What does Google say about SEO? /
Quick SEO Quiz

Test your SEO knowledge in 5 questions

Less than a minute. Find out how much you really know about Google search.

🕒 ~1 min 🎯 5 questions

Official statement

Instead of titling a page 'About Me', it’s better to use the person’s real name like 'About John Mueller' to enhance searchability and retrieval, since 'me' has no exploitable synonym in search.
🎥 Source video

Extracted from a Google Search Central video

💬 EN 📅 17/06/2021 ✂ 13 statements
Watch on YouTube →
✂ Other statements from this video 12 ▾
  1. □ Is it possible that even Google’s own sites struggle with JavaScript issues?
  2. □ Why do so many landing pages contain incorrect links?
  3. □ Is it true that PageSpeed Insights and Lighthouse aren’t essential for user experience?
  4. □ How does Google's 'centerpiece' annotation impact your SEO?
  5. □ Can Google really ignore its own sites when it comes to SEO?
  6. □ Why do synonyms have a lesser impact on SEO rankings?
  7. □ Why does Google prioritize 'purchase' over 'sell' in its search results?
  8. □ How Does Google Leverage Posting Lists for Search Retrieval?
  9. □ How does Google choose the top 1000 results?
  10. □ Is it true that focusing on users, not keywords, is the key to SEO success?
  11. □ How do SEO best practices simplify the complexities of information retrieval?
  12. □ Are There Really No Secret SEO Tricks that Google Ignores?
📅
Official statement from (5 years ago)
TL;DR

Google recommends using real names instead of 'About Me' for bio pages. This enhances searchability and improves SEO, as 'me' is not a searchable term.

What you need to understand

Why is using a real name crucial?

In SEO, terminology plays a key role in information retrieval. 'Me' is a generic term that doesn’t aid search engine optimization, unlike a proper name which is unique and identifiable.

  • Real names are indexed more easily.
  • Named searches generate better traffic.

    What impact does it have on visibility?

    The use of real names enhances the relevance of pages for specific searches, thereby increasing visibility. A proper name on an 'About' page sends a clear signal to search engines about the topic and the individual involved.

    • Better indexing of personal pages.
    • Increases chances of visibility in queries related to the person.

SEO Expert opinion

Is Google’s recommendation consistent?

Yes, it aligns with SEO best practices that advocate for the use of specific and relevant keywords. Real names offer a uniqueness that 'About Me' cannot.

Are there nuances to consider?

A real name is particularly relevant for individuals with a certain degree of fame. That said, [To be verified] if the impact is the same for less well-known individuals, as the search signal may be weak.

Caution: Certain niches may require a different approach depending on the level of recognition and the targeted sector.

Practical impact and recommendations

What actions should you take?

Adjust your 'About' pages to incorporate real names. If this isn’t done, you are missing out on crucial SEO opportunities that could enhance your site's visibility.

  • Rename your 'About Me' pages with the full name of the individual involved.
  • Ensure these pages are properly linked from other sections of the site.
    Optimizing these details may seem simple, but the devil is in the details. Consulting a specialized SEO agency can often prove wise to maximize impact.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Quel impact a le nom réel sur le SEO ?
Il améliore l'indexation et le classement des pages lors des recherches nominatives sur Google.
Les pages 'About Me' doivent-elles inclure d'autres infos ?
Oui, inclure des informations pertinentes sur la personne pour enrichir le contenu et ses méta-données.
Cette règle s'applique-t-elle à toutes les pages ?
Non, elle est spécifique aux pages biographiques ou de présentation individuelle.
🏷 Related Topics
Domain Age & History Content AI & SEO Pagination & Structure

🎥 From the same video 12

Other SEO insights extracted from this same Google Search Central video · published on 17/06/2021

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube →

Related statements

💬 Comments (0)

Be the first to comment.

2000 characters remaining
🔔

Get real-time analysis of the latest Google SEO declarations

Be the first to know every time a new official Google statement drops — with full expert analysis.

No spam. Unsubscribe in one click.