You spend countless hours on search engine optimization for your website. Then, over time, the hard works pays off and you achieve the Holy Grail of search rankings: page one on Google. This is cause for celebration, but don't rest on your laurels. Staying at the top of the search rankings requires you to maintain constant scrutiny of your website.
The Cat and Mouse Game of Google Algorithms
You probably already know that Google uses sophisticated and complex algorithms to determine which sites make it to page one. They also change these formulas often, and no one except the search giant knows precisely what combines to create SEO success.
It's all become something of a cat and mouse game. Google changes the algorithm for ranking websites. Unethical individuals and companies discover how to beat the system. Google changes it's formula once again. Round and round it goes, and what you don't want to do is get caught up in the backlash.
What Worked Yesterday May Fail Today
SEO is a tricky beast. The techniques that helped you gain a coveted page one spot may not keep you there. Some website owners have seen their sites drop from page one to page three overnight. They are left scrambling trying to determine why their site was penalized.
Perhaps the way you are using AdWords has caused a drop. It's possible that you built links too fast. Maybe you don't have enough local citations and a new competitor has emerged. Whatever the reason, you need a strategy in place to handle these matters in a short period of time.
Analytics are Key
Many SEO firms offer ongoing support to help their clients remain at the top of the search rankings. You might want to consider enlisting an agency's help. The simple fact is that they have many tools at their disposal which you do not possess.
Analytics are an important part of monitoring your search engine placement. An SEO agency can keep a watchful eye on your site and the sites of your competitors. They also know almost immediately when Google changes the game. Hiring an agency can be well worth the money.