- Has your website’s ranking suddenly dropped? Are you no longer appearing on Google for your key search terms? If so, don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Why Did You Lose Your Keywords?
There are several reasons why your keywords may have dropped or disappeared. These can be technical problems, content issues, or changes by Google itself.
1. Google Algorithm Update
Google often changes how it ranks websites. These updates happen many times a year. Some are big and can cause a lot of websites to lose rankings overnight. If your website was affected, your keywords may drop quickly.
What to do:
Check SEO news websites or use a tool like SEMrush or Ahrefs to see if there was a recent update.
2. Website Changes
Did you recently update your website? Maybe you changed the design, moved to a new domain, or edited some pages. These changes can affect your SEO without you knowing.
Example:
- You deleted or moved a page that was ranking well.
- You changed the page title or removed important keywords.
What to do:
Use tools like Google Search Console to see which pages lost traffic and rankings.
3. Technical Errors
Sometimes your website may have a hidden issue. This could be:
- Broken links
- Pages not loading
- Server downtime
- Noindex tags by mistake (this tells Google not to show your page)
What to do:
Ask a web developer or SEO expert to check your site for technical problems.
4. Poor-Quality Content
Google wants to show the best answers to searchers. If your content is too short, copied, or outdated, Google may stop showing it.
What to do:
Update your pages with better content. Use simple, clear language. Add value for the reader.
5. Backlink Issues
Backlinks are links from other websites to yours. If you have spammy or low-quality backlinks, Google may remove your rankings.
What to do:
Use tools like Ahrefs or Google Search Console to check your backlinks. Disavow any bad ones.
6. Your Competitors Got Better
Sometimes, you lose rankings not because you did something wrong, but because your competitors improved their content or SEO.
What to do:
Study your top competitors. Look at what they’re doing and find ways to do it better.
How to Recover Your Lost Keywords
Once you understand the reason, it’s time to recover. Here are the steps to help your keywords come back.
1. Audit Your Website
Do a full SEO audit. This means checking everything, content, speed, mobile-friendliness and backlinks.
Use these free tools:
- Google Search Console
- Google PageSpeed Insights
- Screaming Frog (free version)
2. Fix Technical Problems
Make sure:
- Your pages are indexed
- You are not blocking search engines
- Your site loads fast and works on mobile
Tip: Ask your web developer or SEO team for help if you don’t understand the tech side.
3. Update and Improve Content
Make your content:
- Longer and more helpful
- Easy to read
- Optimised for keywords like SEO services and digital marketing services
Use headings, images and bullet points. Google loves user-friendly pages.
4. Build High-Quality Backlinks
Reach out to other websites and offer guest posts or useful resources. This helps build trust and rankings.
5. Track Your Keywords
Use tools like:
- Ubersuggest
- SEMrush
- Ahrefs
These help you watch your keyword progress and find new ideas.
6. Be Patient
SEO takes time. Don’t expect your keywords to come back in a day or two. Stay consistent and follow good SEO practices.
FAQs
Why did all my SEO keywords disappear?
Your keywords may disappear due to Google updates, technical problems, content issues, or strong competitors. It’s common and can be fixed with the right steps.
How long does it take to recover from a keyword drop?
It can take a few weeks to months depending on the cause. If you fix the problems quickly, recovery will be faster.
Should I stop using SEO if my keywords drop?
No! SEO is a long-term game. Everyone faces ups and downs. Focus on improving your content and website.
Can paid ads help while I recover my rankings?
Yes. Running digital marketing services like Google Ads can help get traffic while you fix SEO problems.
How do I avoid this in the future?
- Regularly update your content
- Fix technical issues quickly
- Stay informed about Google updates
- Keep your SEO strategy fresh
Final Thoughts
Losing your SEO keywords can feel like a disaster. But it’s fixable. Don’t panic, stay calm and take action. Start with an audit, fix the issues and improve your content.
SEO is always changing. What works today may not work tomorrow. That’s why it’s important to stay updated and keep learning.
If you’re looking for SEO services or need expert help with digital marketing services, get in touch with us. We are specialised in helping small and medium businesses recover their rankings, grow their traffic and stay ahead of the competition, using smart tools and AI.
With Leadtap on your side, your lost keywords won’t stay lost for long. Contact us.
