaling value to Google and boosting SEO strength. This aids in faster ranking and rank maintenance for those highly competitive keywords.
SEO is only one avenue for increasing visitors. Explore our guide, 25 Ways to Increase Traffic to Your Website, for more strategies.
SEO issue #2: Neglecting algorithm updates
Google constantly refines its algorithm with technological advancements, data growth, and machine learning. Minor monthly updates, like spam filters, are usually insignificant.
However, core algorithm updates targeting stronger SEO signals can significantly impact traffic and performance. Notable examples include page experience, page speed, and page title updates.
The page title update posed significant challenges for us!
How to fix it
Solutions vary based on the specific situation.
Refresh pages
Algorithm updates can render old content less valuable. Analyze pages with traffic drops and identify areas for improvement. While disheartening, this might also lead to higher rankings for newer content.
Exercise patience
Algorithm changes can initially disrupt rankings, placing irrelevant pages at the top. User behavior eventually corrects this, so waiting about 30 days for pages to regain their rightful positions is advisable.
Stay informed
Staying updated on algorithm updates is crucial. Anticipate them to prepare, and utilize SEO forums to gauge if others face similar post-update issues. SEO Roundtable, the Google Search Central algorithm update blog, and Google’s ranking updates release history are invaluable resources.
Leverage the Google Search Status Dashboard to stay abreast of algorithm and ranking updates.
Prioritize quality
Despite constant evolution, the Google algorithm’s goal remains consistent: delivering top-quality content. Creating evergreen content based on Google’s E-E-A-T principles minimizes the impact of algorithm changes on your traffic.
SEO issue #3: Slow page speed
Slow page speed is another major SEO hurdle. Google and users alike favor fast-loading pages. In fact, a one-second delay after five seconds reduces user satisfaction by 16% and conversion rates by 4%.
Source
Page speed has always been a Google priority, amplified by the 2021 page experience update and Core Web Vitals.
How to fix it
Numerous factors can contribute to slow page speed. Fortunately, Search Console’s Core Web Vitals report and Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool can pinpoint the culprits. Here are some usual suspects.
Compress large files
Compress images to the smallest file size without compromising quality (around 70-100KB is usually achievable). Utilize free compression tools like Tinify. Be mindful of video and GIF sizes, embedding videos whenever possible and compressing or avoiding GIFs due to their potential bulk.
Compressed images retain their visual appeal despite significant size reduction, as demonstrated in this example._
Code optimization
This can be achieved through various methods, including minification (removing unnecessary characters from code), asynchronous loading (simultaneous element loading), and lazy loading (prioritizing visible page elements).
Enable caching
Caching allows browsers to save webpage copies, preventing complete reloads upon return visits. Enable caching at the browser or server level. Discover more page speed optimization tips here.
SEO issue #4: Low local rankings
Local ranking is a critical SEO issue, particularly for small businesses. Not appearing or ranking lower than competitors when searching for your service is detrimental, given the prevalence of search engines in buyer journeys.
How to fix it
The solution lies in effective local SEO. While we offer a free Local SEO course through LocaliQ’s Marketing Lab, here are some fundamental tips. Implement proper local keyword research Target keywords reflecting your services and location within your website. Integrate these keywords into page titles, URLs, headings, image files, alt text, and body content.
Optimize business listings
Utilize prominent business directories and complete your profiles comprehensively. Avoid leaving sections blank and maintain consistent information across platforms.
Generate more reviews
Reviews are crucial for local SEO ranking. Refer to our guide on how to garner more Google reviews to outperform competitors in search results. However, proximity can sometimes be a deciding factor. For instance, searching “electricians Stoughton” might prioritize closer companies over one with more reviews.
SEO issue #5: Unindexed pages
An “indexed” page is discoverable by Google, categorized, added to its index, and retrievable for relevant searches. Essentially, it means “visible on Google.”
Deliberately de-indexing pages is sometimes necessary (e.g., duplicate or gated content). However, there are instances where desired pages remain unindexed.
How to fix it
Several steps can resolve this SEO issue.
Review page settings
Firstly, verify if the page is accidentally set to “no index.” The process varies depending on your website builder, involving either a code snippet or a simple checkbox.
Request indexing
If an incorrect setting is the issue, rectify it and submit the page for indexing via Google Search Console by entering the URL.
Upon URL retrieval, the “request indexing” option appears:
Further URL inspection
If the problem persists, input the URL into Google Search Console for troubleshooting assistance. Submit for indexing after resolving any identified issues.
Add links
Google’s continuous re-crawling detects new pages for indexing. However, some are harder to find. Ensure new pages have internal and external links, providing multiple access points for Google.
Republish the page
If all else fails and a blog post remains unindexed, try unpublishing, copying its code to a new page, and republishing.
SEO issue #6: Resource limitations
This final hurdle pertains to real-world constraints: budget, bandwidth, and expertise. Effective SEO demands consistent effort and encompasses various ongoing practices like content creation and updates, technical website health checks, backlink building and monitoring, image optimization, and more. Insufficient investment in these areas can hinder results.
How to fix it
SEO is a continuous process with long-term rewards. Consider these options if budget or manpower limitations arise.
Utilize an SEO agency
Outsourcing to an agency is ideal if budget allows but bandwidth is limited. They can handle everything from one-time tasks to ongoing best practices.
Engage an SEO freelancer
With a tighter budget but more bandwidth, hire a consultant for site auditing and identifying actionable insights for your team to implement.
Leverage free SEO tools
Numerous free SEO tools can audit your site and highlight problem areas if you possess the expertise but lack budget. Ample free SEO courses and resources are also available to guide corrective actions.
Utilize our free Website Grader to assess your website’s performance potential.
Resolve your SEO issues now
SEO is a continuous endeavor demanding attention across various website aspects. While initial effort is required, the compounding results in traffic and rankings over time make it worthwhile. With the insights from this post, you’ll be well-equipped to address common SEO issues and pave the way for sustained online success.
To recap, these are the most prevalent SEO issues:
- High keyword competition or low volume
- Algorithm updates
- Slow page speed
- Low local ranking
- Unindexed pages
- Resource constraints