A sudden drop in your website’s ranking can be pretty alarming, especially if you’re in digital marketing or eCommerce and tracking your site’s progress closely.
But there’s no need to panic — drops happen, and with the right steps, you can get back on track. Keeping an eye on your rankings is essential to catch changes early, and since Google rolls out thousands of algorithm updates each year, staying current on standards is a must.
Before making any adjustments, the first order of business is to identify what’s behind the ranking drop. This intro guide covers the top tips for recovering from lower rankings so you can pinpoint the issue, take targeted action, and work your way back up in the search results.
What Are The Tips For Recovering From Lower Rankings?
#1. WAS YOUR WEBSITE PENALIZED BY GOOGLE?
Seeing your website’s ranking take a nosedive can feel like a punch to the gut, right? You’ve put in all that effort, and now it seems like it’s all slipping away. One of the first things that might pop into your head is, “Did Google penalize me?” It’s a reasonable thought, but hold up—before you start stressing out, let’s slow down and dig into it.
Most of the time, a ranking drop isn’t because of a penalty, so don’t panic just yet. If you haven’t been dabbling in dodgy SEO tactics like buying links or stuffing keywords, chances are you’re not dealing with a penalty. So, take a deep breath and don’t jump to conclusions.
Now, if you’ve been involved in some not-so-ethical SEO practices, like trying to game the system with sketchy link-building schemes, then yeah, a penalty might be the reason your site’s rankings dropped. But here’s the good news: If Google did penalize you, they’d let you know through Google Search Console (formerly Webmaster Tools). So, before you let your imagination run wild, head over there and see if you’ve received any notifications from Google.
Don’t Freak Out Until You’ve Got the Facts
It’s easy to spiral into panic mode when your rankings take a hit, but let’s keep it cool and take it step by step. First, before you start pulling your hair out, check the facts. Use this as an opportunity to look into tips for recovering from lower rankings. Look for technical issues, thin content, or any Google updates that could’ve caused the drop.
If You Did Get Penalized, Here’s What to Do
Okay, so let’s say you checked Google Search Console, and bam—you’ve got a penalty. Don’t worry; it’s not the end of the world. In fact, if you’re following the right tips for recovering from lower rankings, you can bounce back. Here’s how to get started:
#1. Check Google Search Console: This is your go-to place for any messages or notifications from Google about manual actions. If you’ve got a penalty, you’ll see it here.
#2. Pinpoint the Issue: What exactly caused the drop? Was it shady backlinks? Thin content? Identifying the issue is step one in fixing it.
#3. Clean Up Your Act: If you’ve been using sketchy SEO tactics, it’s time to clean house. Remove any harmful backlinks, update your content to add real value, and make sure your site follows Google’s guidelines to the letter.
#4. Submit a Reconsideration Request: Once you’ve fixed the issues, don’t just sit back and hope for the best. Head to Google Search Console and submit a reconsideration request to let them know you’ve cleaned up your act.
#5. Monitor the Results: Recovery takes time. Keep checking your rankings and traffic to see if you’re climbing back up the ladder. Be patient—it won’t happen overnight.
Whether or not you’ve been penalized, the best thing you can do is stay on top of your SEO. Regularly update your content, clean up your backlink profile, and stay informed about Google’s ever-changing algorithms. This way, you’ll not only avoid penalties in the future, but you’ll also be ready to use tips for recovering from lower rankings if things go south again.
SEO is a long game, and staying calm, being proactive, and following solid strategies will help you navigate any bumps along the way. So, don’t let a drop in rankings throw you off track. Take a step back, assess the situation, and use these tips for recovering from lower rankings to get your website back to its rightful place in the search results.
#2. YOUR WEBSITE COULD BE HAVING LINK-RELATED ISSUES
So, your website’s ranking has taken a dive, huh? Well, one big reason for that could be link-related issues. In the world of SEO, backlinks are like your website’s votes of confidence—think of them as the friends vouching for you. The more quality links you’ve got pointing to your site, the higher you’re going to climb on Google’s search results. But, if your link profile is shaky or full of spammy links, it can bring your rankings down faster than a bad review.
Before you start pulling your hair out, it’s time to do some digging. A link audit is the first step in figuring out if your link profile is causing your rankings to tank. Trust me, this is something you don’t want to skip, because a solid link profile is crucial for your SEO success. Use a reliable backlink tool to see where all your links are coming from and check if any of them are, well, less-than-ideal.
If you’ve got low-quality or spammy links pointing to your site, they’re dragging you down in the rankings. It’s kind of like having bad company around—you need to cut ties with them. A backlink tool will help you spot these bad links, which could include links from link farms, irrelevant sites, or even malicious websites.
