Google Instant Preview – SEO & Design
Well, Google’s finally done it. Caught up to Bing’s search tech Added Instant Search Previews. Now, when you search Google, you can see an image of the website that is being linked to before you click the search result.
This brings up the question: What does this mean for my SEO and my website?
Google Instant Preview won’t have a dramatic effect on your SEO. Unlike the launch of Google Instant back in September, most experts are predicting that Google Previews shouldn’t effect SEO at all.
But I disagree! Google Preview gives users a new way to judge whether or not they want to click a search result, and now more than ever, websites need to make sure their web design is top notch. It’s not even a discussion of Search Ranking anymore – it’s about converting traffic & customers from search. Since users can “try before they buy” on search results now, even if you’re getting top ranking, you could see a dip in traffic if your site’s design isn’t up to par.
SEO is only as good as its ability to deliver results. Excellent web design has always been an important part of keeping visitors on your site and moving them through the sales process, but now, it’s an important part of even getting that traffic in the first place!
Ultimately, Google Preview means that you need to evaluate your website’s design just as much as you’re considering your keywords…