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James Williams

A needle in a haystack! Most people don’t know this little secret!



Most people don’t know this little secret, yet more often than not they crack on, unknowingly wasting time, money, and resources all whilst missing out on potential sales.


So what gives?


Did you know? Your website's visibility online isn't just about its design and content—it's also deeply tied to how search engines like Google perceive and index it. That's right, if you don't have the right things in place on your website google will effectively fail to show your content to the masses, just what it is you have to offer. These search engines rely on complex algorithms to crawl and index billions of web pages, determining which ones to display in search results. "You are one in a billion".


While a website's design and content are crucial for attracting visitors, its online visibility hinges on how search engines like Google perceive and rank it.  Imagine your website as a hidden gem in a vast library. Search engines act like librarians, constantly crawling and indexing billions of web pages to determine the most relevant for specific searches.

Here's how Google, the world's most popular search engine, goes about its business:


What is Crawling: Google dispatches special software programs called "crawlers" that scour the internet, following links from one webpage to another.


What is Indexing: Once a webpage is crawled, Google analyses its content, structure, and various other factors to understand what it's about. This information is then stored in a massive database called the "search index."


What is Ranking: When a user enters a search query, Google taps into its search index and uses complex algorithms to rank the most relevant web pages. These algorithms consider a multitude of factors, like the web page's content, keywords, mobile-friendliness, and even how other websites link to it.


The Importance of Google Score (unofficial):

While Google doesn't publicly disclose its exact ranking algorithm, SEO experts have developed tools to estimate a website's "Google Score."  These tools consider various factors that Google might use for ranking, such as mobile responsiveness, page speed, and keyword usage.  Think of it as a report card that highlights areas where your website excels and areas for improvement in terms of search engine visibility.


Why is a Good Google Score Important?

A high Google score translates to better search engine ranking, meaning your website appears closer to the top of search results when users enter relevant keywords. This can significantly increase organic traffic, attracting potential customers or readers who wouldn't have found your website otherwise. For instance, imagine you run a bakery with a fantastic website showcasing your delicious treats.  A good Google score ensures that when people search for "best bakery near me," your website appears on the first page of search results, driving more customers to your door (or online store!).


There are two main reasons why having a privacy policy and accessibility policy on your website is crucial:


1. Building Trust and Transparency:

  • Privacy Policy: In today's digital age, users are increasingly concerned about how their data is collected, used, and shared online. A clear and concise privacy policy demonstrates your commitment to user privacy. It outlines what information you collect from visitors, how you use it, and with whom you might share it (if applicable). This transparency builds trust and fosters a positive user experience.

  • Accessibility Policy: An accessibility policy shows your commitment to making your website usable for everyone, regardless of their abilities. This could include users with visual impairments, hearing impairments, motor limitations, or cognitive disabilities. By outlining how your website meets accessibility standards (e.g., proper use of alt text for images, and keyboard navigation options), you demonstrate inclusivity and ensure everyone can access your content.


2. Legal Compliance and Avoiding Issues:

  • Privacy Policy: Many countries and regions have data privacy regulations like GDPR (EU) and CCPA (California). Having a privacy policy that complies with these regulations helps you avoid hefty fines and legal repercussions for mishandling user data.

  • Accessibility Policy: While not always mandated by law, accessibility policies are becoming increasingly important. Some countries and institutions require websites to meet specific accessibility standards, and non-compliance could lead to legal challenges or exclusion from certain opportunities.


Additional Benefits:

  • Improved Brand Reputation: Strong privacy and accessibility policies showcase your commitment to ethical data practices and inclusivity. This can enhance your brand reputation and attract users who value these principles.

  • SEO Benefits (to a lesser extent): While not a direct ranking factor, some search engines might give slight preference to websites that demonstrate user-friendliness and accessibility.


"Overall, having a privacy policy and accessibility policy on your website is not just about legal compliance, it's about building trust, and transparency, and ensuring a positive user experience for everyone who visits your site".


Like it or lump it! Many SEO tools assign a score based on a variety of factors, often on a scale of 1-100 or 1-10 and here's a general guideline you can use to interpret these scores:


  • 7 and Above: This is considered a good score, indicating your website is well-optimized for search engines and likely ranks well for relevant keywords.

  • 4-6: This falls into the average range. There's room for improvement, but your website might still appear for some searches.

  • Below 4: This signifies a poor score, suggesting your website might struggle to rank well in search results.


Several online tools can help you estimate your website's Google score. Here are a few popular options:


Remember, these tools provide estimates, but they can be a valuable starting point for understanding your website's search engine optimization (SEO) health. By optimizing your website's content, structure, and user experience, you can improve your Google score and climb the search engine rankings ladder!


The critical factor in this process is ensuring that your website meets Google's guidelines. These guidelines encompass various aspects, including accessibility features that make your site usable for people with disabilities, such as proper alt text for images and keyboard navigation options. Additionally, having clear and comprehensive privacy policies is crucial for establishing trust with users and complying with legal requirements, which also impacts your site's indexing.


By aligning with these guidelines you not only enhance the user experience but also make it easier for search engines to understand and rank your website. This can significantly improve your online visibility, making it more likely for your site to appear in relevant search results and attract organic traffic.


So, next time you're optimizing your website or creating new content, remember the importance of adhering to Google's guidelines. It's not just about meeting regulatory requirements—it's about leveraging the power of algorithms to boost your online presence and reach your target audience effectively.


In the first instance, be my guest and see for yourself. Check your website out: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/9012289?hl=en


I hope this information helps you.

If you need any further advice on SEO, how your website is performing, and how to improve your score. please get in touch for a free, no-obligation consultation. www.sigmaworx.co.uk

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