When you're running a local business, your website is often the first impression customers get. If you've been using a platform like WordPress but are considering a switch to HighLevel, you might have some questions. One participant in a recent discussion shared their experience about transitioning from an older WordPress site to HighLevel and the concerns that come along with it.
Table of Contents
Understanding Your Current Situation
It’s important to start by assessing where you currently stand. This participant had built their website a year ago and noticed that while their Google Business Profile was performing well, their website was lagging in rankings. They were ready to rebuild but were unsure if they should stick with WordPress or migrate to HighLevel.
WordPress vs. HighLevel: What's the Best Choice?
Here's the truth: it doesn’t matter which platform you choose. Both have their pros and cons. HighLevel is preferred by some for its simplicity and low maintenance requirements. With HighLevel, you can host unlimited websites for a single monthly fee, which is appealing for many business owners.
On the other hand, if you're already familiar with WordPress, it might be easier to stick with it. Just remember that WordPress requires regular updates, and if you don’t keep up, your site could be vulnerable to hacks. HighLevel, however, offers a maintenance-free experience, which can be a significant advantage.
Got SEO Questions? Get answers every week at 4pm ET at Hump Day Hangouts. Ask questions ahead of time, or live – just go to: https://semanticmastery.com/hdho (bookmark this!) 10+ years of insights given every week!
Get your checklist to help get better results with GBPs, faster.
Rebuilding Your Site
If you’re planning to rebuild your site, consider the following:
- If there are no penalties against your existing domain, restructuring your site to improve its performance in organic search is key. You can do this on either platform.
- Don’t forget about link-building. More links can help improve your site's authority and rankings.
Avoiding Common Pitfalls
One of the most common issues seen in website audits is excessive redundancy. Many sites still use outdated practices, such as repeating the same keywords multiple times across pages. This approach is no longer effective. Instead, focus on creating unique, valuable content that speaks to your audience.
For example, if you’re an attorney, instead of creating separate pages for every practice area in every city, consider consolidating this information. You could have one page for “Traffic Collisions” and reference specific types as subheadings. This method reduces the number of pages while still effectively targeting your keywords.
Optimizing for Modern Search Engines
With advancements in AI and Google's algorithms, the focus has shifted from keyword-based optimization to entity-based optimization. Google now evaluates how well a site performs as a whole rather than just individual pages. This means that the interconnectivity of your content is more important than ever.
To enhance your site’s efficiency, prioritize:
- Brand Authority: Building a strong brand is essential for local SEO.
- Site Efficiency: Minimize crawl resistance and streamline your site structure for better performance.
Conclusion: Make the Right Choice for Your Business
Ultimately, whether you stick with WordPress or transition to HighLevel, the most important factor is how you structure and optimize your site. Spend time upfront understanding the best practices for your industry, and you’ll likely see improved performance with less effort down the line.
FAQs
- Will switching platforms affect my SEO?
Yes, switching platforms can temporarily affect your SEO. However, if you maintain your domain and optimize your new site properly, any dips should be short-lived.
- How can I maintain my current rankings during a transition?
Keep your domain name the same, maintain page names and slugs, and ensure your redirects are set up correctly.
- What should I focus on for better rankings?
Concentrate on building brand authority and creating a site structure that enhances efficiency and reduces crawl resistance.
For more insights and resources on local SEO, check out the Local SEO Toolkit and join our MasterMIND for actionable strategies.