Why is your website not at the top of Google? We analyze the main reasons

Getting to the top of Google is the dream of every website owner because high positions in search results mean a stable flow of visitors, increased sales and increased trust in the brand. However, the competition for leading positions is huge, and Google algorithms take into account hundreds of factors when ranking.

Many websites, even with high-quality content, do not reach the top due to technical errors, indexing problems, a weak link profile and low behavioural indicators. Andflint reminds you that for successful promotion it is necessary to identify and eliminate the factors that hinder the growth of the project. To do this, you need to understand each of the possible reasons.

Introduction to getting to the top of Google

To get to the top of the popular search engine, you need to do a significant amount of work. One of the factors that allows you to succeed in such a matter is the successful implementation of SEO, which requires a comprehensive approach:

  • technical SEO is used to correct errors and speed up the loading of the portal;
  • content strategy is aimed at creating unique, useful content with the correct structure;
  • link promotion involves obtaining high-quality external and internal links;
  • analysis of user behaviour – optimization of interaction with the site.

It is important to understand that optimization is a long and complex process. Even if the work is done correctly, it will take 3-6 months to get serious results, and to consolidate at the top it may take from 6 to 12 months.

Technical errors that hinder promotion

The technical condition of the site plays a crucial role in SEO, as Andflint reminds us. Search engines strive to offer users convenient resources with fast loading, so sites with technical problems often end up outside the top. The main technical errors that hinder promotion include:

  • slow page loading, which leads to a deterioration in user experience;
  • problems with the mobile version, due to which the site is inconvenient on smartphones;
  • incorrect indexing, which prevents the scanning of pages.

It is necessary to understand the features of each of the reasons for the technical imperfection of the portal to improve its technical indicators.

Slow website loading

Page loading speed is one of the key ranking factors. Google officially states that slow sites are lowered in search results since they negatively affect the user experience. Among the reasons that can lead to slow website performance, it is worth noting the use of detailed images. If the site uses uncompressed images that are distinguished by high resolution, then the loading will be slow. Unoptimized code, which has redundant elements, can also lead to an increase in processing time. Another problem that should be tried to eliminate is the low hosting speed. If cheap servers with low performance are used to service the site, it will be more difficult for them to cope with the loads.

Problems with the mobile version

С Since 2018, Google has been using Mobile-first Indexing, which means priority indexing of mobile versions of sites. If a site is inconvenient to view from smartphones, it loses position in the search results. Andflint identifies several main reasons that can lead to such a problem:

  • lack of adapted design;
  • presence of enlarged or reduced interface elements;
  • long loading.

The presence of hidden content can also lead to problems.

Incorrect indexing of pages

Incorrect indexing can also lead to problems. Everything is quite simple here – if the site is not indexed by search engines, it does not appear in the search. Therefore, this problem requires immediate elimination. Among the works that can help in case of incorrect indexing, it is worth highlighting the removal of noindex tags, checking sitemap.xml and eliminating duplicate content.

Errors in content

The quality of content plays a huge role in ensuring effective promotion. Google is constantly improving its algorithmic apparatus, which is used to assess the usefulness, uniqueness and compliance with user requests. If the site has poor content optimization, it will not be able to gain a foothold at the top of the Google search engine.

Low quality and non-uniqueness of texts

One of the main problems of materials posted on sites is low quality. Google is actively fighting duplicate and useless content, lowering the positions of sites with such problems. Therefore, you should immediately abandon the idea of ​​​​using simple copying of materials from relevant pages. The main disadvantages of the content may be plagiarism, the use of generated text or keyword spam. It is also necessary to pay attention to such an indicator as a lack of expertise. If the materials do not have real benefits, they will be ignored by Google search bots

Absence of keywords or their spam

SEO promotion requires a competent selection of key phrases, but their incorrect use harms ranking. The absence of keywords in the text leads to the fact that it becomes difficult for search engines to determine the topic of the page. Therefore, its chances of getting to the top of the search results will be minimal. Excessive repetition of phrases can cause a decrease in readability and can also lead to sanctions. Incorrect distribution of keys, as well as their absence in the headings, also leads to a decrease in the effectiveness of promotion.

Poor structure and navigation

Andflint reminds us of the need for competent content organization, which will help users and search engines interpret it correctly. First of all, you need to think through a clear hierarchy of subheadings. If there are large unstructured fragments of text, then they should be reworked. Complex navigation also interferes with content consumption.

Link factors

External links allow you to ensure effective ranking, without which it is impossible to gain a foothold at the top. It is important to remember that their quality is a key factor.

Lack of high-quality external links

If there are not enough high-quality external links, then it will be difficult for search algorithms to understand how authoritative the site is. Other resources simply link to it little. To eliminate the problem, you need to work on placing links on authoritative platforms. It is best to use natural mentions, avoiding buying links. High-quality external links also help strengthen the portal’s position.

Using “toxic” links

Sometimes links can harm a resource if they are placed on questionable sites. We are talking about spam sites and low-quality directories. Links from irrelevant or irrelevant pages can also cause more harm than good to the project.

Ignoring internal linking

Ignoring internal linking can also be problematic. The connection of pages within a site affects indexing and ease of navigation, so it is an important factor for reaching the top.

Problems with behavioural factors

Behavioural metrics also indicate the quality of the portal. If you do not pay due attention to them, then getting a good result will be problematic.

High bounce rate

If users do not go further than 1-2 pages, then Google considers it irrelevant. Therefore, you need to work on making the site more interesting for readers, for example, improving the quality of the content or working on advertising.

Low time on site

If users stay on the site for a minimum amount of time, then you need to create catchy content. It is also worth reviewing the interface, eliminating annoying elements.

Little interaction with content

Google takes into account whether users click on links, share materials and leave comments. If interaction with content is minimal or absent, then you should add social media buttons, organize a comment section and work on a call to action.

Conclusion

Andflint recommends taking a comprehensive approach to ensure entry into the top. To do this, it is necessary to carefully work out technical errors, improve the quality of content and design, work with links and ensure maximum user engagement. By conducting regular audits and optimization, you can achieve high positions and maintain them.