The more you explore the web for Google ranking signals, the more the chances of your brain turning into sludge. There are varied opinions and as many as 200 factors that can impact a site’s search performance. However, there is a huge difference between hearsay and speculations, and confirmation from the highest authority – Google. So let’s separate dirt from the grains and get straight to business. We have compiled a list of top 9 confirmed Google ranking signals, sticking to which sooner or later would reap positive results for your website and business. Here goes nothing.
1. Core Web Vitals
LCP (Largest Contentful Paint), FID (First Input Delay), and CLS (Cumulative Layout Shift) together complete Core Web Vitals. The better your website’s Core Web Vitals, the better the user experience. The better the user experience, the higher the chances for your site to score a higher ranking on search results.
2. Content
Content that is easy to read, of high quality, originally-written, and relevant will always leave behind content that is not, with a very high probability of landing at the top of the search results. Be sure to create content that checks all those boxes to win both your customers’ and Google’s favour.
3. Mobile-friendliness
It’s no secret that Google has long implemented a mobile-first indexing approach, which means if your website isn’t mobile-friendly, you can kiss its chances of getting indexed faster or ranked higher goodbye. Adapt to mobile-responsive best practices as soon as possible for improved rankings.
4. Page Speed
This is something we’ve known for years. Page speed is directly related to the user experience. The faster the page-load time, the better the user experience. It’s quite understandable as well; users don’t have the time to stick around. So, if you want them to, improve your site speed at the earliest.
5. Headings, Title Tags, Image ALT Text
Using H1, H2, and so can help Google better understand the important sections of content on your page. And so can using title tags and using the right Image ALT Texts. So simple and yet very easy for people to not pay attention to. These small tricks do wonders and help your site be discovered by more people.
6. HTTPS
There’s nothing like a mark of security to get people (and search engines) to trust your website without second thoughts. HTTPS, as opposed to HTTP, is a well-known ranking factor and an all-important part of creating a safe user experience. If you haven’t already made the switch, please do so on priority.
7. Domain History
Domain history works as a ranking signal on two aspects. One, how unique the URL is. And two, whether or not it is a new domain. In certain cases, it is possible that the URL you have now might have been used by some questionable business, because of which it has been flagged, and in turn, ranks lower.
8. Keyword Placement
As a rule of thumb, the page title, URL slug, meta description, and the first paragraph should have the keyword you are trying to rank the page for. This would multiply your chances of a higher ranking manifold. The other important thing is to have the keyword strategically (and not forcefully) placed throughout the page.
9. Backlinks
Other websites linking to yours is a powerful ranking signal. But there is a catch. It’s an easy enough process to twist. And that is why you need to be very sure who is linking back to you. They need to be genuine, High DA websites that enjoy popularity with the readers and the search engines.
SarkarSEO’s backlink strategy is one for the ages, and one for all ages, speaking website-wise. We have been in the business of creating quality content that organically gets you votes of approval from niche-specific websites of high repute. You can check out one of our Monthly SEO Packages or schedule a callback at your convenience. We’ll create a backlink strategy specific to your website’s needs.