Once you’ve identified the culprits, it’s time to take action. The next step is removing those bad links like they’re hot potatoes. Reach out to the webmasters of the sites linking to you and ask them to remove those links. If that doesn’t work, you can always use Google’s Disavow tool to tell them, “Hey, I don’t want these links counted against me.”
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
This is where the tips for recovering from lower rankings come into play. Once you’ve cleaned up your link profile and gotten rid of those harmful links, you’ll want to rebuild your reputation. Here are some actions you can take:
#1. Focus on Quality Over Quantity: Don’t just focus on getting any link you can; go for high-quality, relevant backlinks that are coming from authoritative websites in your niche. These types of links will carry way more weight than random, low-quality ones.
#2. Create Link-Worthy Content: Publish content that people want to link to. If you create guides, studies, infographics, or in-depth content that’s useful and shareable, others will naturally want to link back to your site. You’d be surprised how much great content can improve your backlink profile.
#3. Reach Out for Links: Be proactive! If you have content that’s valuable, reach out to bloggers, journalists, or influencers in your industry and ask for a link. The more genuine, personal, and relevant your outreach is, the better your chances of landing those valuable backlinks.
#4. Monitor Your Backlink Profile Regularly: It’s not enough to just clean up your links once. Make it a habit to check your backlink profile regularly to make sure it stays clean and strong. Regular audits can prevent future ranking drops from link issues.
Once you’ve cleaned up your links and followed these tips for recovering from lower rankings, don’t just sit back and relax. SEO is an ongoing game. By maintaining a healthy link profile and keeping an eye on your backlinks, you’ll keep your rankings on the up-and-up.
At the end of the day, recovering from link-related ranking issues is totally doable—it just takes a bit of work and some consistent effort. But with the right approach, you’ll not only bounce back but come back stronger than ever.
#3. UPDATE LINKS, XML SITEMAPS, AND CANONICAL TAGS IF YOU MADE A STRUCTURAL CHANGE TO YOUR WEBSITE
So, you’ve gone and made some big changes to your website—maybe even a full redesign or migration. That’s awesome, but before you get too excited about your fresh look, let’s talk about the impact those changes could have on your rankings. If you’ve shifted things around too much, it could mess with how Google sees your site, and that might cause a drop in your rankings.
When you change things up on your website, like migrating to a new server or restructuring your pages, you have to make sure all your technical SEO elements are still on point. That includes updating your links, XML sitemaps, and canonical tags. If you skip this step, Google might have trouble crawling and indexing your new setup, and that’s a surefire way to tank your rankings.
The Importance of 301 Redirects and Updating Canonical Tags
First off, if you’ve moved any pages around or deleted old ones, it’s crucial to set up 301 redirects. This tells Google and other search engines that the page has permanently moved to a new location, ensuring your link equity doesn’t get lost in the shuffle. Without these redirects, visitors (and search engines) will hit 404 errors, which will harm your site’s SEO and user experience.
Also, don’t forget about those canonical tags. If you’re making structural changes, ensure your canonical tags are updated to point to the right pages. These tags help Google understand which version of a page it should consider as the “main” one, so make sure everything aligns. If you don’t keep these in check, it could lead to duplicate content issues, which won’t do your rankings any favors.
Don’t Forget Your XML Sitemaps
Now, let’s talk about your XML sitemaps. These are like the roadmap for Google to find and index all the important pages on your website. If you’ve made significant changes to your site’s structure, you’ve got to update your sitemap to reflect those changes. After all, if Google can’t easily find your new pages or understand your website’s new layout, it’s going to have a tough time indexing everything properly.
Once you’ve updated your sitemap, go ahead and submit it in Google Search Console to give Google a heads-up about the changes. This helps speed up the crawling and indexing process.
Image and Video Uploads: Could They Be Slowing You Down?
Now, if you’ve been uploading a ton of images or videos to your pages, it’s important to keep an eye on your page speed. All those media files can slow your page down if they’re not properly optimized. A slower page means a worse user experience and can contribute to a drop in your rankings. But don’t sweat it—Google’s PageSpeed Insights tool can help identify if your page speed has taken a hit and give you actionable tips for speeding it back up.
You might need to compress those images or use modern formats like WebP to reduce load times without sacrificing quality. If you’re dealing with large video files, consider hosting them externally (like on YouTube or Vimeo) rather than directly on your site. This can take a load off your server and improve your site’s overall performance.
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
So, what are the tips for recovering from lower rankings if you’ve made changes to your site? Well, after updating your links, sitemaps, canonical tags, and optimizing your media files, here’s what you should do next:
#1. Check Your Redirects: If you’ve moved pages or changed URLs, make sure you’ve got those 301 redirects in place to preserve your link equity. Don’t let old links lead to dead ends.
