Why Your Website's SEO Position is Dropping (Part 2) - Episode 90

Podcast Summary: Grumpy SEO Guy – Episode 90

Title: Why Your Website's SEO Position is Dropping (Part 2)
Host: Grumpy SEO Guy
Release Date: January 8, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 90 of the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast, titled "Why Your Website's SEO Position is Dropping (Part 2)," the host delves deeper into the common reasons behind declining SEO rankings. Building on the foundation laid in Part 1, this episode provides listeners with actionable strategies to diagnose and address SEO setbacks effectively.

Grumpy SEO Guy [00:29]: "I'm grumpy today because people still don't know why their websites are losing their SEO position."

The Importance of SERP Charts

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the utilization of SERP (Search Engine Results Page) charts as a primary tool for monitoring and analyzing SEO performance. The host emphasizes that tracking SERP positions is crucial for identifying the underlying causes of ranking drops.

What is a SERP Chart?
- A visual representation of a website's ranking positions over time, akin to a stock chart tracking price changes.

Co-host [02:25]: "A SERP chart is the most important SEO tool, right?"

Recommended Tools:
- SerpFox: Highlighted as a reliable tool used by the host for over a decade.

Grumpy SEO Guy [03:12]: "There are multiple SERP tracking tools that you can use. I use one called serpfox.com... there’s really no reason to not be tracking at least 10 keywords."

Main Reasons for SEO Position Drops

The episode identifies three primary factors that can lead to a decline in SEO rankings, each explained with detailed insights and illustrative examples.

1. Algorithm Updates

Search engines like Google regularly update their algorithms, which can significantly impact website rankings. These updates often result in noticeable shifts in SERP positions.

Characteristics of Algorithm Updates:
- Sudden Changes: A website may maintain a consistent ranking (e.g., position 7) and then experience a sharp drop to a lower position (e.g., position 21) following an update.

Grumpy SEO Guy [04:34]: "And then all of a sudden you drop down to, like, I don't know, 21, right?"

Identifying Algorithm Updates:
- External Indicators: Reports and discussions from SEO communities and the use of SERP volatility tools can signal an algorithm update.

Grumpy SEO Guy [12:36]: "So how could you tell them apart?... if you use a SERP volatility tool, it showed higher volatility, meaning, oh, everybody got influenced by this update."

2. Increased Competition

Competitors enhancing their SEO strategies can gradually push your website down the rankings. Unlike algorithm updates, this decline is typically gradual.

Characteristics of Competition-Driven Drops:
- Slow Decrease: Rankings may slowly drop from position 7 to 10 over days or weeks.

Grumpy SEO Guy [05:03]: "Number two, your competition has raised their SEO... It’s a slow decrease because another website is taking the place of something above you."

Impact of Authority and Backlinks:
- Competitors gaining authoritative backlinks can overshadow your site, leading to a loss in ranking.

Grumpy SEO Guy [07:03]: "SEO is a competition, not a checklist... If your competition receives more authority, that is the same as if you lose authority."

3. Penalties

SEO penalties, often resulting from violations of search engine guidelines, can cause drastic and erratic changes in rankings.

Characteristics of Penalty-Related Drops:
- Erratic Fluctuations: Rankings may bounce between high and low positions before stabilizing at a much lower rank.

Grumpy SEO Guy [14:01]: "Penalty movement is very specific... it will bounce like that for a while and then you will be stuck at the bottom."

Identifying Penalties:
- Consistent Pattern: Unlike algorithm updates or competition, penalties show a unique fluctuating pattern before a significant drop.

Grumpy SEO Guy [15:11]: "Whenever they ask, oh, why is my website dropping? My response is always post a SERP chart."

Distinguishing the Causes Using SERP Charts

While algorithm updates and competition-driven drops can appear similar on SERP charts, certain strategies can help differentiate between them:

Algorithm Update Indicators:
- Broad industry-wide discussions and reports.
- Increased volatility across multiple websites.
Competition Indicators:
- Specific loss of authority or backlinks.
- Gradual decline in rankings without widespread industry impact.

