After Google’s May 2020 core algorithm update, many businesses and internet marketing professionals are scrambling to discover the reason for changes in Google search rankings, which remain volatile thus far after the update.

Martin Splitt: Video Interview May 8, 2020

Interestingly in light of current events, Google’s Martin Splitt joined Search Engine Land’s Barry Schwartz for a live video interview last Friday to address common indexing issues.

Although Splitt did not take questions regarding Google rankings, the information he provided was insightful: web design should remain simple while focusing on the user experience.

Specifically, web designers should not try to reinvent the wheel with technical workarounds that can result in indexing problems. Splitt recommended not to opt for using JavaScript if there is a simpler method, which can make it easier for SEO.

Although Splitt’s comments were not specifically related to Google’s core update this month, they are a good reminder to continue following Google’s guideline of keeping website architecture and design simple for SEO purposes, while also providing a great user experience.

Related: Don’t try to reinvent the SEO wheel, says Google’s Martin Splitt

Neil Patel: Search Results, Google’s Core Algorithm Update

Neil Patel also published a very insightful article today with his analysis of Google’s May 2020 core update.

Patel’s analysis shows that good website architecture, while providing a good user experience with up-to-date content that is meaningful, is a key feature of websites that benefited from Google’s updated algorithm.

Through his analysis, Patel discovered that websites with pages that are updated regularly and share meaningful information fared far better with Google’s core update. He suggests fixing thin content, among other suggestions for improving search rankings, such as fixing SEO errors.

Take Away

The interview with Martin Splitt, and Neil Patel’s analysis, remind businesses and SEO professionals that it is important to keep web site architecture and web design simple to avoid SEO problems, while focusing on the user experience.

Furthermore, we learn again that the user experience includes up-to-date content that is meaningful. And lastly, businesses that try to “cheat” the system with eventually suffer from poor search rankings.

Learn More:

YouTube Live: Google’s May 2020 Core Algorithm Update

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