Google’s algorithm changed.

Again.

This isn’t anything new, and you may be surprised to find out that Google’s algorithm changes about 13 times per day.

These daily updates don’t make too many waves in the SEO game. A couple of times a year though, Google does some core updates that significantly changes the rules, like they just did last month.

We all know that trying to work with the algorithms on social media is nearly impossible. These search algorithms also make ranking in search results nearly impossible too, since ads and Reddit take up so many spots now.

Unpopular opinion: SEO doesn’t need to be your entire marketing plan now that you have a website.

A website is only part of your overall marketing plan. Trying to stay on top of all of these algorithm changes so you can keep your top spot is a nightmare.

For a new business, Google won’t even show your website for at least 6 months. So during those months, you’re going to be doing other marketing things to get word out about your business. Maybe you’re networking, showing up on podcasts, or putting your booth up at the farmer’s market.

When your site starts to show up on Google, you’re not going to stop all of those things are you? No, because they’re already proven to grow your business.

If you find some time to start writing blog posts to try to rank on Google, great. But if you’re already busy and happy with your marketing efforts, don’t try to add SEO just because you’re supposed to. (says who, anyway? It’s your business. Do it how you want to.)

This doesn’t make a website irrelevant. And you should still have your SEO basics covered.

When you’re doing other marketing strategies like networking or podcasting, a website is still super important for validating that you’re a real, professional business.

It’s a place that you own, that you can say anything you want to about your business, that can look exactly like you want it to. It can help you lay the foundation for other marketing strategies, like email marketing.

There are still so many good reasons to have a website, and SEO doesn’t have to be one of them (unless you love SEO, in which case, go for it!)

Quick Tip:

If you want to play the SEO game, consistency is key. Create content about things people want to know about. I love answerthepublic.com to find out what questions people are asking Google.

If you’re better at speaking instead of writing, do a podcast. But if you want the SEO juju, make sure there’s a transcript on your website.

Google can’t watch videos, it can’t listen to your podcast. It’s bots can only read, so make sure you put that transcript below the podcast episode.

SEO’s a looooooong game. It will take about 6 months of regular posting before Google starts to pull you up the search results. The good news is those posts have lasting power, where social media posts are buried within a day or two.

How do you market your business? Do you play the SEO game? I’m so curious! Reply and let me know!

Talk soon!

Stacey