Struggling to navigate the ever-evolving world of SEO? You're not alone. Google's algorithms are constantly shifting, leaving many businesses confused and frustrated. But fear not!
This comprehensive guide will equip you with the latest insights and best practices to unleash the power of SEO and propel your website to the top of search results.
Content and User Experience:
1. Content is still the king:
Google says it values content that is originally written by you, not copied in part or whole. Content that comprehensively addresses each user's need is still highly valued, and Google is ready to reward it no matter the size of the website. According to its search documentation, creating content that people find compelling and useful will likely influence your website's presence in search results more than any of the other suggestions.
2. Minimum or maximum content length is not a big issue:
While content that comprehensively covers the topic is highly recommended, the number of lines or word count is not what Google looks into. According to the update, quantity alone is not enough. With a natural flow of words without repetition, you have more chances to show up in Search simply because you are using more relevant keywords.
3. Content categorization is good:
Make your content text easy to read and well-organized. To do this, you need to use heading tags to demarcate sections and help users easily navigate them.
4. The number and order of headings do not guarantee ranking:
Many individuals seem to focus on how they categorize the page hierarchically instead of the main content. Although categorization with heading tags is good for user experience, it does not guarantee search ranking.
5. The page or content keyword is still helpful:
Google supports the inclusion of relevant keywords to be added to the content naturally. This can be done by synonymously adding them. However, stuffing in keywords is against Google policies. According to search engines, placing 2 keywords for every 200 words count is okay for users and search to understand your content.
6. E-E-A-T is not a ranking factor:
Google wants to ensure users find highly trustworthy and reliable information. Demonstrating E-E-A-T through expertise, experience, and authoritativeness is crucial for content to achieve higher visibility and impact, especially for sensitive topics. E.g "Your Money or Your Life" topics
While E-E-A-T doesn't aid in ranking it is recommended it is important for some types of websites. (I.e Medical, financial websites, etc)
7. Some Duplicate content is not a penalty:
While unintentional duplicate content won't trigger penalties, copying entire sections from other sites without adding value or attribution can lead to manual action against your entire website. Remember, originality and proper sourcing are key to a healthy online presence.
8. Enhance your site with structured data:
Implementing structured data is a good strategy to help search engines better understand your site details. Since search crawlers are not perfect, they sometimes misrepresent the information you cover. To make this content present correctly, you would have to make use of structured data. To know if your site needs structured data, check this article out.
9. Keyword stuffing can be penalized:
While the idea of including Keywords in your content is good, filling a web page with keywords or numbers in an attempt to manipulate rankings in Google Search results is highly prohibited and can be penalized
10. Keywords in the domain don't guarantee ranking
While users might discover your site based on relevant keywords in your domain name, these keywords barely influence your search ranking position.
Focus on choosing a domain name that aligns with your business identity and marketing strategy, not solely for SEO benefits.
11. Google does not rank websites based on TLD (Top Level Domain):
Google doesn't prioritize specific TLDs like ".com" or ".org" for ranking unless you're specifically targeting a certain country's audience.
In that case, using a localized TLD like ".uk" for the United Kingdom can be helpful for both business and SEO.
Links and Technical SEO:
12. Link building is a good strategy for ranking.
Google uses links to discover and connect various pages within your website and across the web. Building links from high-quality, relevant websites strengthens your site's reputation and boosts its ranking potential. Remember, good links serve both users (by helping them discover related content) and search engines (by showing your content's value).
13. Potential negative linking can result in consequences for your rankings.
While link building is valuable, linking to low-quality or irrelevant websites can harm your ranking. Google emphasizes linking responsibly, so choose partners wisely! If unsure, use the "nofollow" attribute to signal that you don't endorse the linked content. Remember, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to links.
Read: Avoiding Google's Spam Book: A Link Building Method to Steer Clear Of
14. meta-keywords are less important:
While once important, meta keywords no longer directly influence Google rankings. Although some platforms offer them, these tags hold no weight in modern SEO. Focus your efforts on creating high-quality content and building a strong link profile instead.
15. Meta description is a good SEO method
Your meta description is a crucial preview of your content displayed in search results. A well-written, informative summary can significantly improve your click-through rate (CTR), which is an important ranking factor. Think of it as a compelling ad for your webpage, enticing users to click and discover more!
16. Good Page experience content will rank higher.
Google rewards websites that deliver a seamless and enjoyable experience for users. This means both high-quality, informative content and fast-loading, mobile-friendly pages are crucial for achieving top rankings. A positive user experience translates to increased organic traffic, engaged visitors, and a stronger brand reputation. Focus on optimizing both your content and presentation to win Google's favor and attract your target audience