5 small business hacks for staying ahead of Google’s algorithm

At times, Google’s algorithm can feel a little like a toddler deciding what they want to have for tea – one minute it’s cottage pie, the next it’s spaghetti bolognese, then once you’ve chopped all the veg, they’d rather have fish fingers. One thing’s for sure – staying on top of it is no walk in the park! Thankfully, we’re here to help you navigate Google’s ever-changing moods.

If you’re a small business owner, we don’t have to tell you how important it is to stay ahead of evolving search algorithms. After all, ranking well on Google can mean the difference between healthy, consistent traffic and getting lost in a sea of competition. So, let’s make sure your site never falls victim to the latter…

Understanding the algorithm: It’s all about user intent

Google’s algorithm has one simple goal – to give users what they’re looking for. Whether people are searching for “best coffee beans near me” or “small business hacks for staying ahead of Google’s algorithm” (cough, cough), Google’s job is to provide the most relevant results.

To rank well, you’ll need the right keywords, along with high-quality content that meets user needs. But here’s the kicker – no one’s sticking around on a site that’s slow or clunky. A fast, functional website stops your customers from bouncing off as quickly as they arrived, and their dwell time signals to Google that they’ve found what they’re looking for. 

Lights, camera, SEO! 

Something else to bear in mind is the steady rise of video content. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok are not only influencing social media trends – they’re shaping how Google ranks websites (don’t forget that Google owns YouTube!). Video content is showing up more and more in search results because Google knows its users love video, making it a must-have for any website strategy.

Now, let’s talk about web hosting. If you’re looking to integrate more video into your content, your web hosting must be up to the task. Video-heavy websites require strong bandwidth, fast loading speeds, and Content Delivery Network (CDN) integration to guarantee smooth streaming. Fun fact – YouTube is the second-largest search engine after Google. So, it’s time to start thinking video-first if you aren’t already.

Slow websites = slow business. Don’t be that guy.

We’ve all been there – you click on a website and it’s loading slower than your grandma’s dial-up. Frustrating, right? A slow website leads to high bounce rates. And guess what? Google doesn’t like that. The longer your site takes to load, the less likely you are to rank well.

This is where a solid web hosting provider like Fasthosts steps in. When you partner with us, our team ensures fast load times and minimal downtime to keep your site responsive and engaging. Make speed a priority, and your visitors stay engaged – and Google takes notice.

Not all web hosts are created equal – opt for one that keeps your website zippy

Here’s the thing – not all web hosting providers are truly up to the task of keeping your site optimised. At Fasthosts, we pride ourselves on being one of the good guys, helping your website load quickly, stay secure, and remain responsive – all factors Google considers when ranking your site.

Backed by our support, you’ll have more than just a place to park your website. You get a partner that understands your evolving needs. Our easy-to-implement solutions let you focus on growth rather than tech headaches.

Hosting that’s ready to scale when you are

As your business grows, so does the traffic to your website. A surge in visitors – be it from a successful marketing campaign or a seasonal sale – can put a strain on your site if your hosting can’t keep up. And the last thing you want is for your website to crash at a critical moment.

If you want to adapt to demand with a mix of savvy SEO, engaging content (hello, video!), and fast website performance, let’s take a moment to review your hosting needs. It might just be time to make a change.