200 SEO Ranking Factors That Better Your Google Position
You might already be aware that Google uses more than 200 ranking factors in its algorithm to determine how websites rank in search results. But what exactly are these factors? Well, I have something really useful for you because I have compiled a complete list of all these factors.
Some of these factors are well-documented and proven, while others are a bit debated or controversial. There are also a few that are based on educated guesses by SEO experts, as Google does not publicly confirm every detail of its algorithm. But do not worry, all of them are included in this list. Plus, I have recently updated the entire list to make sure it is accurate and relevant for 2025.
Let’s not waste any more time and dive right into it!
Top 8 Ranking Factors
Here are the 8 most important SEO ranking factors you need to know about. While Google’s algorithm considers over 200 factors, these are the ones you should prioritize first to improve your website’s search engine performance:
- High-Quality Content: This is the most critical SEO factor. Google prioritizes showing users content that is high-quality, informative, and relevant to their search queries. To rank well, your content should provide real value, answer user’s questions, and be well-written.
- Backlinks: Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your site. Think of them as votes of confidence from other sites. The more high-quality backlinks you have, especially from authoritative websites, the better your website’s ranking will be. However, focus on quality over quantity. To get quality link you can come to us, we are experts to give you wings in SERP (Search Engine Result Page)
- Technical SEO: This refers to the technical aspects of your website, such as its loading speed, mobile-friendliness, and how easily search engines can crawl and index your pages. A technically sound website ensures that search engines can access and understand your content without any issues.
- Keyword Optimization: This involves using relevant keywords naturally throughout your website’s content. Keywords help search engines understand what your website is about and match it to user’s search queries. However, avoid overloading your content with keywords, as this can hurt your rankings.
- User Experience (UX): User experience measures how easy and enjoyable it is for visitors to navigate and interact with your website. Google prefers websites that are user-friendly, fast, and easy to use. A good UX keeps visitors on your site longer, which can positively impact your rankings.
- Schema Markup: Schema markup is a type of structured data you can add to your website’s code. It helps search engines better understand your content and can enhance how your site appears in search results, such as with rich snippets or featured snippets.
- Social Signals: These include likes, shares, comments, and other interactions your content receives on social media platforms. While social signals are not a direct ranking factor, they can indirectly boost your SEO by increasing visibility and driving traffic to your site.
- Brand Signals: These refer to the overall online reputation and presence of your brand. A well-known and respected brand is more likely to rank higher. Building a strong brand involves consistent messaging, positive reviews, and a trustworthy online presence.
By focusing on these top 8 factors, you can create a strong foundation for your website’s SEO and improve its chances of ranking well in search results.
This list provides a clear understanding of the key factors that influence your website’s ranking on Google. By focusing on these elements, you can refine your SEO strategy and achieve better results over time.
SEO ranking factors are:
1. Domain Age: Many SEO experts believe that older domains are naturally more trusted by Google. However, Google’s John Mueller has clarified that domain age alone offers no ranking advantage. While older domains may have established authority, it is the quality of the content and backlinks that truly matter.
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2. Keyword in Top-Level Domain: In the past, having a keyword in your domain name provided a significant SEO boost. Today, its impact is minimal. While it can still act as a relevance signal, it is no longer a major ranking factor. Focus on creating a memorable and brandable domain name instead.
3. Domain Registration Length: According to a Google patent, domains registered for several years in advance are often seen as more legitimate and stable. On the other hand, domains registered for only a year or less may be viewed as less trustworthy. This is because spammers typically avoid long-term commitments.
4. Keyword in Subdomain: Experts at Moz suggest that including a keyword in a subdomain can help improve rankings. For example, using “blog.yourwebsite.com” with a relevant keyword might give you a slight edge. However, this should not be your primary focus, as other factors carry more weight.
5. Domain History: If a domain has changed ownership multiple times or has been suspended frequently, Google may reset its history. This could nullify the value of existing backlinks. Additionally, if a domain was previously penalized, the penalty might carry over to the new owner, so it is important to research a domain’s history before purchasing it.
6. Exact Match Domain (EMD): Exact Match Domains, which include a keyword exactly matching a search query (e.g., cheapshoes.com), no longer provide a significant SEO advantage. In fact, if an EMD is associated with low-quality content, it could be negatively impacted by Google’s EMD update.
