The SEO Pitfall: How Bad Code Can Crush Your Website’s Success

Welcome to the first post of this series. In this series, we’ll delve into a common issue affecting websites, particularly those built with page builders heavily reliant on JavaScript. We’ll explore how subpar coding practices can lead to SEO troubles, leaving businesses struggling to maintain their online presence.

The Business Owner’s Dilemma

Imagine you’re a business owner who’s invested in a new website from a reputable marketing agency. They’ve convinced you that your old site isn’t up to speed, and they promise a sleek, sales-focused website that converts visitors. You’re ecstatic when you see the beautiful new design – it’s a work of art! Page speed and core web vitals are forgotten as you fall in love with the aesthetics.

But soon after the website launch, you’re left scratching your head. Your phone isn’t ringing as it used to, and your online rankings are plummeting. What’s going on?

You discover that Google has revamped its criteria for measuring core web vitals, and your new website doesn’t meet the mark—truth be told, it never did. Suddenly, you’re bombarded with calls and emails, but not from potential customers. Instead, it’s a swarm of concerned developers, SEO experts, and well-intentioned colleagues, all pointing out the same problem.

Your rankings are in freefall, and your business is nowhere to be found on the first page of search results. Even local map searches fail to locate your company.

The All-Too-Common Scenario

This is a tale all too familiar. Your website, despite its initial appeal, was not built with the necessary code foundation for online success.

Marketers, Take Note!

If you’re a marketer reading this, it’s time to take action. Examine how the websites you’re associated with are being constructed because, more often than not, you aren’t the one building them.

Key Takeaways:

  • Assess what’s being loaded onto your website. Disable JavaScript and see if the essential information remains visible to Google.
  • Ask yourself, can the page still be understood without JavaScript?

If not, it’s high time to implement changes and ensure your website is optimized for core web vitals and SEO success.

Conclusion

In the world of digital marketing and web development, aesthetics alone won’t cut it. A well-constructed website is vital for maintaining online visibility and ranking well on search engines. Bad code and a disregard for core web vitals can spell disaster for your online presence. As a business owner, it’s crucial to invest in a website that not only looks good but also performs exceptionally well in the eyes of Google and your potential customers. For marketers, it’s a reminder to ensure that the websites you’re associated with are built on solid foundations to achieve long-term SEO success.