Search engines use algorithms to determine which websites are the most relevant to a searcher’s query, and they factor in the number of inbound links pointing to a site. More inbound links suggest a site is more relevant and important. The purpose of SEO is to improve a user’s experience by delivering the most relevant information for their needs.
What factors affect how Google ranks a site?
Google uses more than 200 factors to determine a site’s ranking. Some weigh more than others, such as content quality and page load speed. Meta tags and descriptions can influence how a page performs, but they are not ranking factors. Backlinks and internal and external links function differently, so align your SEO strategy with Google’s Quality Guidelines.
How do you pick the right keywords?
A good SEO strategy focuses on producing content that is relevant to the searcher’s needs and interests. For example, if you sell tennis shoes, optimize your page for both informational and product keywords. Before you start, define your goals: an online store may want more traffic and profits, while an offline store may want to drive foot traffic.
Which search engine should you optimize for?
Optimize for the search engines that dominate your target market. Google leads worldwide, handling close to 75% of all search requests, and in the UK as of June 2008, Google held almost 90% market share.
Do you need a sitemap?
Yes. A sitemap makes it easier for Google to crawl your site. You can create one in WordPress or with an online XML sitemap generator. A difficult crawl can hurt your ranking, so make the site as easy to crawl as possible. Using images is not a ranking killer, but it is good practice to include them when optimizing a site.
Why does mobile optimization matter?
Google’s search algorithm is mobile-first, so it treats the mobile version of your website as the primary version. A slow or unresponsive mobile site will be penalized by Google. You can check your site for issues in the Search Console.
How does SEO protect your brand?
SEO also protects your brand reputation. When someone searches for your business, they should find positive information rather than negative. Ranking on the first page of organic results makes it easier to control your message on search engines and generate traffic for years to come.
FAQ
How many factors does Google use to rank a site?
Google uses more than 200 factors to determine a site’s ranking, with content quality and page load speed among the most important.
Why is mobile optimization important for SEO?
Google’s algorithm is mobile-first, meaning it considers the mobile version of your website as the primary version. Slow or unresponsive mobile sites are penalized in rankings.
What is the benefit of having a sitemap?
A sitemap makes it easier for Google to crawl your site, and a difficult crawl can negatively affect your ranking. You can create one in WordPress or with an online XML sitemap generator.