#2. Update Your Canonical Tags: Ensure they’re pointing to the correct, most relevant versions of your pages. This will help Google understand your content better and avoid any duplicate content penalties.
#3. Optimize Your Media: Compress images, videos, and other heavy files to boost your page speed. Google loves a fast website, and so do your visitors.
#4. Monitor Your Site in Google Search Console: This tool is your best friend when it comes to seeing how Google views your website. Regularly check for crawl errors, manual actions, and any warnings that could indicate issues after your site changes.
#5. Run a Technical SEO Audit: If you’ve made big changes, it’s always a good idea to run a technical SEO audit. This will give you a comprehensive view of any issues that might be hurting your rankings.
#6. Give It Time: Sometimes, rankings can take a little time to adjust after changes. Be patient and keep monitoring your site’s performance over time.
When you make changes to your website’s structure or migration, don’t just focus on the shiny new look—take the time to update all the technical SEO elements that will help Google understand your site better. By keeping everything up to date, you’ll help prevent drops in rankings and speed up your recovery if things do take a dip.
#4. YOUR WEBSITE MIGHT NEED A LITTLE TLC
If you’ve tried all the other tips and your rankings are still in the dumps, it might be time to give your website some much-needed TLC. When the rankings are slipping, it could be a sign that your site’s user experience or design isn’t cutting it anymore. It’s easy to get caught up in content creation or chasing backlinks, but at the end of the day, if your website isn’t offering a smooth, enjoyable experience for visitors, Google is going to notice—and so will your audience.
To be blunt, a website that looks old, clunky, or feels hard to navigate is going to lose visitors fast. And when you lose visitors, your rankings will take a hit. So, how do you improve your website when things aren’t going your way? Well, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty.
#1. User Experience
Let’s talk about user experience (UX). A good UX can make or break a website. You might have all the right keywords, a killer backlink strategy, and top-notch content, but if your site is hard to use, it’s like building a mansion on a shaky foundation. It might look pretty, but it’s going to fall apart.
Consider this: Are visitors finding what they need within a few seconds of landing on your page? Can they easily navigate your site and get to the content or product they’re after? If not, it’s time to step up your UX game. This means simplifying your navigation, making sure your pages load fast, and ensuring your site works seamlessly on both desktop and mobile.
#2. Website Design
Now, let’s get into website design. If your site looks outdated, that can hurt more than just the user experience—it can also hurt your SEO. Google’s algorithms prioritize sites that are mobile-friendly, visually appealing, and easy to use. If your site isn’t ticking these boxes, it might be time for a refresh.
You don’t have to redesign the whole thing from scratch, but consider upgrading your layout, updating images, or even rethinking your color scheme to make it more modern and user-friendly. Think about your audience and what would make their browsing experience smoother. If they can find what they’re looking for easily and enjoy a visually appealing experience, Google will reward you with better rankings.
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
When it comes to tips for recovering from lower rankings, sometimes the issue is less about the technical SEO aspects and more about the user’s overall experience. If your site isn’t offering the best possible experience, fixing that can be a game-changer for your rankings.
#1. Mobile-Friendly Design: More than half of web traffic comes from mobile devices. Make sure your site is responsive and loads quickly on all devices. Google loves mobile-optimized sites and rewards them with higher rankings.
#2. Speed Optimization: If your pages take forever to load, visitors won’t stick around. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to see how fast your site loads and get actionable recommendations on how to improve it.
#3. Easy Navigation: Make sure your visitors can easily find their way around your site. A clear menu, logical structure, and well-organized content will keep people on your site longer, reducing bounce rates and boosting rankings.
#4. Visual Appeal: A clean, modern design isn’t just nice to look at—it’s a ranking factor. If your site looks unprofessional, visitors may leave faster, and search engines will notice the high bounce rate, which can hurt your SEO.
When everything else fails, the best thing you can do is take a step back and refine your website. Improving user experience and giving your site a design makeover might just be the boost you need to recover from lower rankings. After all, if people are having a tough time navigating your site, they’re not going to stick around, and Google’s going to take that as a sign that your site isn’t offering enough value.
Remember, these tips for recovering from lower rankings are all about giving your visitors the best possible experience. And when your visitors are happy, Google will be happy, too. So, roll up your sleeves, put some love into your site, and watch those rankings climb back up.
Remember, these tips for recovering from lower rankings are all about staying on top of your technical SEO and ensuring everything is optimized for both search engines and your visitors. Keep your site running smoothly, and those rankings will be back on track in no time.
