When buyers want information about a particular car or a certain dealership, the first place they turn is to Google. As such, your dealership’s success is largely dependent on your Google visibility. Search engine optimization (SEO) is the field devoted to getting better Google rankings, yet for many dealers, SEO can seem incredibly complex, even impenetrable.
With that said, there is some rhyme and reason to how the Google algorithms work. The placement of any website comes down to a number of ranking factors, some of which are more important than others. And Google is actually pretty forthcoming about what those ranking factors are.
So what are the critical SEO components your dealership should focus on in 2018? Here are some of our top recommendations, based on Google’s stated SEO standards.
Key SEO Ranking Factors for Your Dealership Website
Quality Content
There’s an old saying in SEO circles—content is king. That’s as true today as it’s ever been. Ultimately, Google rewards sites that provide the end user with real, substantive information—and that means filling your website with well-written content that answers your buyers’ questions. Always make content the cornerstone of your SEO efforts.
Mobile-friendliness
These days, most online searches happen from mobile devices, as opposed to laptops or desktops. As such, Google actively rewards sites that have a strong mobile presentation, while penalizing sites that are not optimized for these devices. If your dealership website doesn’t have a mobile version, now’s the time to change that.
Security
Search engine users want websites they can visit securely, without any risk of data theft or other cybercrimes. Google, of course, wants to accommodate those wishes. As such, it’s worth noting that the majority of page-one-ranked sites have HTTPS security coding—something to consider for your own dealership page.
User Experience
When Web designers talk about user experience, or UX, they’re talking about the ease with which your website users can access the page and find the information they’re looking for. A clear layout and intuitive navigation are two components to consider for your dealership website.
Site Speed
Nobody wants to wait very long for a website to load. In fact, most users are unwilling to wait more than two or three seconds. Google penalizes sites that take longer than that to load, so it’s worth taking the time to check your site on different browsers and devices to be sure it’s loading the way it’s supposed to.
Develop a Website That’s Made to Rank
A good website is an invaluable marketing asset for your dealership—and Get My Auto can help you get your site totally up to speed. Contact us to learn more about how we help dealerships design websites that rank well. Reach out to Get My Auto today!