Google’s algorithm changes frequently, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the current ranking factors. While certain aspects of SEO have stayed mostly the same over the years, others have recently been given either more or less weight. Here are four of the biggest ranking factors for Google search in 2021:
#1. Page Speed and User Experience
User experience is at the forefront of Google’s ranking system. The search engine prioritizes sites that load quickly, are easy to navigate, and function well on mobile devices.
Page speed is an especially important element of user experience as a large percentage of users will abandon a page if it takes more than a couple of seconds to load. Websites with slow loading speeds rarely make it to the first page of results, but increasing speed is one of the easiest ways to boost your rankings.
#2. Quality Content
Content is one of the most important ranking factors and the key to a good SEO strategy. Even if your site offers a phenomenal user experience, it won’t perform well if the content isn’t engaging, informative, and valuable.
Google analyzes searcher behavior to determine whether or not your page answers the query helpfully. The search engine also prefers sites that consistently publish content, so adding one or two blog posts each week is a good way to boost your rankings. Quality is more important than quantity, though, so it’s better to create high-quality content occasionally than it is to publish mediocre content daily.
#3. Title Tags
To rank well on Google in 2021, your title tags must include your target keywords. Your tags tell Google what the focus of the page is, so your main keyword should fit intuitively within the title tags. If you’re targeting long-tail keywords, you may be able to make your title tag only your keyword with no extra text. If you do need to include other text, try to place your keyword at the beginning of the tag.
#4. Backlinks
Backlinks used to be a much more important ranking factor than they are today. Google views backlinks as a sign that your website is a trusted authority as sites usually only include outbound links to valuable sources. However, in 2021, content and user experience are far more important than your internal or external links.
High-quality backlinks can still improve your search rankings, so link-building can be a valuable part of your SEO strategy. Don’t prioritize links over your content creation or page speed, though. And try not to force the issue too much. Link acquisition should be a natural process if possible. Other websites should naturally want to link to your website if the content is valuable enough and the user experience is enjoyable.
Keeping up with Google’s algorithm changes can be difficult. Some of the factors that were given the most weight a few years ago don’t matter as much today, and there are always new ranking factors to incorporate into your SEO strategy. Remember that search engine optimization is an ongoing process, and appealing to Google and other search engines requires regular website maintenance and updates. Most importantly, focus on offering helpful and informative content to your page visitors, and Google should recognize the value of your website.
Let ENX2 Marketing Help You Navigate All The Google Algorithm Changes
ENX2 Marketing stays up to date with the latest Google algorithm changes and knows how to keep your website fully optimized according to the most important search engine ranking factors. Contact us today to get your website better rankings, more clicks, and more conversions.