#5. DON’T GO IT ALONE – GET SOME EXPERT HELP
If you’ve noticed your website’s rankings taking a nosedive and can’t figure out why, it’s possible that the culprit is a Google algorithm update. Google’s algorithms are constantly changing, sometimes multiple times a day. This can mess with your rankings without any clear warning. One day you’re cruising along at the top, and the next—poof! You’re nowhere to be found on the first page.
But before you go pulling your hair out, don’t panic. This happens to the best of us. If the issue is Google’s ever-evolving algorithm, it’s best not to play the guessing game. That’s where getting expert help comes into play. SEO specialists live and breathe these updates. They’re dialed in on how these changes impact rankings, and they know how to tweak your strategy to bounce back strong.
Why Call in the Experts?
The thing is, SEO isn’t something you can master overnight. It’s a bit of an ongoing learning curve, and you’ll hit bumps along the way. Google’s algorithm updates can sometimes be a mystery to even the most seasoned SEO pros, and trying to keep up with them by yourself can be like chasing your tail.
By bringing in an SEO expert, you’ll be working with someone who’s not just aware of the changes but knows how to adjust your website’s content, links, and technical aspects accordingly. They’ll dive into the specifics of what needs tweaking to get your rankings back on track. Whether it’s refining your content, making technical improvements, or adjusting your keyword strategy, these pros will know exactly what steps to take.
Patience is Key
Now, if after all your efforts, you still can’t figure out why your rankings are in the dumps, it might just be a case of waiting it out. Sometimes, after a major algorithm update, it takes a few weeks for things to settle down. Even though it might be tempting to keep tweaking things every few days, remember that patience is a virtue—especially when it comes to SEO. Rankings don’t bounce back overnight, and no amount of quick fixes is going to bring them back faster.
This is where SEO specialists can really shine. They can tell you whether the drop is temporary (due to something like an algorithm shift) or if there’s a more significant issue that requires action. Either way, they’ll help you ride out the storm.
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
When you’re recovering from lower rankings, getting expert advice and being patient are some of the most important tips for recovering from lower rankings. But here are a few additional things to keep in mind:
#1. Stay on top of algorithm updates: Google’s updates often affect different websites in different ways. If your rankings took a hit right after an update, this could be the reason. Tracking these updates will help you understand whether your site needs adjusting or if you just need to wait it out.
#2. Audit your site regularly: Regularly checking your site’s performance can help you spot potential issues before they become ranking problems. An SEO expert can help you with this, but having your own basic understanding of how your website performs can go a long way.
#3. Avoid the temptation to over-optimize: After a drop, it can be tempting to throw in a bunch of new keywords or change everything at once. This could backfire. Sometimes, the best move is to stay calm and steady and focus on quality content and natural SEO improvements.
#4. Focus on long-term growth: SEO isn’t about short-term wins. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. Work with experts who understand this, and they’ll guide you toward sustainable growth.
So, if your rankings have taken a hit and you’re scratching your head trying to figure out why, take a deep breath. It might just be an algorithm update that’ll resolve itself. But if you’re in the weeds, don’t hesitate to get expert help. SEO experts have the skills and knowledge to get you back on track, while you focus on other aspects of your business.
#6. KEEP AN EYE ON THE COMPETITION
Let’s face it—there’s a good chance that your competitors are gunning for the same spot on the search engine results page (SERP) as you. So, if you’ve noticed your rankings slipping, it could be because they’ve made some strategic moves that put them a step ahead. While it’s tempting to just chalk it up to bad luck, the reality is that your competition might be pulling out all the stops to improve their rankings. Tip for recovering from lower rankings? Start by keeping tabs on what your competitors are up to.
Why Should You Keep an Eye on Your Competitors?
When you’re focused on improving your rankings, it’s easy to get stuck in your own bubble, tweaking your website without considering what your rivals are doing. But remember, SEO is a competitive sport. If they’ve made some game-changing adjustments—like optimizing content, upgrading their backlinks, or improving site speed—it could give them the edge over you. Sometimes, the reason your rankings are taking a hit is because your competitors have jumped ahead with a smarter strategy.
It’s not always your entire website that takes a dive. In some cases, specific pages on your site might drop while others still perform well. That could mean that your competitor is outranking you on a particular topic or keyword, leaving you in the dust.
How to Keep an Eye on Your Competitors
You don’t need to be a Sherlock Holmes to keep track of your competition. Start by doing a little bit of sleuthing with the right tools:
#1. Competitor Analysis Tools: Use tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, or Moz to dig into your competitors’ keywords, backlinks, and content strategies. These tools will let you compare their performance with yours and spot any significant changes they’ve made that might’ve boosted their rankings.
#2. Monitor SERP Changes: Keep a watch on the SERPs for the keywords you’re targeting. If your competitors suddenly jump to the top spots, it’s worth taking a closer look at their site’s changes. Sometimes, even small adjustments to a page’s content, layout, or metadata can make a big difference in rankings.
