The latest update from Google is here and it’s official; as of April 29th, the Phantom is changing the kind of content websites are providing… after originally being planned for release back in 2013. This is long overdue! The name of this Google algorithm update, Phantom 2 has the internet industry stirring, eager to stay on top of Google’s ever-changing regulations, and of course, they’re rankings! Now, these changes are specific to the content quality of your site, and there’s no need for you to panic. Following this new update is so easy, and even easier if you’ve already been producing high quality content for your site, which you really should have been doing anyway.  However, it is highly recommended that you still take the tie to find out what is different with the Phantom 2 from the previous Panda and Penguin updates, and more importantly, find out how it will affect your website and the quality of your content.

Google Wants The Best

One must always keep in mind that there are copious amounts of elements that Google uses for ranking, and this one is said to be a calling for quality, placing high importance on the quality of the content that you provide. In other words, your website should really provide an optimal user experience, and Google is giving ranking kudos to those that do just that. This could also be why they recently placed emphasis on responsive design websites as well. It all makes sense because high quality content is a win-win for everyone – the website owner, the users, marketers and advertisements and of course, Google. So, if you produce thin content with not much substance or utilize some sort of bots, you could be in trouble. Google is narrowing in on its target.

How to Have a High-Quality Website

In short, it doesn’t take much to have sufficient quality that Google won’t be disappointed with. Some things to take into consideration is to ensure that your website is well-organized and easy for your users to navigate through. The URL that you use, as well as your site’s loading speed should also be of priority because Google will certainly dock those that don’t follow. As mentioned previously, responsive web design is also a huge bonus and plus in the eyes of Google (and your viewers), and lastly, content. Never underestimate your content – especially now with the Phantom update.

quality-control-571148_1280The Basics of High-Quality Content

It’s very easy to produce high quality information. You just have to accompany it with relevant images, and, at best, custom-designed infographics that are, of course, also relevant.  The content should also be formed around excellent keywords specific to your niche and what the user is looking for, and the content should be natural – not robotic or too rehearsed. However, that’s not to mention that sometimes ‘thin content’ seems realistic. For example; if you’re advertising your carpentry services on your website, it would make sense to have simple, straight forward sentences such as “I am a carpenter and ready to take on any task you have”. Knowing how to enhance this will come with great benefits. Try to add in your geological location and incorporate content that is going to be helpful to those looking to do some carpentry in their home. Remember, Google is all about websites providing the best user experience, so even if you can provide simple and basic content, elaborate. That is the key.

Is Your Content Good?

An easy way to check out how good the quality of your website is, take a look at your Google Analytics and measure the audiences’ engagement. Look for the time that is spent on the site, a low bounce rate and even how many times the content gets shared. If your numbers have significantly taken a drop lately, your Google Analytics are another place to look to see why the sudden change. It could mean that the quality of your content has to be enhanced.

Practice the Google Quality Guidelines

As a website owner, you should know and practice the Google Guidelines like its your bible.  Here are some very important things to remember that are specific to ensuring that you are producing high quality content on your website.

Re-Read Your Content

It’s easy to write a piece and think it’s flawless, but you’ll be surprised at how many errors can be found in your content. Go over everything that you write – at least once. As for the content that you already have produced and published, look over that as well. Scan over your homepage and if you don’t have much information (or SEO practices infused on the main page), it is something to consider. Remember, Google wants the best user experience. There are only basics, so take the time to read, understand and follow Google’s quality outlines. This is a surefire way to see how Google separates good quality from the rest.

No Shortcuts

It can be easy to want to bust out content infused with SEO, but Google is catching on to these things. You really need to forget about the shortcuts and invest the time to creating content that is informative and that the audience wants to receive. As mentioned previously, unnatural sounding content is not favored by Google. So, try to flip the switch a bit and see yourself as a view of your website. Would you find the information on your website useful, sharable and make you want to come back? If not, you may want to go back up to the “re-read your content” step and revamp your content, and avoid shortcuts in the future so that you don’t have to waste time going back and fixing everything once again.

Luckily, this new Google algorithm update is so easy to comply with. You just have to provide content that is good; that makes people want to read and share and visit your site again. No more bots, or generic information. Do the work and Google will reward you, thanks to the Phantom 2.