Cyrus Shepard, a well-known SEO expert, shares insights on Google's evaluation process and recent updates. They discuss the significance of EAT, whether larger sites have an unfair advantage, and what's next from Google. The podcast also explores the role of quality raters and the impact of active comment sections on website rankings. They touch upon Google My Business, link building, and assessing expertise and transparency on websites. The speakers speculate on the future of Google and AI content.
User experience (UX) factors, such as ad placement, responsiveness, and content relevance, are crucial considerations in Google's algorithm.
External signals, such as external links and mentions from other websites, are more important than internal signals for ranking in Google search results.
Google has been making efforts to reduce the advantage of big brands in search results and create a more level playing field by updating the quality rater guidelines.
Deep dives
Insight 1: The Importance of Quality Raters for Google's Algorithm
Quality raters play a crucial role in Google's algorithm by evaluating existing search engine result pages (SERPs) against potential new updates. Their evaluations help to fine-tune Google's machine learning algorithm, which ultimately impacts ranking updates.
Insight 2: The Motivation Behind Becoming a Quality Rater
Becoming a quality rater offers valuable insights into Google's use of quality rater data for machine learning algorithms. By understanding how quality raters judge search results and websites, one can gain insights into the data Google uses for its algorithms.
Insight 3: The Impact of User Experience (UX) on Rankings
User experience (UX) factors, such as ad placement, responsiveness, and content relevance, are crucial considerations in Google's algorithm. Sites with good UX, including clear navigation, relevant content, and active comment sections, have an advantage in rankings.
The Importance of External Signals for Website Ranking
External signals, such as what other people say about your site, are more important than internal signals for ranking in Google search results. This includes factors like external links and mentions from other websites. While internal signals like on-page optimization and author bios are still important, they do not carry as much weight as the external signals. Building a strong reputation and getting positive reviews and mentions from other sources are crucial for improving your website's ranking.
Challenges of Ranking for Small Sites and Bias in Quality Raters
There is a perception that small sites have to work harder than larger sites to rank in search results. This may be due to a potential bias in the quality raters, who may favor bigger brands. However, Google has been making efforts to reduce the advantage of big brands in search results and create a more level playing field. The most recent updates to the quality rater guidelines indicate that high-quality pages do not necessarily need to have a very high "needs met" rating. Google is aware of the brand advantage and aims to correct it in future updates.
When a talented SEO like Cyrus Shepard becomes a Google Quality Rater, you know we'll get someone who has excellent insights on how Google evaluates your site and where you fail to impress them.
So in this week’s episode, Gael asks Cyrus all the questions that matter to figure out:
👉 How much does EEAT really matter for Google and quality raters? 👉 Does Google give an unfair advantage to larger sites? 👉 And what's coming next from Google based on their recent updates to the Quality Rater Guidelines?