Co-host [12:36]: "You probably couldn't tell the difference from looking at them. But that's why you have to go to the next level and say, wait, what's happening here?"

The Role of Authority and Backlinks

Authority plays a pivotal role in SEO rankings. The podcast delves into how gaining or losing authoritative backlinks can directly influence a website's SERP position.

Authority Metrics:
- Although not using specific tools for authority measurement, the host uses hypothetical numbers to explain the concept.

Grumpy SEO Guy [08:14]: "Let's assign a number to authority. Let's say your authority is 50... your competition has 49. You are outranking them."

Backlink Management:
- Losing Backlinks: Can lead to decreased authority and lower rankings.
- Gaining Backlinks: Competitors may climb the rankings by acquiring more or higher-quality backlinks.

Grumpy SEO Guy [10:45]: "The necessary part here is that you lost a backlink or more backlinks. It doesn't matter. In real life, you're gaining and losing backlinks all the time anyway."

Practical Advice and Best Practices

The episode concludes with actionable steps and best practices for listeners to maintain and improve their SEO rankings.

Consistent SERP Tracking:
- Essential for diagnosing ranking issues promptly.

Grumpy SEO Guy [16:03]: "Go do it. Start tracking your SERPs today if you're not already."

Engaging with the SEO Community:
- Utilizing platforms like the Grumpy SEO Guy subreddit for support and insights.

Co-host [17:02]: "Feel free to post your SERP charts on the Grumpy SEO Guy Subreddit if you want a second opinion."

Avoiding One-Time Backlink Payments:
- Reiterating the pitfalls of one-time backlink purchases and emphasizing sustainable backlink strategies.

Grumpy SEO Guy [10:07]: "You paid a one time payment and then they pulled the link... that was always a bad idea."

Community Support and Resources

Listeners are encouraged to engage with the Grumpy SEO Guy community through various channels for ongoing support and knowledge sharing.

Subreddit Engagement:
- A dedicated space for sharing SERP charts and seeking advice.

Co-host [17:40]: "It's a very smart and helpful SEO forum where we talk about actual SEO... I post there pretty often."

Patreon Support:
- Supporting the podcast through Patreon to keep it free and accessible.

Grumpy SEO Guy [02:07]: "If you Enjoy this content, Patreon.com/grumpyseoguy... you can help keep the podcast free."

Conclusion

Episode 90 serves as a comprehensive guide for website owners and SEO professionals to understand and address the common causes behind declining SEO rankings. By leveraging SERP charts, monitoring authority and backlinks, and engaging with the SEO community, listeners are equipped with the knowledge to navigate the complexities of SEO effectively.

Grumpy SEO Guy [18:28]: "You've now learned the reason that your website might lose its rank. You have learned three of the main causes for it, and you have learned what you can do to figure out if it is any of them or not."

Listeners are encouraged to subscribe, leave reviews, and participate in the community to further enhance their SEO strategies.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

[00:29] Grumpy SEO Guy: "I'm grumpy today because people still don't know why their websites are losing their SEO position."
[02:25] Co-host: "A SERP chart is the most important SEO tool, right?"
[04:34] Grumpy SEO Guy: "And then all of a sudden you drop down to, like, I don't know, 21, right?"
[07:03] Grumpy SEO Guy: "SEO is a competition, not a checklist... If your competition receives more authority, that is the same as if you lose authority."
[14:01] Grumpy SEO Guy: "Penalty movement is very specific... it will bounce like that for a while and then you will be stuck at the bottom."
[16:03] Grumpy SEO Guy: "Go do it. Start tracking your SERPs today if you're not already."
[18:28] Grumpy SEO Guy: "You've now learned the reason that your website might lose its rank. You have learned three of the main causes for it, and you have learned what you can do to figure out if it is any of them or not."

For more insights and expert advice on SEO, subscribe to the Grumpy SEO Guy podcast and join the community discussions on Reddit or on Patreon at patreon.com/grumpyseoguy.