Author: directsubmit

Google: Best Practices Can Have Minimal Effect

Google Says Best Practices Can Have Minimal Effect Google’s John Mueller observed that sometimes best practices have minimal effect on search visibility, he was asked why a site wasn’t ranking despite following SEO best practices. Google’s John Mueller narrated the question: “I changed my website a year ago and did a lot of work on SEO. Should this be affecting my website’s traffic by now?” It’s a hard question to answer when you don’t have the specifics of the webpage in front of you. So Mueller answered in a fairly general manner that ends with him recommending he ask someone else for advice in Google’s help forums. The first part of Mueller’s response acknowledges the difficulty of answering the question. He responded: “It’s tricky to say much here. I don’t know what specifically you did to work on SEO, and I don’t know if that would have resulted in significant changes.” Why SEO Doesn’t WorkMueller’s right. Maybe the website has a great layout, fast page speed performance, spot on structured data and a logical site architecture that optimizes internal linking. What could go wrong with a properly SEO’d website, right? >>> The content could be incomplete.>>> The content could be too comprehensive.>>> The content might be unfocused, lacking a clear comprehension of the topic.>>> The content might be too focused on keywords and not focused enough on users.>>> The content might not match the topic suggested by the keywords in the title and the headings.>>> Maybe the content is aiming too high, trying to rank for a highly competitive search phrase. No amount of ‘good SEO‘ is going to save a website with the above listed problems… and that’s just a sample of what can go wrong. Mueller addressed this shortcoming of SEO in situations where it has zero effect. He continued his answer: “There are many best practices which have minimal effect on the day-to-day performance of a website. For example, having a clean page structure helps search engines to better understand the content on a page, but it might not necessarily result in immediate search ranking or traffic changes.” Ranking Criteria is Different Across TopicsAnother factor that Mueller touches on is that what’s important for SEO varies according to the topic. Some topics require fresh content, some content requires establishing signals of trustworthiness and authoritativeness, maybe even signals that communicate user brand preference and popularity, signals that indicate that users expect to see a specific brand for certain queries. There could be a geographic component that prioritizes local signals. It could be an intent thing where a user just wants to read what a person wrote in a forum. This may be what Mueller is talking about when he says that the best elements of SEO vary across websites. He answered: “The most effective elements of SEO will vary across websites, it takes a lot of experience to go from a long checklist of possible items to a short prioritized list of critical items.” Experience Is ImportantThe last factor Mueller discussed is the role of experience in making one a better SEO. Here’s an example: I thought I was pretty good at creating content that ranks and then I wrote a couple thousand articles for Search Engine Journal and it opened up a whole new conception of content creation, I discovered levels of understanding that could only come from writing about a couple thousand articles. Mentorship, is an option that can cut down the amount of time it takes to learn, but experience is still important. John Mueller recommended experience as an important factor for understanding SEO. He wrote: “Your experience here will grow over time as you practice. I recommend getting input from others, and practicing by helping with challenges that others post in help forums. Getting input from others is always good advice.

