Cloudsfer Case Study
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Organic SEO Traffic Case Study #2 – How we helped Cloudsfer recover from A Google Core Algorithm Update
Google continuously rolls out several algorithm updates. We believe one of its 2-Core Algorithm updates contributed to an organic traffic drop for the Cloudsfer-Cloud data migration service website during this time.
This update was designed to help websites that had been under-rewarded in SERP results (source: Panguin Tool Algorithm Detector). As Google was rolling it out, we knew it was time to do some serious rolling of our own (of our sleeves) and carry out some serious content and on-site SEO updates.
On-Page SEO Checklist
The first thing we did when we saw the traffic drop was to rule out immediate warning flags. Is the site server down? Is there a major warning in the Search Console? Have the meta-tags been erased? Robots.txt file not blocked? Re-direct paths checked? When all this had been ruled out, we decided to take matters into our own hands.
No major changes had been made before the drop, so the next thing we investigated was the possibility of an Algorithm update.
Part 2 of the Google Core Algorithm update included the following according to Baraccuda’s Panguin Tool (A free SEO tool to help you investigate whether you’ve been impacted by Google’s algorithm updates):
Core Quality Update
“Continuing on from the major core quality update from a week previous, more major SERP flux is being reported. This update has been confirmed by Google and has been designed to help websites that have been under-rewarded. That means it is rewarding rather than penalizing. If you’ve been ‘hit,’ then it’s a case of improving quality of content and links (Expertise, Authority, Trust – EAT) and user experience quality. You’ve seen a hit because your competitors have improved.”
What we did to improve content quality, user experience and links:
- Content reports, checking for missing keywords on pillar pages
- Weaving keywords into existing content on relevant landing pages
- Adding inner links from landing pages to other landing pages, to improve user experience.
- Inner links were added from popular keywords that had dropped and needed strengthening (while referring to the latest ranking report)
- Adding keywords to landing page headings
- Implementing new content in the blog section
- Creating inner links from the Blog section
- Re-visiting and tweaking Meta-Tags
Keyword position analysis
Our SEO Tools
SEO Keywords tools
- Adwords Keyword Planner and Keyword suggestion Tool
- Ispionage Keyword Competitor Research Tool
- Moz Keyword Difficulty Index Tool
- Ubbersuggest
On-Page SEO tools
- Screaming Frog
- Google Search Console
- Varvy
- Panguin Timeline and Google Algorithm History Tool
- Ayima Re-direct path chrome extension tool
Analyzing and Adapting to the Update
To recover from a Google core algorithm update aimed at rewarding previously under-recognized sites, a thorough analysis is crucial. Begin by utilizing Google Search Console and Analytics to pinpoint specific pages and queries experiencing traffic and ranking declines. Analyze competitor strategies, focusing on their content quality, user experience, and SEO practices. This involves understanding the update’s emphasis on “helpful, reliable, people-first content” and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). Identifying areas where your content might have fallen short compared to newly elevated competitors will provide a roadmap for improvement.
Implementing Recovery Strategies
Following analysis, focus on enhancing content quality by prioritizing user intent, updating and refreshing existing content, and ensuring E-E-A-T signals are strong. Simultaneously, optimize technical SEO by addressing site speed, mobile-friendliness, site structure, and security. Building authority through quality backlinks and brand mentions is essential. Remember that recovery requires patience, as Google’s updates take time to fully implement. Continuous monitoring and adaptation to Google’s evolving guidelines are vital for long-term success.
