Technical SEO: One stone multiple ripples

Technical SEO is a critical component of an effective SEO strategy, especially for small to mid-sized businesses like attorneys, financial services, IT firms, and private colleges. At Waymaker SEO, we understand that technical issues can be a significant pain point for marketing managers who want to enhance their online visibility and deliver a seamless user experience. Let's dive into why addressing technical SEO is essential and how it can alleviate some common challenges.

Pain Point: Broken Links and User Experience

One of the most frustrating experiences for users and search engines alike is encountering broken links, missing files, or non-functioning components on your website. These issues not only lead to code errors but also create a diminished user experience. Search engine spiders can't crawl broken or missing information, which can negatively impact your site's rankings. Moreover, users are less likely to return to a site where they encounter these problems.

Why Technical SEO Matters

1. Update External Links

External links are vital for directing users to valuable resources and maintaining the credibility of your content. However, sometimes these links break because the destination page or website has changed. Regularly updating external links ensures your users have a seamless experience and keeps your content relevant. This is especially crucial if you have affiliate links with revenue potential; broken links can mean lost opportunities.

2. Refresh Customer Journeys and Call-to-Actions

Over time, your pages might attract different visitors or serve varying purposes in your sales funnel. Refreshing these pages by updating call-outs, call-to-actions, and content can guide your target audience to the right parts of your website. This process ensures that older content remains effective and aligns with your current marketing goals.

3. Earn Refresh Credit

Refreshing old content signals to search engines that your site is active and up-to-date. When you update existing content, it can be re-crawled and ideally re-indexed, potentially improving your search rankings. Enhance your titles, sentences, and formatting to reflect the latest information and trends. This approach not only benefits SEO but also provides value to your returning visitors.

4. Maintain Current Web Standards

Web standards and best practices evolve continuously. Regularly auditing your site ensures it meets current standards, such as the ADA and WCAG requirements. Older websites may lack essential elements like alt texts, which are crucial for accessibility and SEO. Keeping your site updated guarantees compliance and enhances user experience for all visitors.