7. Public vs. Private WhoIs: Private WhoIs information, which hides the owner’s details, can sometimes raise red flags. According to Google’s Matt Cutts, while using WhoIs privacy is not inherently bad, it can be seen as suspicious when combined with other factors. This is often associated with spammers running multiple websites.
If Google identifies a specific person as a spammer, it may scrutinize other websites owned by that individual more closely. This means that even if you have done nothing wrong, being associated with a penalized owner could harm your site’s reputation.
8. Doorway Pages: Google wants the page you show to Google to be the same page users see. If your page redirects users to another page, it is considered a doorway page, and Google dislikes such sites. Ensure transparency in your site structure.
9. Country Code Top-Level Domain (ccTLD): Using a country-specific domain extension (e.g., .us for United Stater, .ca for Canada) can help improve rankings within that specific country. However, it may limit your website’s global ranking potential. If you are targeting an international audience, a generic top-level domain (gTLD) like .com might be a better choice.
10. Keyword in Title Tag: While the importance of title tags has decreased over time, they remain a crucial on-page SEO signal. Your title tag should include relevant keywords and accurately describe the content of the page. A well-optimized title tag can improve CTR (Click-Through Rate) and help search engines to understand the purpose of your website’s pages.
11. Keyword at the Start of the Title Tag: According to Moz, placing your keyword at the beginning of the title tag can improve its performance. Title tags that start with a keyword tend to rank better than those where the keyword appears at the end. This is because search engines and users both prioritize the first words they see.
12. Keyword in Meta Description: While Google does not use the meta description as a direct ranking signal, it plays a key role in influencing click-through rate (CTR). A well-crafted meta description that includes your target keyword can attract users to click on your link, which indirectly boosts your rankings.
13. Keyword in H1 Tag: The H1 tag acts like a “second title tag” for your page. Google uses it as a secondary relevance signal to understand the main topic of your content. Including your keyword in the H1 tag helps reinforce the page’s focus and improves its chances of ranking well.
14. TF-IDF: This is a technical term that stands for “Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency.” It refers to how often a specific word appears in a document compared to how often it appears across all documents. The more a word appears on a page, the more likely it is that the page is about that topic. Google likely uses an advanced version of TF-IDF to assess content relevance.
15. Content Length: Longer content often performs better because it can cover topics in greater depth. Studies show that the average word count of pages ranking on Google’s first page is around 1,450 words. While length alone is not a guarantee of success, comprehensive and detailed content tends to rank higher.
16. Table of Contents: Adding a linked table of contents to your page can help Google better understand the structure and content of your page. It also improves user experience by making navigation easier. In some cases, it can even lead to sitelinks being displayed in search results, which enhances visibility.
17. Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) Keywords: LSI keywords are terms related to your main keyword that help search engines understand the context of your content. For example, if your main keyword is “Apple,” LSI keywords might include “iPhone,” “MacBook,” or “Steve Jobs.” Using LSI keywords naturally in your content can improve its relevance and quality.
18. LSI Keywords in Title and Meta Tags: Just as LSI keywords in the body of your content are helpful, including them in your title and meta tags can further clarify the topic of your page. This helps Google differentiate between words with multiple meanings and serves as a strong relevance signal.
19. Comprehensive Topic Coverage: Pages that cover a topic thoroughly and in-depth tend to rank higher than those that only scratch the surface. Comprehensive content not only satisfies user intent but also signals to Google that your page is a valuable resource.
20. Page Loading Speed via HTML: Page speed is a confirmed ranking factor for both Google and Bing. Faster-loading pages provide a better user experience and are favored by search engines. Google now uses real user data from Chrome to measure page loading speed, making it even more important to optimize your site’s performance.
21. Use of AMP: Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) is not a direct ranking factor, but it can be essential for appearing in the Google News Carousel on mobile devices. AMP ensures your pages load quickly on mobile, which improves user experience and can indirectly help to boost your ranking.
