What does Google say about SEO? /
This category compiles all official Google statements regarding links and their role in search engine optimization. Backlinks have always been a cornerstone of Google's ranking algorithm, though guidelines continue to evolve. Here you'll find Google's positions on link building strategies, acceptable practices versus manipulative techniques, proper use of nofollow and dofollow attributes, and official guidance on private blog networks (PBN) and guest blogging approaches. SEO practitioners will discover authoritative recommendations on anchor text optimization, toxic link management through the disavow tool, and the significance of internal linking for site architecture. Google regularly communicates about backlink quality, emphasizing relevance and natural link profiles over sheer volume. Understanding these official declarations is crucial for developing compliant netlinking strategies, avoiding algorithmic or manual penalties, and effectively optimizing PageRank flow throughout your website. This documentation helps search marketers separate myths from facts regarding outbound links impact, various link types, and acquisition techniques endorsed by the search engine. Whether you're addressing linkspam concerns or building sustainable link equity, these official statements provide the authoritative foundation for modern link-based SEO strategies.
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★★★ Should You Use Nofollow Links Internally to Sculpt PageRank?
John Mueller has indicated that, in his opinion, using the nofollow attribute in internal linking to do "internal PageRank sculpting" was a waste of time and that it doesn't work....
John Mueller Nov 04, 2019
★★★ Why does your site only appear in Google's omitted results?
The 'Show Omitted Results' link appears when Google detects multiple results with identical or nearly identical snippets. This means that we prefer to show only one version of these similar pages. If ...
John Mueller Nov 01, 2019
★★ Can You Safely Purchase a Penalized Domain Without Risking Your SEO?
Domains with previous negative links and histories can be used without fear, as long as problematic content is removed. Google focuses on the current state of the site....
John Mueller Oct 31, 2019
★★★ Should you really be worried about spam backlinks pointing to your site?
Spam backlinks generally shouldn't pose a major problem, as Google's algorithms often ignore them. Use the disavow tool if necessary to eliminate specific links you consider harmful....
John Mueller Oct 31, 2019
★★ Should you block parameterized URLs in robots.txt or through Search Console settings?
If you use robots.txt to block a URL, we cannot use its content, but the crawl preference settings with parameterized URLs do not actually block the crawl....
John Mueller Oct 30, 2019
★★★ How can you effectively create an online presence for SEO according to Google?
This series is aimed at those who want to learn the basics of creating an online presence and using Google search tools to help customers find their website....
Google Oct 23, 2019
★ Do You Really Need a Backlink Audit for Your Website?
The same Gary Illyes explained on this occasion that a website should only invest in a backlink audit if the site in question had been a "victim" of questionable SEO methods in the past. In other case...
Gary Illyes Oct 21, 2019
★★★ Should You Really Use Google's Disavow Tool to Improve Your SEO?
Google has never been a big fan of people using the disavow tool, but it remains online because it can help certain sites that have been subject to a manual action. Gary Illyes from Google said at the...
Gary Illyes Oct 21, 2019
★★★ Should you really keep canonical and alternate tags after switching to mobile-first?
Keep standard links between mobile and desktop versions, even with mobile-first indexing. Do not modify existing canonical or alternate tags....
John Mueller Oct 18, 2019
★★ Do meta descriptions really influence SEO rankings or just the CTR?
The indirect impact of poor meta descriptions does not affect ranking. However, poor descriptions can influence the number of user clicks on your links....
John Mueller Oct 17, 2019
★★★ Is Infinite Scrolling a Trap for Google Indexing?
When using infinite scrolling, it is crucial to have accessible paginated versions. Googlebot will index a long version but needs links to the next pages to explore everything....
John Mueller Oct 17, 2019
★★ Do you really need to register with Google News to appear on Discover?
Although Discover uses sources similar to Google News, there are no special criteria regarding meta tags or mandatory registration with Google News to appear on Discover. The content must be relevant ...
John Mueller Oct 16, 2019
★★★ Should you really worry about your backlinks and use a disavow file?
If you have no specific reason to worry about your backlinks, for example, if no link purchases have taken place, there’s no need to excessively stress about them. Periodically review your backlinks a...
John Mueller Oct 16, 2019
★★★ Should you really monitor all your backlinks, or is Google overstating the risk?
Don't worry excessively about backlinks unless you are aware of link purchases or similar techniques. Check them occasionally and use the disavow file for identified problematic patterns....
John Mueller Oct 16, 2019
★★ Should You Really Ditch Backlink Analysis Tools in Favor of Search Console?
Still at the PubCon event, Googler Nathan Johns indicated that the backlink samples provided in Search Console were sufficient to conduct a proper link building audit of your site. According to him, t...
Google Oct 14, 2019
★★★ Should You Really Disavow Toxic Links After a Google Core Update?
Gary Illyes explained at the PubCon event that "core updates", implemented by Google on average every 3 months, have no impact on the "netlinking" aspect and that there was no point in updating your l...
Gary Illyes Oct 14, 2019
★★ Should we still use nofollow on internal links for crawl budget management?
John Mueller explained on Twitter that the new approach to Nofollow attributes will also work for internal links on a website, although he indicated that these changes were primarily designed for exte...
John Mueller Oct 07, 2019
★★★ Do all affiliate links really need to be nofollow to avoid a Google penalty?
Google views affiliate links as a valid monetization method, but they must be tagged with nofollow or the rel=sponsored attribute to indicate a commercial relationship, which will not negatively impac...
John Mueller Oct 04, 2019
★★★ How long do ranking fluctuations really last after a website redesign?
When redesigning a website, expect ranking fluctuations that may last several months. Be prepared to monitor redirects and internal links to prevent traffic loss....
John Mueller Oct 04, 2019
★★★ Should you really abandon separate mobile URLs (m.site.com) for SEO?
Google recommends creating clear links and redirects between mobile and desktop versions when using separate mobile URLs. However, it is preferable to opt for sites with a single unique URL, either re...
John Mueller Oct 04, 2019
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