John Mueller

★★★ Can adult sites actually display rich results on Google?

All types of rich results that Google offers are not intended for adult content sites. If an adult site uses schemas, the systems recognize the adult content and simply do not display the rich results...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ Should you stop optimizing for synonyms and geographical variations?

With the development of machine learning, Google understands synonyms (accommodation/hotels) much better. It is not necessary to mention all the variations of words on a page; Google understands that ...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ Does a modified HTML title lose its ranking power in the SERPs?

When Google changes the displayed title in search results, it does not disregard it for ranking purposes. The HTML title remains used for ranking; only the display in the SERPs changes according to th...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Is it true that Google rewrites your title tags, and how can you ensure your original version gets displayed?

If Google frequently rewrites your titles, improving them to better match user intent increases the chances that Google will show your original title. A better title generates more clicks and can indi...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ Does Google rewrite your titles to manipulate your click-through rates?

Google sometimes rewrites page titles based on user queries to better match what they are searching for. This occurs if the title is generic, duplicated across multiple pages, or simply a list of keyw...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ Should you really show the complete content to Googlebot if the paywall blocks users?

Googlebot must be able to see the complete content to understand the ranking topic, AND see the structured paywall markup. Users do not need to see this markup, but it is essential for Google to see i...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ How can you implement paywall schema when conducting A/B tests with multiple variations?

For A/B tests of paywalls with variations, implement the paywall markup corresponding to what all users see (the common denominator). Google does not need 100% exact markup for each page; recognizing ...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Why do your impressions skyrocket on certain days in Search Console?

Regular spikes in impressions in Search Console can result from user search cycles (normal weekly variations) or traces left by position tracking tools. These traces are typically filtered but can per...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Does hidden text for accessibility really harm your site's SEO?

Invisible titles for accessibility (voice navigation) are not treated as problematic cloaking. This is very common on the web. At worst, Google may consider this text less relevant because it is invis...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ How does cleaning up your URL structure really enhance the ranking of your strategic pages?

When poor pages (tags similar to categories) rank better than good ones, cleaning up the structure helps: reducing internal links to these pages, using rel=canonical, or redirecting to the desired pag...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Do AMP errors really affect your Google ranking?

If Google detects AMP errors, the pages are not valid and will not be kept in the AMP cache nor treated as AMP alternates. There is no effect on ranking, but you are not fully leveraging your AMP page...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ Can Web Stories really rank like traditional pages?

Web Stories are canonical AMP pages (not alternates). They can be indexed just like any regular content. They show up in the Web Stories features in certain countries; otherwise, they appear in standa...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Should you really use the address change tool when migrating between subdomains?

The address change tool in Search Console assists during a domain name change to transfer signals at the domain level. It is not needed for moving between subdomains of the same domain (e.g., m.exampl...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Why does Google maintain SafeSearch filtering even after migrating to clean content?

If the new domain previously hosted adult content, it may be listed in Google's SafeSearch filter. The update will occur automatically as it sees the new content, but it takes time to switch to a norm...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Should you really update all backlinks after a domain migration?

After a domain migration, updating external links pointing to the old site helps Google with canonicalization. If Google hesitates between the old and new version, external links to one version help i...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Should you really delay your SEO changes during a Core Update?

There is no conflict in launching design or URL changes during the deployment of a core update. Core updates target broader changes. If you are making improvements, it’s better to put them online as s...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Do domain migration problems amplify the impact of Core Updates?

A site with residual domain migration issues can be doubly affected by a core update: the combination of remaining migration problems and the impact of the update explains the observed fluctuations....

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★★ Are domain migrations really risk-free according to Google?

Issues during domain migrations are extremely rare. It's essential to follow the official guidelines, check the redirects, and properly configure Search Console. The history of the new domain (spam, a...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Does boilerplate content really harm SEO?

Boilerplate duplicate content (such as legal notices and disclaimers) is not an issue because users typically do not search for these elements. Google appropriately weighs this copied content while as...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available

★★ Does Google really not care who published the original content?

Google does not try to determine who is the original owner or author of copied content. It is not always the original source that is most relevant to users. Sometimes, a version with additional analys...

Dec 11, 2020 ⚡ Analysis available