Top 10 Myths about Google Search Ranking Factor
Do this, and you will rank on Google SERP.
No, do that, and you will feature on Google SERP.
Several websites claim to offer complete solutions to boost your Google ranking. While they may be well-intentioned, these pieces of advice may virtually be ineffective, outdated, and sometimes, plain confusing or contradictory! As a result, following these tips does more damage to your ranking than any good.
At the same time, these myths give hardworking Local SEO Services Company a bad name. Therefore, we are addressing some of the popular myths floating around about Google Search Ranking Factor:
Good Content is Enough to Carry You Forward
Don’t get us wrong; good content is crucial for websites. It helps Google ascertain the relevance of the website, which will help you rank. Additionally, content helps mold the customer experience, which adds to your ranking.
However, content is just snake oil if you cannot compliment it with fitting SEO strategies. And while you may get some good results for SEO or content alone in the short run, if you aim for long-term gains, you will have to consider them together. Thus, pair content and SEO together to get the best results.
Long-Form Content Means Better Ranking
While there is a grain of truth in the idea that long-form content can help you improve your Google search rankings, it is not that straightforward.
In terms of SERP ranking, Google focuses largely on the user’s intent. Thus, your long-form content strategy can only be useful if it offers value. These posts must allow you to share in-depth analysis or insights that are useful for the reader. At the same time, the educational content must also be engaging enough to capture their interests’ right until the very last line!
So ask yourself, can you convey the same idea from a 5000-word blog in, say, 1000 words? If yes, then you will rank just fine even if you are not churning out long-form content.
Links and Link Building is Dead
No matter what sensational headlines say, PageRank continues to play an instrumental role in determining Google’s Search Ranking Factor. PageRank corresponds to link and link building activities, which is the foundation of how Google maps website popularity. It is one of the most quantifiable ways for Google to scale website relevance and authority.
Thus, link and link building is not going away. However, that in no way means that you must purchase links from shady sources. Ensure that your links are topically relevant and legitimate, and your website will climb up Google SERP.
Guest Blogging is No Longer Useful
It was assumed that guest posting and guest blogging also came to an abrupt end with the untimely demise of link building. However, guest blogging continues to stay relevant even to this day, provided that you know how to use it well.
For starters, even if you are posting a guest blog, you must keep your content relevant and accurate for the host site. At the same time, this content must be unique with contextual links. Finally, use guest blogging as an opportunity to build and nurture relationships with other webmasters rather than merely looking for a link-building opportunity.
Keyword Density Improves Page Ranking
Keywords help you rank – this is an undeniable fact. However, keyword density is not as simplistic as you may think.
For instance, as Google transitions towards Natural Language Processing, Google crawlers can now recognize synonyms despite the usage of “s” and “-ing.” Thus, even though you may feel that you are hitting the keyword density sweet spot, you may have inadvertently over optimized your content.
At the same time, Blackhat SEO practices such as white text stuffing got Google to do away with keyword stuffing as a Google Search Ranking Factor. Now, it all boils down to the usefulness and relevance of your content. Hence, you should focus on that instead.
Site Speed Does Not Matter
When one thinks of optimization, site speed is the least of our concerns. It may be because Google made it clear that site speed is merely a tie-breaker for pages that have all other factors as equal. So what are the chances of that happening, right?
However, Google still measures the load time of the Direct Object Model (DOM) and will reward you if you are successful in making significant cuts in your DOM load times. Furthermore, faster speeds would mean improved customer experience and lower bounce rates, which will also rack up some brownie points in your favor.
Mobile-first is Just a Marketing Hype
Interestingly, Google has been working towards becoming mobile-friendly since the early 2000s. However, with mobile device internet users surpassing desktop users, it becomes more critical, now more than ever, to follow a mobile-first approach.
Google Ads Will Increase Organic Ranking
Unfortunately, it is a fairly common misconception that investing in Google Ads will boost organic search rankings. However, one needs to understand that ranking and advertising are two vastly different aspects that rarely engage with each other. While buying Google Ads will offer greater visibility, organic ranking is more likely to attract higher click-through-rates.
You are Only Seen When You are Rank #1
Naturally, the websites that rank at number one will attract the highest number of clicks. However, the modern-day internet user is smart and wants quick resolutions for their queries. Thus, even if a website ranks in the first position but cannot offer relevant information, it will eventually be punished as it falls down from the coveted position. Hence, stay put, and you may drive better results.
SEO is no Longer Relevant
Given the number of misconceptions and a low bar for “SEO experts,” it may appear that SEO is dead. However, SEO is highly effective only if you have the requisite knowledge and the expertise to manipulate it for your interests. It continues to remain one of the best growth channels for businesses as long as you can stay ahead of the curve!
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, the above myths will prevent you from falling prey to common misconceptions.
Every website has its fair share of highs and lows while estimating Google Search Ranking Factor. However, the key to success rests in learning, improvising, and upgrading your strategies. After all, the internet and search engines are highly dynamic. Therefore, continue trying to the best of your abilities. Better yet, employ the assistance of professional SEO experts or a even an expert digital marketing agency to handle this task.