What does Google say about SEO?

Are the Quality Rater Guidelines really Google's secret instruction manual for its algorithm?

John Mueller Mar 26, 2021 ★★★

The Quality Rater Guidelines provide insights into what Google expects from websites, particularly for YMYL sites. Raters do not create algorithms but provide insights. Consulting these guidelines helps to adopt an objective perspective on one’s site...

Algorithms AI & SEO

Do e-commerce sites really need a different SEO approach than others?

John Mueller Mar 26, 2021 ★★

E-commerce sites are treated just like regular websites by Google. All the standard SEO best practices apply. Additionally, set up Google Shopping via Merchant Center (free in most countries) to enhance visibility.

Content E-commerce AI & SEO

Is quality content really enough to rank locally?

Gary Illyes Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

To launch a new local business website, the number one priority is to have good content. You need to clearly indicate where you are located, your opening hours, and what services or products you offer. Be specific about your service area and what you...

Content E-commerce AI & SEO Local Search

Is Google My Business really a must-have for local SEO?

John Mueller Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

For local businesses, everything related to Google My Business is truly valuable as it requires the provision of all necessary metadata: opening hours, clear address, name, service descriptions. We can now also add products.

E-commerce AI & SEO Local Search

Why can't new local sites aim for national queries right off the bat?

John Mueller Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

If you're starting with a new business, you won't rank number one for generic national queries. You have a small niche to work with. First, focus on getting people nearby to find you, then grow gradually.

AI & SEO

Does Google really adjust its algorithms against SEOs?

Gary Illyes Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

Google does not adjust its algorithms specifically against SEOs. The goal is to improve the quality of results. If a systemic issue is observed with the results, we look for a solution to enhance quality, not to target SEOs.

Algorithms

Does PageRank really work the same way as it did in 1998?

Gary Illyes Mar 25, 2021 ★★

Google still uses PageRank the same way it did in the beginning. The system has not changed in its fundamental use.

Domain Age & History Links & Backlinks

Should you really give up dynamic rendering for SSR?

Martin Splitt Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

Google stopped recommending dynamic rendering following the launch of Evergreen Googlebot in May 2019. Although it is not deprecated, it is more complex than expected. Google now recommends investing in server-side rendering instead or using dynamic ...

Crawl & Indexing AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO

Is server-side rendering really essential for your SEO?

Martin Splitt Mar 25, 2021 ★★

Server-side rendering typically makes websites more robust and faster for users. However, it's not a silver bullet. If your client-side site performs well for indexing and users, there's no need to change it.

Crawl & Indexing AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO Links & Backlinks Web Performance

Is JavaScript truly the worst enemy of Core Web Vitals?

Martin Splitt Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

JavaScript is the most resource-intensive asset on a page, more than images or videos. It must be downloaded, parsed into machine code, and then executed. During JavaScript execution, the browser cannot do anything else. This negatively impacts the t...

Domain Age & History AI & SEO Images & Videos JavaScript & Technical SEO Web Performance

Should You Really Delete Your Broken AMP Pages Instead of Keeping Them?

Martin Splitt Mar 25, 2021 ★★

If you're aware that your AMP pages have issues, fix them or delete them. If you want to reap the benefits of AMP, having a valid AMP page is the first step. A broken AMP page brings more problems than it delivers benefits.

Domain Age & History Mobile SEO

Should you really optimize the length of title tags for Google?

Gary Illyes Mar 25, 2021 ★★

There is value in having title tags longer than the displayable space in search snippets. Keep the title relevant to the page, but don't worry too much about the exact length. If it fills your screen, it's probably too long.

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

Do PWAs really affect SEO or is it just a technical myth?

Martin Splitt Mar 25, 2021 ★★

For Google search, a Progressive Web App is just a website. Features like offline support are not detected during the crawl. However, a well-built PWA is generally a fast website with good Core Web Vitals metrics, which is beneficial.

Crawl & Indexing JavaScript & Technical SEO Web Performance

Should you really limit third-party scripts to enhance your SEO?

Martin Splitt Mar 25, 2021 ★★

Reduce the number of requests needed to load critical content. For optional content, Google Tag Manager is useful. Every JavaScript holds the keys to your content and loading performance. Only use what you truly need on your pages.

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

Should you prioritize 'remarkable actions' over link building for better visibility?

John Mueller Mar 25, 2021 ★★

Perform magical and extraordinary things that make people write about you - local news sites, radio - even without a direct link. People can then search for your name and find you online. Step out of your comfort zone and do something that people lov...

AI & SEO Links & Backlinks Local Search

What sets manual penalties apart from algorithmic downgrades for your website?

Gary Illyes Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

A manual action specifically targets a site attempting to manipulate rankings. An algorithmic downgrade is not targeted—it corrects a systemic issue, and your site simply contributes to this problem. It is not against your site specifically.

Algorithms Penalties & Spam

Does duplicate content really kill your SEO, or is it enough to add a few unique paragraphs?

Gary Illyes Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

When different sites have exactly the same product descriptions, Google doesn't need to show all the copies. It's not spam. To solve this issue, add substantial, quality content to your page to stand out.

Domain Age & History Content E-commerce JavaScript & Technical SEO Penalties & Spam

What happens when you block the Googlebot mobile and risk losing your indexed pages?

Google Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

If the Googlebot mobile cannot crawl your site, the already indexed URLs may be removed from the index. Check and adjust your server settings to ensure proper mobile crawling.

Domain Age & History Crawl & Indexing Mobile SEO Domain Name

Should you stop using the site: command to verify your pages' indexing?

Google Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

The site: command can be helpful for checking whether specific pages are indexed, but it does not provide a complete picture and should not be used to evaluate the entirety of a site's indexing coverage.

Domain Age & History Crawl & Indexing AI & SEO Images & Videos

Is faceted navigation really a coverage error trap?

Google Mar 25, 2021 ★★★

Excessive use of URL parameters in faceted navigation can generate a lot of duplicate pages, which increases the number of coverage errors. These pages need to be properly managed to optimize crawling and indexing.

Domain Age & History Crawl & Indexing Domain Name Pagination & Structure