Don't Freak Out! Overcoming Google SEO Fluctuations

Be honest. Do you obsess over analytics? There are natural fluctuations that happen all the time inside Google and if seeing these changes freaks you out then, in my opinion, you're much better off not even looking and focusing instead on content creation.

If your traffic drops 10–20% across the board, Google is just shuffling the deck. If one specific page vanishes from the top 100 after being at number 1 for months, that’s a re-evaluation.

Let's give you a "pump the brakes" Diagnostic Checklist to follow so you can keep your focus where it needs to be.

• Check the Calendar: Is it a holiday? Is it "seasonality"? (fitness niches always dip in December and spike in January).
• Check Search Console: Look at the "Impressions" vs. "Clicks." If impressions are steady but clicks are down, your Title or Meta Description might be getting out-shined by a competitor.
• Check the Competition: Did a "Big Box" site (like Forbes or Amazon) just write a post on your topic? Google often gives them a temporary "authority boost" before settling the rankings back down.
• Check the Tech: Did your site speed drop? Is a plugin breaking your mobile view?

What do you think?
Be honest with yourself, do you obsess over analytics first thing every morning? Can you cut it down to maybe once or twice a month? If you can't or don't want to, you may be obsessing.

Can you imagine how incredible your website would be if you published a new post first thing in the morning instead of frustrating yourself looking at analytics? Think of how much better that time would be spent!

Chime in below with your questions and comments. I can't wait to hear from you!