Google Ranking Factors: These 11 Matter the Most

Search engines like pages based on different factors to confirm users get the best answers to their queries. Although Mobile-first indexing is not a ranking signal, the content on your website will be analyzed and ranked by Google according to the mobile version of the site – not the desktop one. Optimization for mobile devices started to be a ranking signal in 2015 when Google announced a mobile-friendly update. Not if you mean there’s some technical thing like with speed that we can measure directly.

Submit a Sitemap to Google Search Console

Just enter your keyword into the tool and select Access all keyword ideas + analyze all high-intent keywords when prompted. Being able to identify these keywords and leverage them in your content is critical for your business’ success. These profiles can be helpful for nonprofit SEO in addition to improving small business rankings. So optimizing page speed, site architecture, responsiveness, and general ease-of-use has a growing influence over site rankings in SERPs. Intrusive interstitial ads and popup videos can provide a poor page experience.

This is a common goal for small businesses, which is why local SEO is often categorized as its own strategy. By prioritizing these user-centric elements, you can create a better experience for visitors, directly influencing your search engine performance. Knowing the user engagement of your site is the first step, then just implement these factors.

seo ranking factors

Content marketing for SEO

A reader should not need to leave your site in between in search of a better answer. While it’s essential to recognize the significance of links in SEO, it’s equally crucial to approach link-building ethically. Black-hat techniques, like buying links or participating in link farms, can lead to search engine penalties. Prioritizing these factors can substantially enhance your business’s presence in local search results. In contrast, slow page loading speeds make your site unusable for users.

seo ranking factors

Organic vs paid search

seo ranking factors

Overall, these factors play a crucial role in Google’s ability to determine which websites are the most suitable for BHS Links users’ queries. Join over 3 million smart website owners who use AIOSEO to improve their website search rankings. Any metric that can be manipulated is unlikely to be a ranking factor, though.

Let’s dive into the SEO ranking factors we think will help your startup business rank higher in Google’s search results. Discover actionable steps to amplify your brand’s online presence, drive organic traffic, increase lead quality, and accelerate business growth. Understanding is critical to SGE rankings, with a recent study finding that simplifying language improved AI Overview rankings. When possible, use an 8th- to 11th-grade reading level to create easy-to-understand content for users and AI to summarize.

seo ranking factors

Semrush’s Local Map Rank Tracker  lets you create clear reports on your local rankings progress so you can be certain all your hard local SEO work isn’t in vain. Map Rank Tracker enables you to create campaigns that monitor a certain city or region area for your target keywords. Search engines are like librarians, with search engines curating, organizing, and serving the Internet’s content library to billions of users worldwide. Learn more about how search engines work, from crawling and indexing to ranking and penalties, in this beginner’s guide. By making improvements on your site, you’ll provide users with a positive experience. This will keep them interested in your business and help them remain on your site.

seo ranking factors

Behavioral signals, indicating how users interact with your website and Google Business Profile, have a growing impact on your local finder ranking. Furthermore, we’re seeing more emphasis on engaging and valuable content, internal links, and consistency in business information across the web. A well-rounded strategy in 2024 doesn’t just focus on garnering more reviews; it also centers around creating a seamless and engaging user experience that boosts the perception of your brand. All in all, understanding and leveraging these key ranking factors can help businesses reach the top of local search results, drive more traffic, and ultimately, enhance their growth. Google’s support page reveals the three local SEO ranking factors you should be focusing on. For example, the number of citations in directories, mentions and backlinks from respected local websites, online reviews, as well as the business’ website and blog content/structure.

  • Implementing these on-page optimization best practices can improve your website’s search engine visibility and provide a better user experience.
  • When you are viewed as an authority, more people trust your business and the quality of your work.
  • Freshness refers to how much time has passed since the content of your page was updated or published.

SEO involves researching search queries, creating helpful content, and optimizing the user experience to improve organic search rankings. As we have seen, back-end performance and TTFB directly correlate to search engine ranking. Front-end performance and metrics like „document loaded“ and „fully rendered“ show no correlation with search engine rank.

Startups must secure their websites with an SSL certificate to enable HTTPS. By prioritizing Google Page Experience, your startup can attract, engage, and retain more users. Key components include mobile-friendliness, HTTPS, absence of intrusive interstitials, and Core Web Vitals.

veröffentlicht am 30.05.2025