Local SEO for Business

Local SEO for Business: A Comprehensive Guide Establishing a robust online presence is crucial for businesses of all sizes. With more consumers relying on the internet to find local services and products, Local Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) has become an essential strategy for businesses aiming to attract local customers. Local SEO focuses on optimising a business’s online presence to attract more business from relevant local searches. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the significance of Local SEO for businesses, the key components, and effective strategies to enhance local visibility. 1. Understanding Local SEO Local SEO is a branch of search engine optimisation that focuses on optimising a website to be found in local search results. These searches are typically conducted by users looking for services, products, or businesses within a specific geographical area. For example, a user might search for “best Italian restaurant near me” or “plumber in Durham.” Local SEO ensures that when such searches are made, your business appears prominently in the results. Local SEO differs from traditional SEO in that it prioritises proximity, relevance, and prominence in a specific locale. While traditional SEO focuses on improving a website’s overall search engine rankings, Local SEO targets a more niche audience – those who are geographically close to the business’s physical location. 2. Why Local SEO Matters The importance of Local SEO cannot be overstated for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Here are some compelling reasons why investing in Local SEO is crucial: a) Increased Visibility in Local Searches When potential customers search for products or services in your area, Local SEO ensures that your business appears at the top of the search results. This increased visibility translates into more traffic, both online and offline. b) Higher Conversion Rates Local searchers often have higher intent, meaning they are more likely to convert into customers. For example, someone searching for “buy flowers in Durham” is likely looking to make a purchase immediately. Local SEO helps capture this intent, leading to higher conversion rates. c) Mobile Search Optimisation With the proliferation of smartphones, local searches have become increasingly mobile. Studies show that a significant percentage of local searches are conducted on mobile devices, and users tend to visit or contact businesses shortly after searching. Local SEO optimises your business’s presence for mobile users, ensuring a seamless experience. d) Competitive Advantage Many small businesses have yet to fully embrace Local SEO, providing an opportunity for those who do to stand out in local search results. By investing in Local SEO, you can gain a competitive edge in your local market. 3. Key Components of Local SEO Effective Local SEO involves a combination of on-page and off-page optimisation techniques. Let’s explore the key components: a) Google My Business (GMB) Google My Business (GMB) is the cornerstone of Local SEO. It is a free tool provided by Google that allows businesses to manage their online presence across Google’s ecosystem, including Search and Maps. A well-optimised GMB profile can significantly improve your local search visibility. Key aspects of optimising your GMB profile include: b) Local Citations and NAP Consistency Local citations are online mentions of your business’s NAP information on other websites, directories, and social platforms. Consistent NAP information across the web is crucial for Local SEO, as it signals to search engines that your business is legitimate and trustworthy. To improve your local citations: c) On-Page SEO for Local Optimisation On-page SEO refers to the optimisation of individual web pages to rank higher and earn more relevant traffic. For Local SEO, on-page optimisation involves: d) Online Reviews and Reputation Management Online reviews play a crucial role in Local SEO. Positive reviews not only enhance your business’s credibility but also influence search engine rankings. Google and other search engines consider reviews as a signal of trustworthiness and relevance. To manage your online reputation effectively: e) Local Link Building Link building remains a vital component of SEO, including Local SEO. However, the focus for Local SEO should be on acquiring high-quality, locally relevant backlinks. Strategies for local link building include: 4. Measuring and Monitoring Local SEO Performance To ensure the effectiveness of your Local SEO efforts, it’s essential to measure and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs). This will help you understand what strategies are working and where adjustments are needed. a) Google Analytics Google Analytics is a powerful tool for tracking your website’s performance. Key metrics to monitor for Local SEO include: b) Google My Business Insights GMB provides valuable insights into how users find and interact with your business listing. Key metrics include: c) Local Rank Tracking Use tools like Moz Local, BrightLocal, or SEMrush to track your local search rankings. These tools allow you to monitor your position in local search results, including the “Local Pack” and organic listings. d) Review Monitoring Tools Tools like ReviewTrackers, Yotpo, or Podium can help you monitor and manage online reviews across multiple platforms. These tools provide notifications of new reviews, sentiment analysis, and reporting features. 5. Challenges and Common Pitfalls in Local SEO While Local SEO offers significant benefits, it also comes with challenges. Understanding these challenges can help you avoid common pitfalls and optimize your Local SEO strategy effectively. a) NAP Inconsistencies One of the most common issues in Local SEO is inconsistent NAP information across various online platforms. These inconsistencies can confuse search engines and negatively impact your local rankings. To avoid this, regularly audit your business listings and ensure that all information is accurate and up to date. b) Ignoring Mobile Optimisation With the rise in mobile searches, neglecting mobile optimization can severely hinder your Local SEO efforts. Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, with fast loading times, responsive design, and easy navigation on smaller screens. c) Overlooking Customer Reviews Customer reviews are a critical factor in local search rankings, yet many businesses overlook the importance of actively managing them. Ignoring reviews or failing to respond to them can lead to a negative online reputation. Make it a priority to engage