#3. Social Listening: Social media is another goldmine for gathering insights into your competitors. See what content is getting shared, what people are talking about, and how your competitors engage with their audience. This can help you identify potential gaps in your strategy or areas where they’re outperforming you.
What to Do Once You’ve Identified Changes
Once you’ve noticed what your competitors are doing right, don’t just sit on that knowledge. Act on it:
#1. Upgrade Your Content: If your competitors are ranking higher because they have more in-depth or engaging content, it’s time to beef up yours. Whether it’s adding more value, refreshing outdated info, or making your content more engaging with visuals and interactive elements, make sure your content isn’t just good—it’s better.
#2. Refine Your Backlink Strategy: If your competitor has stronger backlinks, you’ll need to build yours up. Look at where their links are coming from and try to earn similar, if not better, links for your site. This could involve guest blogging, influencer outreach, or even creating content that’s more likely to get shared.
#3. Improve Technical SEO: If your competitor has a faster, more user-friendly website, it might be time to focus on your site’s technical SEO. This includes fixing broken links, optimizing images, ensuring mobile compatibility, and making your site more responsive overall.
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
Tracking your competitors’ moves is an important part of your tips for recovering from lower rankings. By identifying areas where they’re outpacing you, you can make the necessary adjustments to level the playing field. But remember, improving your website’s performance isn’t just about copying what others are doing—it’s about learning from their success and applying it in a way that benefits your unique site.
#1. Focus on what works: You don’t need to mimic every move your competitors make, but take the time to analyze their strategies and adapt them to suit your own website’s goals. Make sure your changes align with what’s best for your business.
#2. Consistency is Key: It’s easy to get discouraged when you see your competitors climbing the ranks, but keep your eye on the prize. SEO is a long game. Consistently improving your website, updating your content, and earning high-quality backlinks will eventually pay off.
If your rankings have slipped, don’t panic—take a step back and look at what your competitors are up to. By keeping an eye on their changes and adapting your strategy accordingly, you’ll be able to recover from lower rankings in no time.
Tips for recovering from lower rankings don’t just stop at technical fixes and content updates—they also involve understanding the competition and adjusting your game plan. Stay proactive, stay informed, and you’ll climb your way back up in no time
In the meantime, keep these tips for recovering from lower rankings handy, stay patient, and trust that with the right guidance, your rankings will rise once again.
#7. ENSURE YOUR WEBSITE IS FREE FROM MALWARE
If your website has been hacked, it can feel like a punch in the gut. Not only does it mess with your brand’s credibility, but it can also tank your SEO ranking. The good news is that you can bounce back from it—but it’s going to take some work. First thing’s first: you need to clean up your site and plug any security holes. And I’m not just talking about fixing the visuals or adding a few new blog posts. You’ve got to ensure your site is completely free of malware, spam, and anything else that can mess with your rankings.
Why is Website Security So Important for SEO?
When your website gets hacked, malware and spam can sneak in, wreaking havoc not just on your content but on how Google perceives your site. Search engines don’t want to show their users risky or harmful websites, so they’ll penalize or even de-index sites that are compromised.
Here’s how to protect your site and get it back on track:
#1. Scan for Malware: The first step in recovering from lower rankings is to identify and remove any malware that’s been injected into your site. Use a website security tool or a plugin to scan your site for malware. Tools like Wordfence (for WordPress) or Sucuri’s SiteCheck can help you detect hidden threats that might be damaging your site.
#2. Fix Security Loopholes: Hackers love finding weak spots in your website’s security. Whether it’s outdated software, weak passwords, or a vulnerable hosting environment, these gaps need to be sealed up fast. If you’re not sure where the issues are, consider hiring an expert to run a full security audit.
#3. Remove Harmful Content: If your site has been hacked, there’s a chance that spam content, unwanted redirects, or malware have been placed on your site without your knowledge. Not only does this hurt the user experience, but Google will penalize you for it. Make sure to eliminate any malicious content before moving forward.
#4. Recover Your Backlinks: If your site was once hosting malicious content, it’s possible that your backlinks could’ve been affected. After cleaning up your site, reach out to any websites that may have linked to your site and let them know you’ve resolved the issue. This will help rebuild trust in your domain and improve your ranking.
How Does Malware Impact Rankings?
Malware doesn’t just affect the look of your website—it can directly impact your SEO performance. Google’s algorithms are designed to flag harmful sites that might expose users to malicious software, which means they’ll likely penalize any site that’s been compromised. The results? Lower rankings and loss of organic traffic.
Furthermore, if Google’s security team detects harmful content on your website, they may show a warning to users who attempt to visit your site, warning them that it could be harmful. This creates a poor user experience and pushes potential visitors (and search engines) away.
