In episode #524, Eric and Neil discuss what to do when you get hit by a Google algorithm update. Tune in to hear why diversification is so important.

Time-Stamped Show Notes:

• [00:27] Today’s Topic: What You Should Do When You Get Hit by a Google Algorithm Update
• [00:42] Eric likes to check Search Engine Roundtable, because they talk about algorithmic updates and signals from different SEO tools (Moz Cast).
• [01:02] He tries to correlate this information with things happening on his site and what steps he can take to fix the problems.
• [01:17] In December, Eric and Neil noticed their search traffic declining. So, they knew an update was happening.
• [01:48] They noticed people who were talking about losing their rankings.
• [01:57] SEroundtable is calling the current algorithm the “Maccabees Update”.
• [02:10] There is a trend where blogs are getting fewer hits. Sometimes you just have to wait it out and weather the storm.
• [02:55] Changing too many things in your content, could have adverse effects.
• [03:10] You don’t want to be reactionary.
• [03:41] Wait it out and follow the advice of the people at sites like SEroundtable.
• [04:13] You have to diversify. If you get hit with an algorithm change, that could be the difference between six or seven figures of business.
• [04:38] Organic traffic at Single Grain is about 60-70%.
• [05:02] To diversify his website, Eric would focus on emails.
• [05:20] Neil gets 50% organic traffic.
• [05:39] Eric tries to diversify further by focusing on the multiple touchpoints you can use to reach out to new followers (YouTube, etc.)
• [06:23] Neil is getting a million views per month.
• [06:50] Paid ads is a great way to get your numbers up. Companies wouldn’t keep spending money unless there was an ROI.
• [07:05] You can use services like Taboola and Outbrain, re-marketing pixels, and social media as marketing channels.
• [07:20] Tweet ten times per day and see if it increases your website traffic. Experiment!
• [07:40] Come up with ways to get increased traffic through your different marketing channels.
• [07:44] Use push notifications.
• [07:57] Drift or Facebook Messenger are great live chat options to gain followers.
• [08:07] You can tie Facebook Messenger in with Zapier.
• [08:21] Use the signals they are using to gauge their traffic and success.
• [08:41] That’s it for today!
• [08:43] Go to singlegrain.com/giveaway if you want to get in on a special giveaway opportunity!

Leave some feedback:

• What should we talk about next? Please let us know in the comments below.
• Did you enjoy this episode? If so, please leave a short review.

Connect with us:

• NeilPatel.com
• Quick Sprout
• Growth Everywhere
• Single Grain
• Twitter @neilpatel
• Twitter @ericosiu