Title Tags “May” Impact Rankings

Meta Tags ‘May” Impact Rankings Google’s John Mueller has offered a surprising explanation about the ranking impact of title tags. His answer, as published in the Search Engine Journal, challenged the SEO belief that title tags are a critical ranking factor and clarified their actual role. Mueller also discussed the proper use of meta descriptions. Title ElementsThe purpose of title tags is to provide a general description of the topic of a webpage. Google’s SEO Starter Guide shows how to write titles: “…a good title is unique to the page, clear and concise, and accurately describes the contents of the page. For example, your title could include the name of your website or business, other bits of important information like the physical location of the business, and maybe some information about what the particular page has to offer for users.” Meta DescriptionThe meta description describes the web page (that’s why it’s called a meta description). The official W3C HTML documentation says: “descriptionThe value must be a free-form string that describes the page. The value must be appropriate for use in a directory of pages, e.g. in a search engine. There must not be more than one meta element with its name attribute set to the value description per document.” Google’s SEO Stater Guide explains that meta descriptions are “occasionally” used for generating the snippet shown in the search results: “The snippet is sourced from the actual content of the page the search result is linking to… Occasionally the snippet may be sourced from the contents of the meta description tag, which is typically a succinct, one- or two-sentence summary of the page. A good meta description is short, unique to one particular page, and includes the most relevant points of the page.” Notice that both the official HTML documentation and Google do not recommend using your title tag or meta description as a place to park your keywords or for putting a call to action to get people to visit the site? Those are SEO practices that SEOs invented and it’s probably why so many title tags get rewritten, because they’re incorrectly done. The Ranking Impact Of Title TagsGoogle’s John Mueller directly answered and confirmed that changing the title element maybe can impact rankings. He didn’t say anything about the title tag being a ranking factor. He just said that changing the title tag maybe can impact rankings. Mueller’s answer confirmed that changing the title element could maybe impact rankings: This is the question: “We have a website with satisfying ranks and now our product added new features. We need to modify the page meta title & description, does that affect the current rankings?” John Mueller answered that maybe changing the title tag could change the rankings in the search results. Here’s his answer: “Yes, or better, maybe. Changing things like titles or headings on pages can result in changes in Search.” Why did Mueller say maybe? He didn’t explain why. But his answer confirms that changing your title elements doesn’t automatically cause a change in rankings. Mueller’s answer about meta descriptions implied that it doesn’t have an affect on rankings but it could affect the snippet shown in the search results. That’s something that the digital marketing community is already on board with. This is what he said about meta descriptions: “Similarly, changing the meta description on a page can result in changes with how the snippet of a page is shown in Search. This is expected, and usually something that SEOs or site-owners focus on in an attempt to improve things in search.” Title Tags Maybe Can Change RankingsMueller’s answer might come as a surprise to some because belief that the title tag is an important ranking factor has been a part of the SEO tradition since the beginning of SEO over 20 years ago when search engines were relatively primitive compared to today. Some in the SEO community, for whatever reason, continue the decades old tradition that title elements are a huge ranking factor. Mueller confirmed that changing the title element might maybe impact search results, which is what some people have experienced, in either direction of rankings.

Google Search Issue Resolved

Google Search Issue Now Resolved ** Update 20 August: Google reported that the issue had been fixed and there would be no further updates. The bug lasted 4 days and 11 hours. On 15 August Google confirmed that a Search ranking bug was affecting a large number of search results. Google Search Issue In their announcement Google said the issue had been identified and was unrelated to the August 2024 core update, which started rolling out also on 15 August. “There’s an ongoing issue with ranking in Google Search that’s affecting a large number of search results. We’ve identified the root cause and this issue is unrelated to the ongoing core update rollout. Next update will be within 12 hours.” In a post on LinkedIn, Google’s John Mueller confirmed the Search ranking bug was ongoing and unconnected to the core update, and apologised for the issue. “Sometimes we have issues in our systems (like everyone), and we want to be transparent about them for users & site-owners. This issue is unrelated to the core update that’s currently rolling out. Unfortunately you can’t pick the timing of issues, sorry. We’ll update on the search status dashboard as things evolve – both for this issue, as well as for the roll-out of the core update. Isn’t there some rule against issues popping up on Fridays? Drats & sorry.” In subsequent updates on the 16th and 19th, Google said they were still working on the issue and promised further updates. The core update will take up to a month to roll out, so any changes you see in rankings will probably be unrelated to this and down to the Search ranking bug. It’s worth keeping an eye on Google status updates to check when the bug has been fixed, and if this resolves any immediate issue.

