What does Google say about SEO?

Why does Google prioritize speed as a ranking factor?

John Mueller May 06, 2021 ★★★

Google uses speed as a ranking factor not arbitrarily, but because the company depends on people who actually use the web. It is essential to ensure that the web experience is positive, that browsing and viewing sites is enjoyable and informative, an...

AI & SEO Web Performance

How does Google truly validate its ranking signals before rolling them out?

Gary Illyes May 06, 2021 ★★★

To decide to launch a ranking signal, Google relies on experience data and human quality evaluations that reflect how users interact with search results. These metrics determine if a change should be approved.

AI & SEO

Why does your Google ranking fluctuate so much based on the location of the query?

Martin Splitt May 06, 2021 ★★

Different rankings by region are inevitable and necessary, especially due to linguistic and cultural differences. Getting results in an incomprehensible language just because they rank well elsewhere isn't helpful for the user.

AI & SEO Pagination & Structure International SEO

Is it true that Google refuses to disclose the exact weights of its ranking factors?

Martin Splitt May 06, 2021 ★★★

Google communicates in general terms about what it looks for (relevant content, fast site), but does not disclose the exact factors and their weights, as this information is generally used to manipulate the system, creating a race to the bottom that ...

Content AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO

Why does Google really prioritize speed as a ranking factor?

John Mueller May 06, 2021 ★★

Google uses speed as a ranking signal not for arbitrary technical interest, but to ensure that the web experience remains positive for users. A fast and pleasant web encourages people to continue using browsers and search engines.

Domain Age & History Content AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO Web Performance

Why can SEO metrics indicate regression while user experience improves?

Gary Illyes May 06, 2021 ★★

In experiments aimed at addressing issues like fake news, metrics can paradoxically appear negative because users are more drawn to catchy yet less reliable content. Google then has to convince that the change benefits users despite the metrics.

Domain Age & History Content AI & SEO

Should we still focus so much on loading speed?

Gary Illyes May 06, 2021 ★★★

Google considers that speed should be a low-weight ranking signal, comparable to the HTTPS signal, primarily acting as a tie-breaker. The goal is not to sacrifice relevance for speed, as an empty page can be very fast but useless for the user.

Domain Age & History HTTPS & Security AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO Web Performance

Is it true that HTTPS is merely a 'tie-breaker' in Google rankings?

Gary Illyes May 06, 2021 ★★

Google had to go back and adjust the weight of the HTTPS signal about 4 to 5 times, gradually decreasing it on the recommendation of the ranking managers, until it reached its current level where it acts as a simple tie-breaker.

HTTPS & Security

How does Google really determine the weight of each ranking signal?

Gary Illyes May 06, 2021 ★★★

To determine the weight of a ranking signal, Google uses data from experiments and human evaluators (raters) that reflect how users interact with search results. These metrics help decide whether or not to launch a change.

AI & SEO

Is loading speed really just a minor ranking signal?

John Mueller May 06, 2021 ★★★

When multiple sites provide similar answers, it makes sense to favor those that provide a good user experience in terms of speed and usability. Speed should act as a tie-breaker rather than a high-weight factor.

AI & SEO Web Performance

Why does Google refuse to reveal the exact weight of its ranking factors?

Martin Splitt May 06, 2021 ★★★

It is acceptable to communicate to webmasters what Google is generally looking for (relevant content, fast site), but sharing the exact factors and their weights typically encourages gaming the system and creates a race to the bottom that degrades th...

Domain Age & History Content AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO Pagination & Structure Social Media

Are structured data really necessary to achieve rich results?

Aurora Morales May 04, 2021 ★★★

To benefit from rich results, you must implement structured data, which is HTML markup that provides Google with more information about your pages. This structured data is available for various types of content such as recipes or how-to guides.

Domain Age & History Content Structured Data Featured Snippets & SERP

Do rich results really amp up your organic traffic?

Aurora Morales May 04, 2021 ★★

Rich results do not directly affect the monetization of the site, but they can increase the frequency at which users click through to your pages, which in turn increases your organic traffic.

Domain Age & History Structured Data Featured Snippets & SERP AI & SEO

Do missing queries in Search Console really reveal your content gaps?

Daniel Waisberg May 04, 2021 ★★

If you do not find certain specific queries in the performance report that you would expect, this may indicate that you do not have enough content on that topic. It is a signal to expand your thematic coverage.

Content AI & SEO Web Performance Search Console

How can you leverage the Google News report to maximize your editorial visibility?

Daniel Waisberg May 04, 2021 ★★

The Google News performance report is particularly useful for press organizations. Similar to the search performance report, it provides data from the Google News apps on Android and iOS as well as from the news.google.com website.

Discover & News AI & SEO Web Performance Search Console

Can Google Trends really help pinpoint missing SEO content opportunities?

Aurora Morales May 04, 2021 ★★

Google Trends allows you to compare popular queries in your area with those generating traffic to your site. You can identify missing queries and check if you have content on those topics, or discover emerging queries to prepare your site by adding r...

Content AI & SEO

How can you leverage your data to truly enhance your SEO?

Aurora Morales May 04, 2021 ★★

The more quality data you have about your site, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions regarding your content, its structure, and optimization for SEO and monetization.

Content AI & SEO Pagination & Structure

Why does Google reject your URL removal requests?

Google May 04, 2021 ★★

To help Google review removal requests more quickly and with better chances of success, you need to provide specific information: send the URL of the specific page concerned, not the full URL of the entire website.

Domain Age & History AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO Domain Name

Is it really necessary to verify your site ownership to access Search Console data?

Daniel Waisberg May 04, 2021 ★★★

To access Search Console reports, you must verify your website ownership. This verification is an essential prerequisite to consult data on crawl, indexing, and search performance.

Crawl & Indexing Web Performance Search Console

Is the Index Coverage Report truly the best tool for tracking your site’s indexation?

Daniel Waisberg May 04, 2021 ★★★

The Index Coverage Report is the best starting point in Search Console. It provides information on all pages that Google can access on your site and defaults to listing errors preventing your pages from appearing in search results.

Domain Age & History Crawl & Indexing Search Console