22. Entity Match: Entity match refers to how well the content on your page aligns with the “entity” a user is searching for. An entity can be a person, place, thing, or concept. If your page closely matches the entity behind a search query, it may gain a ranking advantage for that keyword. This is part of Google’s effort to understand user intent better.
23. Google Hummingbird: The Hummingbird update was a significant shift in Google’s algorithm. It allows Google to go beyond just matching keywords and instead understand the context and meaning behind a search query. This means your content should focus on providing comprehensive answers to user queries rather than just stuffing keywords.
24. Duplicate Content: Having identical or very similar content on multiple pages of your website can harm your search engine visibility. Google may struggle to determine which version to rank, leading to lower rankings for both. To avoid this, ensure each page offers unique and valuable content.
25. Rel=Canonical: The rel=canonical tag is a way to tell search engines which type of a page is the “main” one when duplicate content exists. When used correctly, it prevents Google from penalizing your site for duplicate content and ensures the right page gets indexed and ranked.
26. Image Optimization: Images are more than just visual elements; they provide search engines with important signals through file names, alt text, titles, descriptions, and captions. Optimizing these elements helps search engines understand the context of your images and improves your chances of ranking in image search results.
27. Content Recency: Google’s Caffeine update highlight the importance of fresh content, especially for time-sensitive searches. Recently published or updated content is often prioritized in search results. This is why you sometimes see the “Last Updated” date displayed on certain pages in Google’s search results.
28. Magnitude of Content Changes: The significance of updates to your content also matters. Adding or removing entire sections of a page has a greater impact on freshness than minor changes like fixing typos or rearranging words. Major updates signal to Google that your content is current and relevant.
29. Historical Page Updates: How frequently a page has been updated over time can also influence its freshness. Pages updated daily or weekly are seen as more relevant than those updated once every few years. Regular updates show Google that your content is maintained and up-to-date.
30. Keyword Prominence: Placing a keyword within the first 100 words of your page can improve its chances of ranking on Google’s first page. This is because search engines give more weight to keywords that appear early in the content, as they are seen as more relevant to the page’s topic.
31. Keywords in H2 and H3 Tags: Including keywords in subheadings like H2 and H3 tags can serve as a weak but potential relevance signal. As Google’s John Mueller has stated, these tags help search engines understand the structure and hierarchy of your content, making it easier to index and rank.
32. Outbound Link Quality: Linking to authoritative and trustworthy websites can provide Google with a positive trust signal. Many SEO experts believe that high-quality outbound links improve your site’s credibility. Recent research supports this, showing that linking to reputable sources can enhance your rankings.
33. Outbound Link Topic: According to the Hilltop Algorithm, Google may use the topics of the pages you link to as a relevance signal. For example, if your car-related website links to pages about the movie, it could signal to Google that your page is about the movie rather than the automotive industry. This means the context of your outbound links matters, so ensure they align with your page’s topic.
34. Grammar and Spelling: Proper grammar and spelling can act as a quality signal, though its importance has been debated. While Google’s Matt Cutts has made mixed statements about its direct impact on rankings, well-written content improves user experience and credibility, which can indirectly boost ranking.
35. Syndicated Content: If your page’s content is copied or scraped from another source, it may struggle to rank or it might not even get indexed. Google prioritizes original content, so always ensure your content is unique and provides value to users.
36. Mobile-Friendly Update: Known as “Mobilegeddon“, this update highlighted the importance of mobile-friendly websites. Pages optimized for mobile devices are prioritized in search results, especially since mobile usage has surpassed desktop usage.
37. Mobile Usability: Websites that are easy to navigate and use on mobile devices gain an advantage in Google’s Mobile-First Index. This means Google primarily uses the mobile version of your site for indexing and ranking, so mobile usability is critical.
38. Hidden Content on Mobile: Content that is hidden on mobile devices (e.g., behind expandable sections or tabs) may be considered less important or not indexed at all. However, a Googler has stated that hidden content is acceptable as long as it is not critical. If the content is important, it should be visible without requiring additional clicks.
39. Helpful “Supplementary Content”: According to Google’s Quality Rater Guidelines, supplementary content that enhances user experience can act as a quality signal and influence rankings. Examples include tools like currency converters, loan calculators, or interactive recipes that add value to the page.
