It sounds like you're experiencing an issue with your brand name not appearing in search engine results pages (SERPs) outside of Google US. This sudden change can be concerning, especially if your brand relies on visibility across various regions. Let's explore some possible reasons for this issue and how you can address it.
- Geotargeting or Localization: Google often tailors search results based on the user's location. If your brand has strong visibility in the US but not in other countries, it could be due to geotargeting or localization settings. Check if your website has specific targeting options set in Google Search Console or other SEO tools. Adjusting these settings to target a broader audience might help improve visibility globally.
- Algorithm Updates: Search engine algorithms are constantly evolving, and sometimes updates can affect how websites are ranked in SERPs. It's possible that a recent algorithm update has impacted your website's visibility in certain regions. Keep an eye on industry news and forums to stay informed about any major algorithm changes and adjust your SEO strategies accordingly.
- Google Search Console Settings: Since you mentioned someone may have accessed your Google Search Console, it's worth double-checking all settings and configurations. Ensure that your website is properly indexed and that there are no manual actions or penalties affecting its visibility. Review any recent changes made to your Search Console account and revert any modifications that might have negatively impacted your website's performance.
- International SEO Optimization: Optimizing your website for international audiences can help improve its visibility in different regions. Make sure your website's content is properly translated and localized for each target market. Implement hreflang tags to indicate language and regional variations of your webpages, allowing search engines to serve the most relevant content to users based on their location and language preferences.
- Competitive Landscape: While you mentioned having no direct competitors, it's essential to consider indirect competition and other factors that might influence your brand's visibility in search results. Analyze the SERPs to see if there are any new entrants or changes in the competitive landscape that could be affecting your brand's ranking.
- Technical Issues: Technical issues such as server downtime, crawl errors, or website configuration issues can also impact your website's visibility in search results. Use tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights and Search Console's URL Inspection tool to identify and resolve any technical issues that might be hindering your website's performance.
- Backlink Profile: Evaluate your website's backlink profile to ensure it's diverse and authoritative. High-quality backlinks from reputable websites can significantly impact your website's visibility and ranking in SERPs. Invest in building relevant and authoritative backlinks to improve your website's overall SEO performance.
- Patience and Monitoring: SEO is a long-term game, and changes in search engine rankings can sometimes take time to reflect. Be patient and continue monitoring your website's performance in SERPs across different regions. Regularly track keyword rankings, organic traffic, and other relevant metrics to assess the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.
In conclusion, there could be several reasons why your brand name is not appearing in SERPs outside of Google US. By carefully analyzing and addressing each potential factor, you can work towards improving your website's visibility and ensuring consistent presence across different regions. Don't hesitate to seek assistance from SEO experts or forums for additional insights and guidance tailored to your specific situation.