Asking what Google considers when ranking websites can seem like asking for the meaning of life. Nobody really knows the exact formula that Google uses and they never have done (perhaps apart from some lucky Google employees!). But we do have a general idea of the answer and the sort of thing that Google values and doesn’t value.
The truth is that Google is always updating its algorithm. People would cram keywords into content many years ago because this worked…it doesn’t now. Google now values quality content that is not just relevant and well-written, but also as captivating as a viral cat video. If you have content that people are genuinely interested in reading (and sharing!), then you’ll be on the express lane to improving search engine rankings. So, get ready to rock the digital world with your content prowess.
Content Relevance and Quality
When it comes to ranking websites, Google is all about relevance and quality. So, your content better be as useful as a Swiss Army knife and as captivating as a Netflix series. It should leave readers thinking, “Wow, this is some seriously good stuff!” Remember, relevance and value are the name of the game. It’s better to create amazing content with naturally-occuring keywords than trying to force keywords into content that doesn’t offer much to the reader.
Keywords
Back in the day, cramming keywords into your content was the trick, but now it’s a black hat SEO tactic that can seriously mess up your website’s rankings. Google is all about delivering relevant and top-notch results, so they’re into natural language and user intent, not just keywords. So yeah, do your keyword research and sprinkle them into your content, but make sure it’s smooth and valuable for your readers. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of free tools and the expertise of King Kong to target the right keywords.
Backlinks
Backlinks: Google’s secret sauce for website rankings. These little links from other sites to yours? They’re like trust badges, boosting your credibility. The more top-notch backlinks you’ve got, the higher you’ll soar in search rankings. But here’s the catch: not all backlinks are equal. Google’s picky about relevance and authority, so cozy up to reputable sites in your industry. Let the backlink game begin.
User Experience
You want people to find your website enjoyable and easy to use, right? You don’t want people clicking away in frustration because this ends badly for the user and it tells Google that your website isn’t great. Google takes into account various factors like page load speed, mobile friendliness, and overall usability. If your website is a slowpoke or a labyrinth, users will bid adieu and your rankings will take a hit. So, don’t be a drag, optimize your website for a seamless user experience.
Content Freshness
Now is also the time to do something with your old content and post regularly because freshness matters. This involves the delightful task of frequently sprinkling your website with fresh content, be it witty blog posts, captivating articles, or exciting product updates. So don’t sleep on an active website this year.