40. Content Hidden Behind Tabs: If users need to click on tabs or buttons to reveal certain content, Google may not index that content. While this is not inherently bad, it is important to ensure that key information is visible without requiring extra actions from users.
41. Number of Outbound Links: Including too many do-follow outbound links on a page can dilute its PageRank, potentially affecting its ranking. While linking to authoritative sources is beneficial, it is important to strike a balance and avoid overloading your page with links.
42. Use of Multimedia: Incorporating images, videos, infographics, and other multimedia elements can signal high-quality content to Google. These elements not only make your page more engaging but also indicate that you have invested effort into creating a valuable resource.
43. Number of Internal Links: The number of internal links pointing to a page can indicate its importance within your website. Pages with more internal links are often seen as more significant by Google, which can boost their ranking potential.
44. Quality of Internal Links: Internal links from authoritative, high-quality pages carry more weight than those from weaker or less authoritative pages. This means that linking to important pages from your site’s most trusted content can boost the visibility and ranking.
45. Broken Links: Too many broken links (404 errors) on a page can signal to Google that the site is neglected or outdated. According to Google’s Quality Rater Guidelines, broken links are considered when assessing the overall quality of a homepage. Regularly fixing broken links helps maintain a positive user experience and signals that your site is well-maintained.
46. Reading Level: Google has historically evaluated the reading level of web pages and even provided Reading Level Data in the past. While this is not a confirmed ranking factor, content that matches the reading level of your target audience can improve engagement and user satisfaction, which indirectly impacts on ranking.
47. Affiliate Links: Affiliate links themselves do not directly harm rankings. However, if your site relies heavily on affiliate links without providing substantial original content, Google’s algorithm may scrutinize other quality factors to ensure your site is not a “Thin Affiliate Site.” Balance affiliate links with valuable, informative content.
48. HTML Errors / W3C Validation: Websites with numerous HTML errors or poorly structured code may be seen as low-quality. While W3C validation is not a confirmed ranking factor, clean and error-free coding can improve site performance and user experience, which are important for SEO.
49. Domain Authority: All else being equal, a page on a higher-authority domain will typically rank better than a page on a lower-authority domain. Building domain authority through high-quality content, backlinks, and a strong online presence is crucial for long-term SEO success.
50. PageRank: Although PageRank is no longer a direct ranking factor, pages with higher link authority (a concept similar to PageRank) tend to rank better. Focus on earning high-quality backlinks to boost your page’s authority.
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51. URL Length: Excessively long URLs can negatively impact a page’s visibility in search results. Some studies suggest that shorter, cleaner URLs may have a slight advantage in rankings.
52. URL Path: Pages closer to the homepage (e.g., example.com/page) often receive more authority than pages buried deep within a site’s structure (e.g., example.com/category/subcategory/page). Organize your site’s structure to ensure important pages are easily accessible.
53. Human Editors: While Google has not confirmed this, they have filed a patent that allows human editors to influence search engine results pages (SERPs). This suggests that human-written quality assessments could play a role in rankings, spotlight the importance of creating high-quality, user-focused content.
54. Page Category: The category in which a page is placed can serve as a relevance signal. A page in a relevant category may rank better than one in an unrelated category. For example, a blog post about “SEO Tips” should be placed in a “Digital Marketing” category rather than an unrelated one like “Travel.”
55. Keyword in URL: Including a keyword in the URL can act as a relevance signal. While a Google representative has stated that it is a “very small ranking factor,” it still contributes to helping search engines and users understand the page’s topic. Keep URLs concise, descriptive, and keyword-rich where appropriate.
56. URL String: Including categories in the URL (e.g., example.com/category/page) can help Google better understand the page’s topic and context. This also improves the organization of your site’s structure, making it easier for both users and search engines to navigate.
57. References and Sources: Citing references and sources, similar to how research papers do, can signal high-quality content. Google’s Quality Guidelines suggest that reviewers check for sources on pages where expertise or authority is important. However, Google denies using external links as a direct ranking signal. Still, providing credible references enhances your content’s trustworthiness.
58. Bullets and Numbered Lists: Using bullet points and numbered lists improves readability and user experience. Google benefits from this as well, as it makes content easier to scan and understand. Well-structured content with lists is often preferred by both users and search engines.
