What does Google say about SEO?

How often does Google really roll out its core updates?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★★

Google deploys several times per year significant and broad changes to its algorithms and search systems, called core updates. Detailed documentation is available to understand these updates.

Algorithms AI & SEO PDF & Files

Does Google's Helpful Content System really measure quality at the entire site level?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★★

The Helpful Content System aims to help users find original and useful content created for people in search results. This system uses signals across the entire website.

Content AI & SEO

Should you block third-party content from indexation to avoid Helpful Content penalties?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★★

For sites hosting third-party content unrelated to the main objective of the site or product without close involvement, it may be wise to block this content from indexation, because the helpful content system uses signals at the site-wide level.

Content Crawl & Indexing E-commerce

Why does Google direct you to its documentation when your rankings drop?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★

Google has compiled extensive information about the logic behind its ranking systems in the developer documentation. When ranking changes occur, it is recommended to consult the Search Central Help community to obtain expert advice.

PDF & Files

Should you subscribe to Google's Search Status Dashboard RSS feed to stay ahead of ranking updates?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★

The Search Status Dashboard keeps you informed about ranking updates and other changes. It features an RSS feed that you can subscribe to in order to receive notifications automatically.

Pagination & Structure

Does Google automatically display multilingual site names correctly in search results?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★

Site names are now displayed across all languages. These names are automatically determined by Google's systems and structured data markup. Guidance is available if your preferred name isn't selected.

Domain Age & History AI & SEO International SEO

Does Google really filter your pages by language for every search query?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★

Google has improved linguistic matching between user queries and displayed content by relying on language parameters, localization, and query language understanding to show content in the most appropriate language.

Content Local Search International SEO

Is Google really indexing your CSV files and should you be concerned about it?

John Mueller Oct 05, 2023 ★★

Google Search now indexes CSV files, enabling their discovery and appearance in search results.

Crawl & Indexing AI & SEO PDF & Files

Should you really display your site name in every single page title?

Martin Splitt Sep 28, 2023 ★★★

If you can't add structured data, make sure your site name appears consistently in the title of every page. Some CMS platforms can do this automatically by setting a site-wide name, while others require manual addition before or after the specific pa...

Domain Age & History Content AI & SEO Images & Videos Local Search

How long does Google really take to process your SEO updates?

Martin Splitt Sep 28, 2023 ★★

After adding structured data or modifying titles, you need to give Google some time to process the updates and display your site name in search results.

Content AI & SEO Local Search

Can you really speed up how quickly Google reindexes your site markup changes in Search Console?

Martin Splitt Sep 28, 2023 ★★

You can use Search Console and request that your homepage be reindexed with the new markup to speed up the process of updating your site name in search results.

Domain Age & History Crawl & Indexing AI & SEO Search Console

Does your site name really matter to Google's search results, and why is it critical to get it right?

Martin Splitt Sep 28, 2023 ★★

Your site name is an important sign for your users when they perform a search on Google, which is why it makes sense to ensure it displays correctly.

Local Search

Can you control exactly how your brand name appears in Google search results?

Martin Splitt Sep 28, 2023 ★★★

To help Google Search select the correct site name and display the one you prefer, you can provide structured data on your homepage. This structured data allows you to indicate to Google which display name you prefer in search results.

Domain Age & History AI & SEO Local Search

Does Google's site name feature really apply to your domain's subdirectories?

Martin Splitt Sep 28, 2023 ★★★

The site name feature works for subdomains or top-level domains, but not at the directory level (subdirectories of a website).

AI & SEO JavaScript & Technical SEO Domain Name

Are Backlinks Really No Longer Among Google's Priority SEO Signals?

Gary Illyes Sep 26, 2023 ★★

At PubCon 2023, Gary Illyes stated that backlinks weren't even among the top three ranking signals used by Google. He also declared that this had been the case for quite some time, and that there wasn't really a universal top 3.

AI & SEO Links & Backlinks

Should You Add Language Indicators (EN, FR...) to Your Title Tags for SEO?

John Mueller Sep 26, 2023 ★★★

John Mueller was asked about the SEO impact of adding a language indicator in the title tag, for example (EN). He replied that he doesn't think it has a positive or negative effect on Google.

Content AI & SEO International SEO

Does Simply Compiling AI-Generated Texts Actually Create Unique Content in Google's Eyes?

John Mueller Sep 26, 2023 ★★

John Mueller stated that compiling ChatGPT texts doesn't make your content unique or worthy of outranking other content on the web. He emphasized that a site should instead focus on unique, captivating, and high-quality content that contributes to th...

Content E-commerce AI & SEO

Can you really control how your site name appears in Google search results?

Google Sep 26, 2023 ★★★

It is possible to configure and control how your site name appears in Google search results. This configuration is considered crucial for how your site is perceived in the results.

AI & SEO

Why is Google pushing structured data to control your website name in search results?

Google Sep 26, 2023 ★★★

Google recommends using structured data to define and control your website name as it appears in search results.

Structured Data Pagination & Structure

Can Google Search Console really deliver immediate SEO results?

Martin Splitt Sep 21, 2023 ★★

Google recommends using Google Search Console to achieve immediate results on your website. This tool allows site owners to optimize their presence in Google Search effectively.

AI & SEO Search Console