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
So, now that you’ve cleaned up your site and plugged the security holes, how do you bounce back? Tips for recovering from lower rankings after a hack involve more than just fixing the malware issue. You need to rebuild your site’s reputation and reestablish trust with both users and search engines.
#1. Rebuild Trust with Google: Once your site is clean, you’ll want to notify Google that you’ve fixed the problem. This can be done through Google Search Console. Submit a reconsideration request to let Google know that you’ve removed the harmful content and taken the necessary steps to prevent it from happening again.
#2. Recover Your Reputation: A hacker might have used your site to post spammy links or send out emails, which can damage your reputation. Start by improving your content—focus on high-quality, useful content that answers your audience’s questions. This will help you show Google and your users that your site is legitimate and trustworthy.
#3. Monitor Your Site Regularly: Now that your site is back in shape, make sure you keep an eye on it. Regularly check for malware, keep your software updated, and use security tools to stay on top of any potential threats. Prevention is always better than trying to recover from a hack again.
Getting your website back on track after being hacked is no small feat, but it’s definitely doable. By removing any malware, closing up security gaps, and recovering your website’s reputation, you’ll be on your way to recovering from lower rankings in no time.
Remember, tips for recovering from lower rankings aren’t just about getting rid of the bad stuff—it’s about making your site better, more secure, and more trustworthy. Once you’ve done the hard work of cleaning up, keep a close eye on your site’s performance, and focus on rebuilding your SEO strategy. With patience and the right approach, you’ll be climbing those rankings once again.
#8. FIX PROBLEMS WITH YOUR WEBSITE NAVIGATION
Ever noticed how a simple broken link or confusing navigation can mess up your website’s flow? Well, it turns out that poor website navigation can actually hurt your rankings too. If you’ve recently made changes to your site and found that your rankings took a dive, the culprit could be problems with your internal linking structure. When key links are suddenly removed or broken, Google and other search engines struggle to crawl and index your site properly.
Why Does Navigation Matter for SEO?
Think of your website like a map. If the roads are broken or the directions are unclear, visitors (and search engines) won’t be able to find what they’re looking for. Internal links are like the road signs that guide both users and search engines through your site. If they disappear, it’s like ripping out road signs—people and search engines won’t know where to go, and your ranking will likely suffer.
Here’s how to fix the problem and get things back on track:
#1. Run a Crawl of Your Site
If you’ve made any changes to your website recently—maybe redesigned it or moved pages around—run a site crawl to identify any missing or broken links. Tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs are perfect for this. They’ll scan your site’s old and new versions and highlight the changes in your internal linking. This can help you figure out exactly which links have gone missing or become broken.
#2. Fix Internal Linking Issues
Once you know where the gaps are, go ahead and start fixing those broken or missing internal links. If you’re missing links to important pages, you’re essentially telling Google, “Hey, this page doesn’t matter.” That’s a problem because it could lower your rankings. Make sure that every important page on your site has the links it needs to be found and indexed by search engines.
#3. Optimize Your Site’s Navigation
If your site’s navigation is confusing or hard to follow, this can also harm your rankings. A user-friendly, intuitive navigation system makes it easy for visitors and search engines to find your most important content. Focus on a clean, organized layout that highlights your key pages and guides users effortlessly from one section to the next.
#4. Use Anchor Text Wisely
The anchor text you use in your internal links matters. It should be descriptive and relevant to the page it’s linking to. Using keyword-rich anchor text that clearly explains the content of the page it links to can help with SEO. For example, instead of saying “click here,” use something like “SEO tips for recovering from lower rankings.” This not only makes it easier for users but also sends clearer signals to search engines about the content of the page.
#5. Prioritize Core Pages
If some of your key pages are buried deep in your site’s navigation, they might not get the attention they deserve from both visitors and search engines. Prioritize your most important pages in your navigation and internal linking structure. By linking to them more frequently and ensuring they’re easy to find, you increase their visibility and SEO value.
#6. Check for Orphan Pages
Orphan pages are pages on your site that don’t have any internal links pointing to them. These pages are essentially isolated and often miss out on Google’s crawl and indexing. Make sure that all your important pages are interlinked in a way that Google and users can easily access them.
Tips for Recovering from Lower Rankings
Fixing your internal linking structure and improving website navigation can be a game-changer when it comes to recovering from lower rankings. Here’s why: search engines like Google rely on internal links to understand the hierarchy and importance of your pages. When your internal links are intact and well-organized, it makes it easier for them to crawl and rank your site.
Also, users appreciate a smooth, hassle-free navigation experience. The easier you make it for them to find what they need, the longer they’ll stay on your site, which can lower your bounce rate and improve engagement—all of which Google loves.