​Google Ranking Issue: Incident

Significant Google Ranking Ongoing Issue Google has acknowledged a significant ranking issue since August 15, 2024, at 17:15 PDT, unrelated to the core update announced the previous day. The root cause is identified but undisclosed. As of August 15, 2024, at 22:48 PDT, Google is working on a fix and will update within 12 hours. SEO professionals and website owners may see unexpected ranking fluctuations and should monitor closely without making major SEO changes until resolved. Potential ImpactSearch Engine Optimisation (SEO) professionals and website owners may notice unexpected fluctuations in their search rankings.Users might experience inconsistent or unusual search results during this period.The issue could potentially affect organic traffic to websites relying on Google Search for visibility. What to ExpectGoogle is prioritising the resolution of this issue.Regular updates from Google are expected as they work on the fix.Once resolved, there may be a period of ranking readjustment as the fix is implemented. RecommendationsSEO professionals and website owners should monitor their rankings and traffic closely.Avoid making major changes to SEO strategies based on current rankings until the issue is resolved.Stay tuned to official Google channels for further updates on the situation. This incident underscores the complex nature of search algorithms and the potential for unexpected issues even with major search engines like Google. The swift acknowledgment and ongoing work to resolve the problem demonstrate Google’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its search results.

Google’s August 2024 Core Update

Google’s August 2024 Core Update Released Google’s August 2024 core update targets low-value SEO content, promoting quality websites. Full rollout expected within a month. This latest algorithm change aims to boost high-quality content and demote low-value SEO-focused material in search results. The update was announced on X and detailed on Google’s blog. Key Details About The August Core Update Extended Implementation PeriodAccording to the Google Search Status dashboard, this core update’s full rollout may take up to one month to complete. This gradual implementation is typical for major updates, allowing time for the changes to propagate across Google’s vast index. Guidance For WebmastersIn conjunction with the core update, Google shared a link to its help documentation on core updates. This guidance offers more detailed information for website owners and SEO professionals who may see changes in their search rankings following the update. As the rollout progresses, SEOs and site owners should monitor their metrics and align content with Google’s focus on user value. Updated Core Update GuidanceIn conjunction with the August 2024 core update, Google has revised its guidance on core algorithm updates. The new document provides more actionable advice for website owners and SEO professionals affected by these updates. Key changes in the revised guidance include: New sections on using Search Console to assess traffic drops and evaluate significant position changes.Advice on making content improvements, emphasising substantive changes over quick fixes. Expectations for the time required to see ranking changes after implementing improvements.Removal of some explanatory content about the nature of core updates. Unrelated Search Ranking GlitchWhile the August 2024 core update continues to roll out, Google has confirmed a separate issue affecting search rankings. This glitch is unrelated to the core update. Google has identified the root cause and is actively working on a fix. The company expects to provide an update within 12 hours. The Search Engine Journal is covering this developing story with live updates.

