Imagine waking up one morning discovering a search engine blocking your website.
The mere thought of it is enough to send chills down your spine.
But why would they do that?
In this article, we’ll explore 11 important tips on how to side-step search engines blocking your website.
1. Security Certificate (SSL)
Ensure your URL starts with “https://” and has a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates a secure connection.
A safe website protects your users’ data, and builds trust and credibility.
2. Design
A clean and user-friendly design is important for retaining visitors. Avoid cluttered layouts and poor stock images.
Ensure all important sections, such as an “About Us” page, are easily accessible.
Consider responsive design to cater to mobile users.
3. Contact Information
Provide clear contact details, including a physical address, phone number, and email.
It’s a good idea to add social media icons to your website. A link to your profiles makes your site look more trustworthy.
4. Policies
Include links to your Privacy-, Shipping-, and Return Policies at the bottom of every page. This helps with your websites’ legal requirements.
Transparency in policies builds trust and reduces the risk of legal issues.
5. Realistic Deals
Unreasonable low prices mislead visitors. Such offers often raise suspicions and can damage your reputation.
Instead, offer genuine value to your customers.
6. Payment Method
Use secure payment options.
Offer different payment options that protect your buyers.
Send confirmation emails for orders and payments received. It can reassure customers and lower the chance of disputes.
7. Reviews and Ratings
Display genuine reviews and ratings for your products.
Fake reviews deceive your customers, and harm your reputation in the long run.
Encourage happy customers to leave feedback. Your response to (especially negative) reviews, demonstrates your appreciation for customer input.
8. Pop-Ups
Limit the use of pop-ups, especially those that interrupt user experience.
Ensure they provide valuable information and are easy to dismiss.
9. Updates and Maintenance
Update your website with fresh content, and product information.
Fix any broken links or outdated information to maintain a seamless experience.
10. Links
When you link to external websites, be cautious. Verify the authenticity and reputation of those websites before you link.
Spammy or malicious sites can impact your own website’s credibility and SEO.
11. Spelling and Grammar
Make sure your content is well-written and free of errors.
Poor grammar and spelling mistakes can make your website appear unprofessional and unreliable.
Use tools like spell checkers and grammar checkers to maintain quality.
So, why would search engines block your website?
With all the scams and fake sites, search engines are on high alert.
If your website seems like a phishing or malicious site to the visitor, they can report it. Search engines will act accordingly with the possibility of blocking your site.
In conclusion, start with these 11 crucial tips to avoid search engines blocking your website.
It is key to invest in skilled website developers, copywriters, editors, and designers. They can help maintain your website as a valuable asset for your company.
A strong online presence earns the trust of search engines and visitors alike.
Explore our three content audit plans