To succeed in SEO, it’s essential to understand Google’s core principles in ranking websites. Google’s algorithms analyze various factors to determine the “best” results for any query, considering aspects like relevance, page quality, expertise, location, and user settings.
The weight of each factor varies based on the nature of the query, with quality raters reviewing algorithm outcomes to ensure alignment with Google’s standards.
For website creators serious about optimizing for top performance, focusing on the following areas can be transformative:
Key SEO Areas
Mobile-First Approach
Ensure the website is mobile-friendly by checking the Search Console’s mobile usability report.
Google flags any mobile compatibility issues here, allowing prompt action for optimization.
Claim the Business Listing
Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is a free listing that displays the business on Google Search, Maps, and Shopping.
An optimized profile provides benefits such as local search visibility, credibility through reviews, and performance insights.
Enhance Page Experience
Google’s page experience signals measure user interactions beyond content value, incorporating metrics like Core Web Vitals (loading speed, interactivity, visual stability), mobile-friendliness, HTTPS, and avoiding intrusive interstitials.
High page experience can boost the ranking, especially when relevance between pages is similar.
Focus on User Experience (UX)
Google’s focus on user experience (UX) means websites offering seamless, user-friendly navigation and intuitive designs are more likely to rank well.
UX design should prioritize understanding user intent and making it easy to reach the desired content.
Testing and improving UX is crucial, with numerous templates and resources available online to guide the process.
Conduct Keyword Research
Despite changes, keyword research remains important.
Tools like Ahrefs and Semrush can provide valuable insights, especially with Google’s RankBrain and BERT algorithms now understanding context and intent in queries.
These tools help create relevant keyword groups, allowing for content tailored to specific search intents.
Develop a Comprehensive Content Marketing Plan
Content remains a top-ranking factor for Google.
A successful content marketing plan should focus on valuable content that resonates with the target audience, using varied formats like blogs, data-based visuals, infographics, videos, and more.
Optimize On-Page Elements
Basic on-page SEO ensures higher visibility by optimizing elements like page titles, headers, meta descriptions, image alt-text, structured data, URLs, and internal links.
Google’s Search Central Blog, Support Forum, and YouTube Channel are excellent resources for staying updated on best practices.
Supercharge with Link Building
Link building supports other SEO efforts by enhancing authority and trust.
Building a resource center on the site attracts relevant links, which, in turn, boosts the site’s credibility and provides value to users looking for well-organized information on the topic.
By focusing on these eight white hat SEO techniques, strengthen the website’s performance and drive more search traffic while adhering to Google’s standards.