Essential Steps for Effective Keyword Research

Understanding Keyword Research in SEO Definition of Keywords Keywords are specific words or phrases that users input into search engines when seeking information. They serve as the bridge between what people are searching for and the content that is available to them. Keywords encapsulate the essence of a user’s query, enabling search engines to retrieve relevant results. Role of Keywords in Search Engine Optimisation Keywords play a pivotal role in search engine optimisation (SEO). They help search engines understand the context of web pages, making it easier for them to index content accurately. By strategically incorporating relevant keywords into content, websites can enhance their visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). This visibility, in turn, drives organic traffic, increasing the chances of user engagement and conversion. Types of Keywords Understanding the different types of keywords is crucial for a successful SEO strategy: Recognising and categorising these keywords effectively is essential for targeting the right audience and tailoring content to meet their needs. As we delve deeper into the keyword research process, understanding how to leverage these categories will be instrumental in shaping your strategy. The Importance of Keyword Research Effective keyword research is foundational to achieving success in search engine optimisation (SEO). It not only influences how well a website ranks on search engines but also enhances the relevance of its content, improving the user experience. Impact on Search Engine Rankings The right keywords can significantly elevate a site’s visibility. When search engines index pages, they rely on keywords to determine the relevance of a page to specific queries. By strategically incorporating high-ranking keywords into content, businesses can improve their chances of appearing on the first page of search results, where most clicks occur. Improving Content Relevance and User Experience Keyword research ensures that the content aligns with what users are actively searching for. By using relevant keywords, businesses can create content that meets the needs and expectations of their audience. This relevance directly correlates with user satisfaction, as visitors are more likely to find solutions to their queries, leading to lower bounce rates and higher engagement. Guiding Content Strategy and Topic Selection A comprehensive keyword strategy informs content creation and topic selection. By understanding which terms are popular within a target audience, marketers can develop content that addresses these interests effectively. This strategic approach helps in building a coherent content plan that resonates with users while simultaneously supporting broader marketing objectives. With a solid grasp of the importance of keyword research, businesses can begin to shape their strategies more effectively, ensuring that their content not only reaches the right audience but also satisfies their informational needs. Setting Clear Goals for Your Keyword Research Identifying Target Audience and Their Search Behaviour Understanding your target audience is critical for effective keyword research. Begin by defining who your ideal customers are, considering demographics such as age, gender, education, and location. Utilize tools like Google Analytics to gather data on your current audience’s behaviour and preferences. Next, explore their search behaviour. What terms do they use when looking for products or services like yours? Creating user personas can help in visualizing these customers, making it easier to align keywords with their specific needs and interests. Determining Business Objectives and KPIs Your keyword research should support clear business objectives. Are you looking to increase website traffic, improve conversion rates, or enhance brand awareness? Identifying these goals will guide your keyword selection. Establishing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) is equally important. Metrics such as organic traffic growth, click-through rates, and keyword ranking positions can measure the success of your keyword strategy. Regularly review these KPIs to ensure alignment with your overall marketing efforts. Aligning Keyword Strategy with Overall Marketing Goals Finally, your keyword strategy must be integrated with broader marketing goals. This ensures consistency across your campaigns and messaging. If your marketing objective is to position your brand as an industry leader, focus on authoritative content that targets relevant keywords. Regular collaboration between your SEO team and other marketing departments can foster a cohesive approach, amplifying your overall impact. Understanding these connections will lead to a more effective keyword strategy that resonates with both your audience and your business objectives. This foundation prepares you for the next steps in expanding your keyword list effectively. Brainstorming Seed Keywords Using Your Industry Knowledge and Expertise To effectively brainstorm seed keywords, begin by leveraging your industry expertise. Consider the core topics that define your sector. Reflect on common jargon, themes, and trends that resonate with your audience. This foundational knowledge helps in generating relevant keywords that align with user expectations. Leveraging Customer Feedback and FAQs Customer feedback is an invaluable resource for identifying potential keywords. Review customer queries, comments, and testimonials to uncover specific phrases they use when searching for your products or services. Additionally, frequently asked questions (FAQs) can reveal common concerns or interests that should be addressed in your content. By aligning your keywords with actual customer language, you enhance relevance and improve user engagement. Exploring Competitor Keywords Analysing competitor keywords provides insights into successful strategies within your industry. Review the content of top-performing competitors to identify the keywords they target. Tools such as keyword analysers can help uncover the keywords driving their traffic. This analysis not only reveals what works but also highlights gaps in your own strategy, allowing you to carve out a niche by targeting less competitive, yet valuable, keywords. The process of brainstorming seed keywords sets a strong foundation for expanding your list and refining your overall keyword strategy. Expanding Your Keyword List Utilising Keyword Research Tools To expand your keyword list effectively, leveraging keyword research tools is indispensable. These tools provide insights into various metrics, helping you identify potential keywords that align with your content strategy. Popular tools such as Google Keyword Planner, Ahrefs, Word Tracker and SEMrush can reveal search volumes, competition levels, and related keywords. Each tool has unique features; thus, combining them can yield a more comprehensive overview of keyword opportunities. Exploring Related Searches and Autocomplete Suggestions Another