Google Search has never seen as many searches for a single topic continue over a sustained period as is happening now with COVID-19. Many searches are for news about what’s happening in local areas, such as sheltering updates or the latest on testing. Here’s how we’re helping….

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) May 4, 2020

Due to COVID, the way that people are searching the internet is rapidly and vastly changing. Search terms for COVID related topics represent the highest search term volume increase which Google has experienced since its inception. Google wants to ensure, now more than ever, that people can find pertinent and valuable information quickly especially in categories like news, medicine, politics, weather, food and health care. Other popular searches have dropped considerably in areas such as live entertainment, seasonal events, in-person services, real estate, cars, sports, luxury items, weddings, travel and tourism.

If you’ve noticed that your website’s top keyword search results have dropped considerably, now is the time to fine tune your SEO to regain the top spots that drive your business and profits. Hiring an SEO firm is highly recommended if you are unable to enact this technical and time-intensive optimization yourself.

Later today, we are releasing a broad core algorithm update, as we do several times per year. It is called the May 2020 Core Update. Our guidance about such updates remains as we’ve covered before. Please see this blog post for more about that:https://t.co/e5ZQUAlt0G

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) May 4, 2020

The May 2020 Core Update is also affecting how the pre-eminent algorithm looks at links in the on-page content, regardless of whether the links lead to other pages on your site or to external webpages or websites. Google emphasizes organic linking of value to users. The almighty search giant does not favor linking schemes created to increase or “game” a site’s SEO. Making links as natural as possible for the benefit of a user’s experience has become paramount. A skilled SEO expert can install these crucial links for the most optimal results to appeal to the criteria of this core update.

No more Panda, Penguin or Pigeon

If you’ve noticed that the more recent Google algorithm updates are listed by calendar date instead of being given a name like Penguin, Panda or Pigeon, you’ve definitely noticed the trend away from catchy update names to more sequential dated names. Boring? Yes. Utilitarian? Yes. Memorable? No. Therefore, most SEO experts are calling this update The Pandemic Update since it references the actual time of the update and the impact of the update itself.

The update itself initiated on May 4th and Google estimated the update would take approximately two weeks to unfold. Now is the best time to review your website’s Search Engine Optimization and strategize for the future. Any updates you make or that your SEO adviser makes will take time to be reflected in Google search results. This is why it’s so important to take the necessary expert steps to ensure that your site will regain its preferred positioning in the SERPs.

The post What is New in Google May 2020 Core Update? appeared first on Digital Pylon SEO.

1. Highlight a COVID-19 Statement on your website clickable to a webpage you set up for your COVID-19 FAQs
2. Develop Coronavirus FAQs so that everyone is aware of the steps you are taking to safeguard your staff, customers, products and services
3. Make statements via Social Media regarding anything important that your potential or existing customers need to know immediately such as your new business hours or policies
4. Update Online Directory Listings such as your Google Business and Yelp listings or listings on Gig and Freelancer sites to reflect changes or updates related to the viral outbreak
5. Be sure to use the Buzz Phrases (touchless delivery, contact-free, no contact, social distancing, self-isolation, quarantine) that are important for people to see about your online business especially if you deliver or ship physical items not just provide virtual products and services
6. If your business is experiencing a downturn, don’t hesitate to offer Special Deals during this time. Make sure that your deals, sales or specials don’t sound exploitative. Be sensitive to everything that people are experiencing during these stressful times
7. Be Honest and Transparent. If your business has been impacted because of the virus, share this info. Your customers would rather have honesty than dishonesty
8. Consider making a Donation to an appropriate charity in your area that is active during this crisis
9. Stay in Communication with your staff and with any vendors you have to make sure you are supporting their efforts to keeping your business going forward
10. Consider developing a Crisis Plan for COVID-19. Moreover, you should draft a plan that encompasses any crisis which could impact your business including force of nature such as earthquake or windstorm, calamity such as fire or flood …or… any other crisis

COVID-19 Ecommerce Opportunities

There is a saying – In Crisis There is Opportunity. Instead of dwelling on the downside, look for opportunities which may arise for your business. It might take creative brainstorming to develop these opportunities, because they might not be obvious. Reality is that you may also need to cut some overhead or operational costs to stay afloat. Spend more when times are good, spend less when times are tough.

Pessimism will not make you money. Adapting to a tumultuous world and maintaining a positive outlook will do more for your online business in the long run. Some of these pieces of advice may sound like platitudes, but people often panic during times like these. Now is the time to take a moment, take a deep breath and think of a way for your online business to succeed during COVID-19 and beyond.

If you are looking for quality information about coronavirus, prefer verified sources: WHO

Image: Pixabay

The post COVID-19 Crisis – 10 Steps to Take for your Online Business appeared first on Digital Pylon SEO.