What Google’s Latest Algorithm Update Means for Your Business
Let’s face it — digital marketing can feel overwhelming. You’ve got a website, maybe some social media pages, the odd email campaign… but is any of it actually working?
If you’re a UK-based business owner, you probably don’t have hours to spend combing through data or reading marketing reports. That’s why I’ve put together this simple, 60-minute audit you can do yourself — no marketing degree required.
By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of what’s working, what’s wasting your time, and where to focus next.
What You’ll Need:
A notepad (or Google Doc)
Access to your website, social media, and analytics (Google Analytics or GA4)
1 focused hour (or two 30-minute chunks)
Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Website Review (15 Minutes)
Your website is the hub of your online presence. If it’s confusing, outdated, or slow — you’re losing potential customers.
✅ What to check:
Is your message clear in 5 seconds or less?
Can visitors quickly understand who you help and what you offer?Do all links and buttons work?
Test your contact forms, CTA buttons, and navigation.Is it mobile-friendly?
Over 60% of traffic comes from mobile — it must look great on phones.How fast does your site load?
Use PageSpeed Insights and aim for under 3 seconds.
📝 Quick fix:
Update your homepage with a clearer call-to-action, or trim down text that overwhelms visitors.
Step 2: SEO Snapshot (10 Minutes)
Search engine traffic is free, high-converting, and long-term — but only if your site is set up properly.
✅ What to check:
Are your title tags and meta descriptions clear and keyword-rich?
Does each page target a specific keyword?
Are you using headings (H1, H2, etc.) to organise content?
Do you have an active Google Business Profile?
🛠️ Tools:
Google Search Console — see which pages are ranking
Ubersuggest — basic keyword tracking
Your CMS (like WordPress) — check for basic on-page SEO settings
📝 Quick fix:
Update a key service or product page with clearer copy, better formatting, and a focus keyword.
Step 3: Social Media Check (10 Minutes)
You don’t need to be on every platform — just the right ones. This part of the audit helps you stop wasting time where it’s not paying off.
✅ What to check:
Which platform gives you the most engagement or traffic?
Are you posting consistently (at least once per week)?
Are your profiles fully updated (bio, links, branding)?
Are your posts aligned with your brand’s voice and goals?
📝 Quick fix:
Pick one underperforming platform to either improve or ditch entirely. Then double down on what is working.
Step 4: Email Marketing Health (10 Minutes)
If you’re not building a list, you’re leaving money on the table. Email remains one of the most effective channels — when done right.
✅ What to check:
Do you have a sign-up form or lead magnet on your website?
Are you sending emails consistently (monthly minimum)?
What’s your average open and click-through rate?
Are your subscribers segmented by interest or behaviour?
🛠️ Tools:
Mailchimp, Mailerlite, or ConvertKit — review basic performance metrics
Google Analytics — check if emails drive traffic or conversions
📝 Quick fix:
Write a simple 3-part welcome sequence or revive your email list with a “We’re back” message.
Step 5: Analytics Overview (15 Minutes)
Now it’s time to zoom out. Are all your digital efforts actually leading to leads, sales, or bookings?
✅ What to check in GA4:
Top 5 traffic sources — Where is most of your traffic coming from?
Top-performing pages — What content do people actually visit?
Goal completions or conversions — Are people filling out forms, buying, or signing up?
📝 Quick fix:
Highlight your top 1–2 channels (e.g. SEO, Facebook, referrals) and plan to prioritise them in the next 30 days.
Bonus Tip: Set a Simple Monthly KPI
After your audit, choose one key metric to track next month. For example:
Website conversion rate
Email subscriber growth
Social media engagement
Local keyword rankings
This keeps your marketing focused and measurable, without the overwhelm.
Your Strategy Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect
A marketing audit isn’t about ticking boxes — it’s about finding clarity.
Doing this once a quarter will help you see what’s actually moving the needle, so you can spend more time on what works, and less on what doesn’t.
Need help reviewing your results or creating an action plan? I work with UK small businesses to simplify their digital marketing and get real results — without fluff or jargon.