If you’re dealing with a drop in rankings and you suspect it’s related to website navigation, don’t sweat it! You’ve got the tools to fix it. Start by running a crawl, identifying and fixing broken links, optimizing your site’s navigation, and making sure your internal linking is top-notch. By doing this, you’ll not only improve user experience but also boost your chances of recovering from lower rankings.
Remember, tips for recovering from lower rankings aren’t always about content or backlinks. Sometimes, it’s the basics—like clean navigation and internal links—that can make all the difference in getting your site back on track. With a little effort, your website will be navigating its way to higher rankings in no time.
#9. IMPROVE SITE SPEED WITH GOOGLE PAGESPEED INSIGHTS
We’ve all been there—waiting forever for a page to load, only to click away in frustration. Well, Google feels the same way about slow-loading websites. If your site’s response time exceeds two seconds, Google might just reduce the traffic it sends your way. Slow speeds can hurt your rankings and user experience. But don’t worry, you’re not stuck in this slow lane forever. One of the best tips for recovering from lower rankings is boosting your site speed, and that’s where Google PageSpeed Insights comes in.
Why Does Site Speed Matter for SEO?
Google’s all about providing the best experience to users, so if your website is crawling, it’s not doing anyone any favors. Slow load times can increase your bounce rate (people leaving your site before it fully loads), which sends bad signals to Google. Essentially, Google may think, “If users aren’t sticking around, this page isn’t providing the value they need.” That can lead to a drop in your rankings.
So, what’s the solution? Speed up your site, and Google PageSpeed Insights is one of the most effective tools to help you do just that. Here’s how it works and how you can use it to improve your rankings.
What Is Google PageSpeed Insights?
Google PageSpeed Insights is a tool that helps you measure and track your website’s performance—not just on desktops but also on mobile. With mobile-first indexing in play, your site’s mobile performance is crucial. This tool gives you a detailed breakdown of your page speed and tells you where you’re losing precious seconds.
How to Use Google PageSpeed Insights
Here’s the deal: you can’t fix what you don’t know is broken. So, to start, you’ll need to run your website through Google PageSpeed Insights. All you have to do is input your website URL, and the tool will analyze both mobile and desktop versions of your site. It’ll provide scores (from 0 to 100) and offer tips for recovering from lower rankings based on your site’s performance.
What’s the Report Telling You?
When you get the results, you’ll see two key things:
#1. The Score: This will give you a rough idea of how fast your site is. A score over 90 is great, but anything under 50 needs attention.
#2. Opportunities for Improvement: PageSpeed Insights will show you exactly where your site can be improved. These could include:
#3. Reducing image sizes (heavy images can slow down load times)
#4. Leveraging browser caching (so returning visitors don’t have to load the same data again)
#5. Minimizing JavaScript and CSS files (removing unnecessary code that can drag your speed down)
#6. Improving server response times (making sure your server is up to the task)
These tips are gold—implementing them will help speed up your site and give you a much better shot at recovering from lower rankings.
Tips for Speeding Up Your Site
Once you’ve analyzed your site using Google PageSpeed Insights, it’s time to make some changes. Here are a few tips to speed up your site and avoid penalties for slow performance:
#1. Optimize Images: Large image files can be a major culprit when it comes to slow site speed. Use tools like TinyPNG or ImageOptim to compress images without sacrificing quality. Also, use the right file formats (JPEG for photos, PNG for graphics with fewer colors).
#2. Enable Browser Caching: Browser caching stores static files like images, CSS, and JavaScript locally on a visitor’s device, so they don’t have to load these files every time they return to your site. This can drastically improve page load time for repeat visitors.
#3. Minimize Redirects: Every time a page has to redirect, it adds an extra step to the loading process. Cut down on redirects to speed up load times.
#4. Leverage Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): CDNs store your website’s data on multiple servers around the world. When someone visits your site, they’ll get the data from the server closest to them, improving speed and reducing server load.
#5. Use a Faster Hosting Provider: If your hosting provider is slow to respond, it could be time to upgrade to a faster service. Research hosting providers known for speed and reliability.
Reduce HTTP Requests: Every time a page loads, it sends an HTTP request for every element on the page (images, scripts, stylesheets). Try reducing the number of elements on a page to decrease the number of requests.
Once you’ve implemented the fixes, run your site through Google PageSpeed Insights again to check the improvements. But don’t stop there. Site speed isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing process. Regularly monitor your site’s speed and make adjustments as needed.
If you’re looking to recover from lower rankings and give your SEO a much-needed boost, improving your website’s speed should be at the top of your list. Google PageSpeed Insights is a fantastic tool that provides clear, actionable tips for recovering from lower rankings, helping you identify and fix issues slowing down your site.
