Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) plays a pivotal role in driving organic traffic to your website, and enhancing online visibility. As a result, sudden and unexplained drops in SEO traffic can be a cause for concern for any business, in any industry. So what are the most common causes of SEO traffic drops? And how can this be resolved?
What are the most common causes of SEO traffic drops?
There are a number of different factors that can cause SEO traffic to your website to drop, even if your PPC traffic stays the same, or increases. Some of the most common causes of SEO traffic drops include:
- Algorithm updates
- Technical issues
- Content quality
- Keyword changes or competition
- Changes in user behaviour
Algorithm updates can cause SEO traffic drops
One of the most common reasons to experience a drop in SEO traffic is an algorithm update. Search engines frequently update their algorithms to improve user experience and provide more accurate and relevant search results. As such, these algorithm changes can have a big impact on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP) and your website ranking, especially if your content or website no longer aligns with the algorithm. As a result, its important to stay up to date with algorithm changes and requirements, and to update your SEO strategy as needed.
Technical issues can cause SEO traffic drops
Technical glitches can wreak havoc on a website’s SEO performance. Issues such as slow page loading speed, broken links, and mobile responsiveness can significantly impact search engine rankings. This is because search engines prioritise user experience, so a website that fails to deliver a seamless and user-friendly experience may see a decline in its SEO traffic. Regularly auditing and addressing technical issues is imperative for maintaining a healthy website and sustaining SEO success in the long term.
Content quality can be a key factor
High quality, relevant and original content is essential for SEO, and any compromise in quality or relevance can lead to a decline in traffic. If a website’s content becomes outdated, irrelevant, or lacks depth, it may no longer rank highly on the SERP. As a result, businesses need to consistently produce high-quality, informative, and engaging content to retain a strong level of SEO traffic.
Keyword changes and competition
Keywords are essential for effective SEO as these help to establish the type of content to produce. However, changes in user search behavior or increased competition can mean that your website no longer ranks as highly for the important and relevant keywords, which will result in a drop in SEO traffic. As a result, regular keyword research is essential to staying ahead in the competitive digital landscape.
For more information or advice about SEO, web marketing and content development, get in touch with the experts today, here at Pumpkin Web Design. We are Preston’s leading web design and web marketing professionals. We provide a wide range of website solutions and SEO services across Preston and the North West, from Southport to Wigan, and even Manchester, and we work with a wide range of companies and businesses, in a variety of sectors