Knowing the SEO algorithm and being aware of its updates are basic principles for those who want to place themselves on the first pages of Google. The so-called ranking factors are varied, but there are some more important ones – and it is on them that your attention should be directed to achieve the desired results.
In this text, we will present the main updates over the years and show you how you can reach a prominent place with your website in 2021. Follow the reading to reach the top of Google.
What is an Algorithm?
To begin with, an algorithm is a sequence of operations with a logical sense. It needs to be followed to the letter in order to fulfill its purpose. Its purpose may be to perform a specific function, solve a problem, or achieve a goal.
In the case of Google’s algorithm, its function is to deliver assertive answers to questions asked by people. Its focus is on improving the user experience through continuous improvements in its forms and datasets. That is, basically, Google’s goal is to make the user arrive at the best answer to his/her question.
How does Google Algorithms work?
Google’s algorithm uses some criteria to determine which pages will appear in the first places of the search engine’s pages, called ranking factors. They are based on the Expertise, Authoritativeness and Thrust (EAT) triad. Altogether, Google’s algorithm takes into account more than 200 elements to rank results. Among the main ones are the following:
- Good content
We always talk about this topic here, as it is in fact the most relevant one. User experience is increasingly among Google’s top ranking factors. In other words, it is necessary to produce content that meets the pain and needs of customers.
For this, it is important to think about unpublished materials, in different formats and with a language suitable for the public. A good first step is to define your personas and then write to them.
- Clarity
The idea is not to limit a maximum or minimum number of words, but rather to answer questions from your personas and leads. For example, if a 2.000-word article doesn’t cut to the chase or contain relevant information, it will be less assertive than a 500-word article, as long as it delivers everything the customer is looking for.
- Density
Filling an article with repetitive keywords without any criteria can be seen as a black hat practice by Google – and your page will be punished in the ranking. There are several ways to make your content denser and the main one is to allow a fluid and natural reading.
So use synonyms, long tail keywords and even related terms. The SEO algorithm can read and understand what is written as if it were an ordinary user and, consequently, values more coherent and pleasant materials.
- Keywords
The excessive repetition of keywords is well seen by the search engine, which means that it is necessary to find the ideal density. Because keyword research is critical to producing optimized content for Google.
The secret is that they focus on the user and assume strategic positions within the pages, such as the URL, the page title and the H2.
- Content Update
The older your page is, the more likely it is to have a prominent position on Google. This is because the time of activity makes you gain prestige, but that alone is not enough. It’s no use, for example, if you have old but outdated content.
From time to time, Google’s robots scan the URLs and, in their scans, analyze whether certain content is still relevant or not. Therefore, it is essential that you do an internal analysis (you can use data from Google Analytics or Google Search Console as a basis) to determine which are your main pages. And constantly update them with new relevant information.
- Backlinks
Google works more or less on academic logic – the more credible references a work has, the better. The same works for your page – the more pages that link to yours, the more trustworthy your website is. As always, the quality of these links is worth more than a larger amount of links coming from dubious quality pages.
SEO Vancouver consultant
To sum it all up, Google’s algorithms serve as guidelines for anyone wanting to do more assertive search engine optimization. User experience, more than ever, is what dictates the rules. Therefore, producing relevant, usual and differentiated content is a good start. If you need help with your SEO strategy – especially if you have a business in the Vancouver area – or are still unsure how to get started, contact us via e-mail or telephone.