Google dispels misconceptions about its ranking algorithm and advocates prioritizing user experience over SEO tricks.
According to Google, no such “perfect page” algorithms for top ranks exist. Why Google claims that while third-party SEO tools promote formulas, they cannot guarantee results. Google advises against concentrating on ranking strategies and instead on helping people.
Google’s Search Liaison announced in a recent social media statement that there are no “perfect page” criteria that websites need to adhere to rank highly in search results.
“Today I wanted to share about the belief that there is some type of “perfect page” formula that must be used to rank highly in Google Search,” the message claims at the outset.
Google explains that although word counts, page layouts, or other improvements might assure good placement, there is no uniform ranking methodology.
The rest of the statement reads, “There is no mystical formula, and nobody should feel pressured to follow one. This is an old idea that predates Google’s rise to popularity.
Table of Contents
ToggleAddressing SEO Myths
To thrive in the search result rankings, third-party SEO tools frequently recommend building pages in particular ways. Google claims that these technologies are unable to anticipate rankings. While Google’s algorithm prioritizes distinct variances and commonalities, the tools’ recommendations often rely on averaging top websites.
Advice from third parties, including news items, may make suggestions of some kind. A high ranking is not guaranteed by adhering to such instructions. Furthermore, a lot of the time, these forecasts and recommendations are based on averages, which ignores the fact that entirely distinct and original pages may and will do well in search results.
Google advises concentrating on being useful and relevant to users rather than formulae. Include an author by-line, for instance, if it serves the reader’s goal on the page—not just because it may theoretically improve rankings.
Liaison’s statement ends with the following:
“Google’s main recommendation is to concentrate on providing valuable content for your users. For instance, provide your readers with a by-line if it makes sense for them to see one (which it may!). Avoid doing it just because you have heard that having a by-line improves your Google ranking—it does not.
Prioritize your audience and readers. Be of assistance to them. By doing things for others, you increase the likelihood that your actions will coincide with entirely new signals that we use to reward content.”
Google Ranking Criteria Till now
The order of search results is determined by Google’s dynamic and intricate ranking algorithm, which considers several criteria. Search rankings can be affected by the broad standards and principles Google has offered. Among them are:
- Relevance: Content is more likely to rank higher if it closely reflects the user’s purpose.
- Content Quality: Excellent, useful, and instructive information is preferred.
- Backlinks: Reputable websites with high-quality backlinks can help websites rank higher.
- Page Load Speed: Better user experiences are achieved by pages that load more quickly.
- User Experience: Higher rankings are influenced by elements like intuitive site structure, simple navigation, and a good user experience.
- Secure Websites: HTTPS-secured websites are recommended over insecure ones. Security is considered while ranking.
- Freshness: Google Favors information that has been recently published or updated, especially for areas where freshness is significant.
Key Takeaways
With SEO, it was always a case where no one-size-fits-all solution was possible.
A single algorithmic change can swiftly elevate greyhat tactics to blackhat. Though not all ranking indicators are equally powerful in terms of short-term performance, digital marketers may still utilize specific strategies to highlight the importance of SEO to customers, particularly in the early stages of a project.
Putting the reader’s needs first is the main lesson to be learned from Google’s message.
Google’s stance is unwavering: no magic solution can guarantee ranks for people looking for it. But, producing material that accomplishes its goal? That keeps getting paid for.