How do you think to make a website break through Google Medic?

You thought you had your website optimized for high rankings, until the August announcement about algorithm changes from Google. Google Medic is the nickname given to a recent change in the platform’s search algorithm, the step-by-step process used to find specific information online.

Several years ago, leaked information about Google’s Search Quality Ratings showed the company was establishing stricter guidelines for pages termed “Your Money or Your Life” (YMYL). YMYL sites were any deemed to affect a reader’s future happiness, health, safety or financial well-being. Google’s guidelines encouraged search quality raters to look for content on these sites to demonstrate ‘authority and expertise.’

The latest algorithm changes, reported by Google to be global and broad, appear to be raising the standards again for YMYL sites. The nickname ‘Medic’ reflects perceptions that the algorithm is focused on health and medical sites, many of which have a YMYL tone. But sites for other business sectors also saw rankings drop since the update was implemented. Some industry analysts suggest Google’s change is also adjusting for EAT metrics (expertise, authoritativeness, and trust). Honestly, with only a few weeks in and Google likely to be tweaking the algorithm, it’s too early to tell the overall impact on site rankings.

While the analysis continues, it’s important to recognize that the changes to Google’s search algorithm are significant, and its emphasis on page quality has implications for all sites.

What we know about Google’s Search Algorithm

Google wants sites to be relevant to users and to be high quality.

Quality is one of those broad terms with different meanings, but for Google, quality defines a good user experience without much advertising and with unique, useful content.
In addition, Google’s algorithm considers technical aspects, like SEO inconsistencies that make it difficult for users to navigate and understand your site.
Google looks at all pages, too, looking for problems with content, user experience, pop-up ads and SEO technical issues.

Improving your Website’s Performance on Google

Building a compelling website isn’t intuitive. If you have an existing site and have seen your rankings decline since August 1st, these steps may help you understand why:

Do a complete analysis of your website, looking for any quality issues.
Develop a plan to fix the problems.
Read Google’s Quality Rater Guidelines (QRG) and look at your site again with the guidelines in mind.
Develop a plan to fix the problems from the QRG perspective.
Talk with people who’ve used your site and get feedback.
Develop a plan to address the weaknesses users point out.
Review Google search reports.
Develop a plan to fix your technical SEO issues.
Keep publishing great content that is useful to readers, surprises them, and encourages them to share with others.
Build your EAT metrics over time by focusing on your expertise. Link your site (and content) to other profiles like Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn. Remember, Google incorporates data about links and mentions from other sources.

Did you notice how many times we mentioned ‘develop a plan and fix…’? Your website performance won’t improve with few band-aid changes in graphics or headlines. You’ll need a thorough review of every aspect of your site, followed by a complete plan for significant enhancements.

Benefits of Partnering with a Qualified Agency on Website Structure

As a business leader, you have a lot on your plate to ensure your company meets (or exceeds) objectives. Digital marketing and website optimization are essential contributors to your plan, but with industry changes like Google’s recent update happening frequently, it’s tough to keep up.

Working with a digital marketing agency gives you an off-site partner with the knowledge and skills you need to:

create content with strong SEO
build sales through PPC
increase awareness with both tools

A digital marketing agency can also support you with creative and website design elements and offer counsel about issues like landing pages, email campaigns, and social media marketing. Having an complete digital strategy for your business that aligns with sales and financial goals ensures your website and advertising deliver good ROI.

Algorithm changes like Google’s Medic Algorithm happen often across the digital landscape. Your team can’t do it all. Find a great digital marketing partner to help you stay at the top of the list, and let your team focus on keeping your business growing.