3 SEO techniques not to use and 3 recommended techniques to take advantage of Google's RankBrain
Ever since Google unveiled RankBrain as the latest leap in their search algorithm’s efficiency just a day after Christmas last year, the ripples it created in the SEO universe have refused to settle down. That’s saying a lot. because RankBrain isn’t really even an algorithm update, it is actually a part of the current version of the algorithm named “Hummingbird” which dates back to a 2013 launch.
With Hummingbird, Google started paying a lot more attention to an entire search query rather than just the keywords. The mission of Hummingbird is to understand the overall context of a sentence and not just specific words. RankBrain takes this effort several steps forward.
Why is RankBrain creating such a noise? The answer is partly because…
Google have released a revised version of their Search Quality Raters Guidelines, 5 months after their first (official) incarnation.
Importance [rating=5] (Webmasters & SEO Consultants)
Recommended Source: Google Quality Rater Guidelines
Google released the very first "official" Search Quality Raters Guidelines back in November 2015 and they have just updated it again. To find out a little more about the first official release, check out the post we wrote.
It was suggested that Google would continue to update this document periodically, as Mimi Underwood, Senior Programme Manager for Search Growth & Analysis (which is quite the mouthful) stated...
“The guidelines will continue to evolve as search, and how people use it, changes. We won’t be updating the public document with every change, but we will try to publish big changes to the guidelines periodically.”
However, I don't think it was expected to…
It has never been more important for digital specialists to break out of their individual silo and engage key stakeholders across the business operation.
As digital communication channels develop, as search engine algorithms change and as new platforms and trends emerge, many enterprise-level organisations are in a constant race to keep up with the rate of change in digital.
Modern SEO now requires digital specialists to engage stakeholders across an organisation in order to deliver the consistent and effective experience that consumers – and by extension, search engines – are looking for. SEO is not just a single technical function and digital is no longer a single discipline that is removed from the rest of the organisation, it is a critical component that relies on an enormous range of skills and resources.
SEO requires a balanced approach
A lot of SEO specialists, digital marketers and agencies will focus very heavily on the creative side…
A simple introduction to on-page and off-page SEO factors
With every website vying for a moment in the spotlight, and viewers becoming more discerning between the value of various websites, the subtleties of search engine optimisation has become crucial in ensuring your websites visibility. By reading through this infographic, you can review 16 success factors which will affect how your website is ranked by search engines and increase web traffic to your page.
Most factors are grouped under on-page optimisation which is directly from your own website -and a little forethought-, through the use of title tags, Meta descriptions, keyword density and many other factors. This can easily be used in your favour if you’re keeping up with your keyword research, and are ensuring sufficient volume is there.
Off-page optimisation is the site awareness you are able to create, by creating listings, producing content and promoting your website in the public forum. This is…
Google are proactively asking business owners to keep their Knowledge Graph information up-to-date, by directly suggesting edits.
Importance: [rating=3] (Webmasters and "Official Representatives")
Recommended source: Successful SEO Guide
In an interesting move, Google have begun to ask people who they deem as "Official Representatives" of a topic, if they would like to request changes to the Knowledge Graph card.
It came to my attention yesterday when SEJ published a tip from a reader, that when signed into a Google Account associated with a Google My Business page, the below option appeared.
Clicking edit, will move you onto this screen...
Once the edits have been made, these are then passed onto Google for moderation and review. Once cleared, the edits will be updated to the Knowledge Graph.
How are you recognized as an official…
How considering the latest trends can help you stay ahead of the competition
2015 was an exciting year in the world of search engine optimization and social media marketing. These two fields are constantly evolving, with plenty of changes that prompt shifts in consumer and marketer behavior. In order to succeed, you should adapt to these changes and employ the latest and most effective strategies. The following are 15 social media and search engine marketing trends in 2016 and what you should do to stay ahead of the curve:
1. Mobile optimization is a must.
Last year, mobile generated more traffic than desktop and laptop search. With virtually everyone using their smartphone or tablet to find information online, it goes without saying that business owners must cater to the needs of their mobile audience to generate leads and increase conversions. If your website still isn’t optimized for mobile, then you risk losing out…
Case studies and best practices for producing truly outstanding content
With the ongoing rise in content marketing, smarter search engines and increased competition within the earned media space, what does it take to really stand out and gain attention?
As we start the New Year, now is as good a time as any to aim for a new set of higher standards for the content we’ll be producing in 2016 and onwards.
Recently, Rand Fishkin produced an excellent Whiteboard Friday explaining why the creation of ‘reasonably good, unique content’ must die:
Rand’s main point was that the days of producing reasonably good, useful, unique content is no longer an acceptable level of quality for those aiming to compete by ranking highly and generate interest in search. Instead, we must set our sights much higher:
Source:…
Panda Integrated into Googles' Core Ranking Algorithm
Importance [rating=4] (Webmasters & SEO Consultants)
Recommended Source: 7 Steps to Successful SEO Guide.
Update 20th of Jan 2016: Another major set of ranking changes over the weekend (16th-17th of Jan) led some to think Google were updating Penguin, but Google was quick to clarify that it was actually further updates to the core algorithm rather than a Penguin update. It seems mostly likely these ranking fluctuations were just further side effects from Google baking Panda into it's core algorithm the weekend before.
@AdilAdilrehman core algorithm. Not penguin
— Gary Illyes (@methode) January 18, 2016
Over the weekend (8-10 January 2016) there were mutterings of changes to the Google Algorithm, with a new Penguin update being deemed the most likely candidate.
However, earlier this morning (12th January 2016) news started to trickle out, that the speculated Penguin Update was not the…
A must-read for anyone responsible for SEO or Content Marketing
Importance: [rating=5] For all Webmasters, SEO Consultants, Content Producers and Web Designers
Recommended link: Google's new Search Quality Rating Guideline
Yesterday (November 19th 2015), we saw the release of an updated ‘full’ 160(!) page version of the Search Quality Rating Guidelines. Here's a sample:
With the adoption of Mobile Devices influencing the search landscape more and more, Google have decided to update its guidelines for Search Quality Raters.
This is big news since Google used to previously to keep these 'behind closed doors', but occasionally one would escape into the wild and be dissected. Back in 2013 Google published an abridged version as they looked to “provide transparency on how Google works” after previous leaks of the document in 2008, 2011 and 2012, then in 2014. However, as the use of…
Local SEO is key for small businesses, these tips will help you optimize it
Local SEO or Search Engine Optimization can pave the way for smaller online businesses to grow at the expense of their larger competitors. An effective SEO strategy helps online businesses to create a strong online presence that keeps the profit pouring in. Even if a website has an appealing design, attention-grabbing titles, and offer quality products or services, it cannot remain afloat for long without an effective SEO strategy.
SEO is invaluable for online businesses to boost their online presence, attract maximum number of visitors, and accomplish sales levels that go right through the roof.
Here we will reveal 10 local SEO tips that every entrepreneur should follow in 2015 to take their online business to the next level.
1. Comply with Google Pigeon
Google Pigeon is a local search engine…
