The Google Panda release has slapped tons of “SEO experts” and consultants in the face. In the past, it was quite simple: keyword density, optimized post slug, categories, relevant keywords in places that matter, domain age, page rank, etc.
But then Facebook and Twitter just had to come along and complicate that relationship.
So, I was surfing the web late, late last night, and came across this very recent post by Amit Singhal on the Google Webmaster Central blog on “What counts as a high quality site on Google?”
BEWARE: It’s a crazy long list.
- Would you trust the information presented in this article?
- Is this article written by an expert or enthusiast who knows the topic well, or is it more shallow in nature?
- Does the site have duplicate, overlapping, or redundant articles on the same or similar topics with slightly different keyword variations?
- Would you be comfortable giving your credit card information to this site?
- Does this article have spelling, stylistic, or factual errors?
- Are the topics driven by genuine interests of readers of the site, or does the site generate content by attempting to guess what might rank well in search engines?
- Does the article provide original content or information, original reporting, original research, or original analysis?
- Does the page provide substantial value when compared to other pages in search results?
- How much quality control is done on content?
- Does the article describe both sides of a story?
- Is the site a recognized authority on its topic?
- Is the content mass-produced by or outsourced to a large number of creators, or spread across a large network of sites, so that individual pages or sites don’t get as much attention or care?
- Was the article edited well, or does it appear sloppy or hastily produced?
- For a health related query, would you trust information from this site?
- Would you recognize this site as an authoritative source when mentioned by name?
- Does this article provide a complete or comprehensive description of the topic?
- Does this article contain insightful analysis or interesting information that is beyond obvious?
- Is this the sort of page you’d want to bookmark, share with a friend, or recommend?
- Does this article have an excessive amount of ads that distract from or interfere with the main content?
- Would you expect to see this article in a printed magazine, encyclopedia or book?
- Are the articles short, unsubstantial, or otherwise lacking in helpful specifics?
- Are the pages produced with great care and attention to detail vs. less attention to detail?
- Would users complain when they see pages from this site?
(Source: http://googlewebmastercentral.blogspot.com/2011/05/more-guidance-on-building-high-quality.html)
Told you it was long.
Between the 2-3rd point, I was reminded of some sage old advice passed down from mother, to mother… and eventually to me.
Treat others, as you would like others to treat you.
Wise advice from our mothers and grandmothers. But do we implement it in our quest for more readers, better search positions and more traffic?
Not always.
We forget that other users are like us – selective with content we choose to consume. And it’s no surprise that Google’s decided they want to mimic that behavior with their new algorithm.
If you want to read only great high-quality content, why would you allow yourself to publish half-arsed mediocre articles / resources for other people to read?
I mean, When you produce mediocre content from Fiverr writers, plagiarizing, or other low-quality materials, you’re at Google’s mercy whenever they decide, “Hackathon coming on! Time to change the algorithm…” and BAM, you’re back to square one starting from scratch.
Before you jump the gun and hire an SEO consultant who will most probably charge you shitloads of money to be on Page 1, remember that sage advice your mother gave you.
And that the secret to evergreen SEO is – Great content that is optimized to help Google see you as a great resource for users.
After all, Great content = more Shares / Tweets / comments = more traffic = Google Love.
So remember what your momma said: Treat others, as you would like others to treat you.
And give her a big hug for mothers’ Day today.
