Google’s SERP: Links No Longer A Top Three Ranking Signal

Introduction

Google’s search engine ranking page (SERP) is the page that is displayed when a user enters a search query into the Google search engine. The SERP contains a list of websites that Google has determined to be the most relevant to the user’s query.

Google’s SERP ranking algorithm is a complex system that takes into account hundreds of different ranking factors, including the quality of the content, the relevance of the content to the user’s query, and the authority of the website.

One of the most important ranking factors for many years has been links. Links from other websites to a particular website are seen as a vote of confidence in that website. The more links a website has, the more authoritative it is in the eyes of Google.

google - search engine optimization

However, in recent years, Google has been downplaying the importance of links in its ranking algorithm. In a recent interview, Gary Illyes, a Google Search analyst, said that links are no longer a top three ranking signal for Google.

This means that while links are still important, they are not as important as they once were. Other ranking factors, such as the quality of the content and the relevance of the content to the user’s query, are now more important.

What does this mean for SEO?

For SEO professionals, this news means that they need to focus on other ranking factors besides links. This includes creating high-quality content that is relevant to the user’s query, and optimizing their website for technical SEO.

It is also important to remember that Google’s ranking algorithm is constantly evolving. What is important today may not be important tomorrow. Therefore, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest SEO trends and best practices.

How to improve your website’s ranking without relying on links

There are a number of things that you can do to improve your website’s ranking without relying on links. Here are a few tips:

  • Create high-quality content that is relevant to your target audience. Your content should be informative, engaging, and well-written.
  • Optimize your website for technical SEO. This includes making sure that your website is mobile-friendly, fast-loading, and easy to navigate.
  • Promote your website on social media and other websites. This will help to increase traffic to your website and build brand awareness.
  • Get involved in your community. This could involve attending industry events, writing guest blog posts, or participating in online forums.

Conclusion

While links are still important for SEO, they are no longer as important as they once were. SEO professionals need to focus on other ranking factors, such as the quality of the content and the relevance of the content to the user’s query.

By following the tips above, you can improve your website’s ranking without relying on links.

Read: How To Choose Keywords for Your Website 2023

1 thought on “Google’s SERP: Links No Longer A Top Three Ranking Signal”

Comments are closed.