#10. REVERT ACCIDENTAL CHANGES TO BOOST YOUR RANKINGS
It happens to the best of us—one minute you’re tweaking your website, and the next, you’ve accidentally made changes that affect your site’s ranking. While you might not have intentionally altered anything, these accidental changes can still have a significant impact on your SEO.
For example, someone might’ve mistakenly tweaked the robots.txt file, or maybe a key page got deleted or altered by accident. If this sounds familiar, don’t worry! It’s often an easy fix and one of the most straightforward tips for recovering from lower rankings.
Why Did This Happen?
Sometimes, even the smallest technical errors can send your rankings plummeting. You could have made some innocuous changes to your website—like updating your meta tags, adding a new image, or playing around with your site’s structure—and then suddenly, BAM! Your rankings take a nosedive. Accidental errors like incorrect formatting in your robots.txt file or the deletion of essential content are prime suspects.
The good news? If you spot these errors in time, simply rolling back those changes can put your rankings back on track. It’s a reminder that small technical mistakes can make a big impact, and it’s important to stay vigilant about your website’s health.
How to Fix These Accidental Changes
#1. Check the Robots.txt File: One common mistake is messing with the robots.txt file, which tells search engines which pages to crawl and which ones to ignore. If this file was accidentally edited or formatted incorrectly, search engines might not be able to index your important pages properly. If you think this is the issue, revert it to the previous, correct version.
#2. Restore Deleted Content: Sometimes, you or a team member might accidentally delete pages, posts, or critical content. If you’ve noticed that traffic and rankings are dropping after a particular content piece went missing, restore it immediately. Also, double-check that the page URLs are still intact and are pointing to the right place.
#3. Audit Your Site’s Code: Small changes in your site’s code can have unexpected consequences. If you’ve recently updated or added something—like a new plugin or theme—check to make sure it didn’t cause any technical issues. Tools like Google Search Console can help you spot crawling or indexing issues that might have slipped through the cracks.
#4. Check for 404 Errors: Broken links and 404 errors can also drag your site’s ranking down. If pages were accidentally deleted or renamed, make sure they redirect properly with 301 redirects to avoid losing traffic.
#5. Revert to Previous Backups: If the changes were accidental and you can’t pinpoint the exact issue, restoring a previous website backup could be your easiest way to fix things. Backups can save you from a lot of headaches when you need to undo changes quickly.
Why Reverting Matters
Reverting accidental changes as soon as possible is one of the simplest tips for recovering from lower rankings. The longer you let these errors sit on your site, the longer it will take for your rankings to bounce back. If the changes were caused by technical issues, correcting them quickly allows Google’s crawlers to recrawl your site and re-index the content. This way, you can recover lost traffic and regain your rankings faster.
Monitor Your Site After Fixing
Once you’ve reverted any accidental changes, don’t just sit back and relax. Monitor your rankings closely to see if they improve over the next few days or weeks. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to keep track of any shifts in your site’s traffic and performance.
Accidental changes to your website can be frustrating, but they’re also fixable. If you’ve noticed a drop in rankings that you can’t explain, take a step back and look for any technical errors or accidental edits. Whether it’s a misconfigured robots.txt file, a deleted page, or a plugin causing issues, reverting those changes can be a quick win for improving your SEO.
By keeping an eye on your site’s health and addressing accidental mistakes right away, you’ll be well on your way to applying some of the best tips for recovering from lower rankings. And don’t forget: regular monitoring, frequent backups, and ongoing maintenance are your best defenses against these kinds of mishaps in the future
Take the time to optimize your site’s speed, and you’ll likely see not only better rankings but also improved user experience and higher conversion rates. Speed is more than just about ticking an SEO box—it’s about giving your users the smooth, fast experience they want. And when your users are happy, Google will be happy too.
Conclusion
A drop in your website’s rankings can be unnerving, but it’s not the end of the road. There are plenty of effective tips for recovering from lower rankings that you can implement right away. From checking your backlinks and fixing site speed issues to ensuring that accidental changes don’t go unnoticed, a proactive approach can help you get back on track faster than you might think.
Remember, SEO isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it game—it requires constant attention to detail, monitoring, and timely updates. Whether it’s fixing technical issues, improving content, or even consulting SEO experts, taking action now can prevent future drops and boost your rankings in the long term.
So, don’t panic when your rankings take a hit. Instead, take a breath, follow the tips laid out in this blog article, and watch as your website rises again. Keep an eye on your competition, stay on top of Google’s ever-evolving algorithms, and continue improving your website’s overall experience. The road to recovery may require a little patience, but with these strategies in your back pocket, you’ll be back on top in no time.
