
Time on site will soon be a major ranking factor
As Google looks for new ranking factors to score websites and rank the natural sites at the top, one of the undisputable factors is time on site. Time on site cannot be maniuplated as easy as link building. Google does not necessarily “tap the analytics”, they have other ways to obtain data. For example, they can record the time that it takes for you to return back to Google after clicking a link. If you find the site you are looking for, you will probably not return back to the SERPS for at least few minutes. Here are some tips to make sure you’re site is ready for the next string of the Panda algorithm update.
Fast Load Time
Think about your own browsing habbits… the most common reason you click off a site is due to slow load time. With web design growing more complex each day, load time is being overlooked. A fast load time not only ensures that search engine browsers stay on your site longer, but Google plans to use this metric as a ranking factor. Longer load times means more stress on their servers.
Less text above the fold
This tip is more for visual appeal than for Search Engine Optimization. If you’re browsing for a keyword, and find a site loaded with text like a book, the chance of you staying on the site is small, even if the content is high. Adding graphics and images will help keep users on your site longer.
Manage the bounce rate
Run A/B style tests to try to optimize pages to find the most effective design and content to minimize the bounce rate. If a user bounces, their time on site is surely small. More often than not, they will return back to the search engine results to find another site. With this in mind, it is ever more important that you try to reduce the bounce rate.
Know your audience
We are a local Orlando SEO company. Since we are based out of Orlando Florida, we know it is important to keep results targeted. Targeted results will surely maximize the time spent on your page. For example, imagine yourself browsing thorough the web, if you find a site for a company outside your area, you are likely to leave. On the other hand, if you find a site that targets your local area, you will be more inclined to stay on the page.