59. Page Priority in Sitemap: The priority assigned to a page in the sitemap.xml file can influence its ranking. While this is not a confirmed ranking factor, it helps search engines understand which pages you consider most important, potentially aiding in crawling and indexing.
60. Above-the-Fold Ads: The “Page Layout Algorithm“ penalizes sites with too many ads above the fold and minimal content. Prioritize user experience by balancing ads and valuable content will help reader to easily read your content.
61. UX Signals for Other Keywords: If a page ranks well for multiple keywords, Google may interpret this as a sign of high quality. Pages that satisfy diverse search intents and provide comprehensive coverage of a topic are often viewed favorably by search engines.
62. Page Age: While Google generally prefers fresh content, an older page that is regularly updated can outperform a new page. Regularly refreshing content signals to Google that your page remains relevant and up-to-date.
63. User-Friendly Layout: Google’s Quality Guidelines highlights that high-quality pages have a user-friendly layout with prominent and immediately visible main content. Avoid cluttered designs and ensure that the most important information is easy to find.
64. Parked Domains: A Google update in December 2011 reduced the visibility of parked domains (domains with little to no original content) in search results. This highlights the importance of creating unique, valuable content for your website.
65. Useful Content: Google prioritizes content that is not only high-quality but also practical and useful. Content that solves problems, answers questions, or provides actionable insights is more likely to rank well. Focus on creating content that genuinely helps your audience.
66. Unique and Valuable Information: If your content does not offer something new, unique, or valuable, Google may penalize such pages. This is particularly true for “Thin Affiliate Sites,” which often lack original content and rely heavily on affiliate links. Always aim to provide fresh insights, actionable advice, or unique perspectives to stand out.
67. Contact Us Page: According to Google’s Quality Guidelines, a good website should have a proper contact page with accurate and accessible contact information. Additionally, this information should match the WHOIS data of the domain. A clear and legitimate contact page builds trust with both users and search engines.
68. Domain Trust (TrustRank): Many SEO experts believe TrustRank, which measures the trustworthiness of a domain, is a significant ranking factor. A Google patent titled “Search result ranking based on trust“ supports this idea. Building trust through high-quality content, authoritative backlinks, and a strong online presence is essential.
69. Site Architecture: A well-organized site structure, such as a silo structure, helps Google better understand and index your content. Logical categorization and internal linking improve user experience and make it easier for search engines to crawl your site.
70. Site Updates: While some SEO experts believe that frequent site updates signal freshness to Google, the company has clarified that “publishing frequency” is not a direct ranking factor. However, regularly updating your content to keep it relevant and accurate can still benefit your SEO efforts.
71. Sitemap Presence: A sitemap helps search engines index your pages more efficiently. However, Google has stated that HTML sitemaps are not particularly useful for SEO. Instead, focus on creating a clean XML sitemap and ensuring your site is well-structured.
72. Site Uptime: Excessive downtime due to server issues or maintenance can negatively impact your rankings. If your site is frequently unavailable, it may even lead to deindexing. Ensure reliable hosting and monitor your site’s uptime regularly.
73. Server Location: The geographical location of your server can influence your site’s ranking in region-specific searches. For example, if your target audience is in the UK, hosting your site on a server located in the UK can improve local rankings.
74. SSL Certificate (HTTPS): Google has confirmed that HTTPS is a ranking signal, though it acts as a “tie-breaker” rather than a major factor. Still, using HTTPS is essential for user security and trust, and it is a best practice for all websites.
75. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Google prioritizes websites that demonstrate expertise, authority, and trustworthiness, especially for sensitive topics like health, finance, and legal advice. Building E-A-T involves creating high-quality content, earning authoritative backlinks, and establishing a strong reputation.
76. Duplicate Meta Data: Having duplicate meta titles or descriptions across multiple pages can reduce the visibility of those pages in search results. Ensure each page has unique and descriptive meta information to help Google understand its purpose and improve its ranking potential.
77. Breadcrumb Navigation: Google uses breadcrumb markup to better organize and display content in search results. Breadcrumbs help users and search engines understand the structure of your site, making it easier to navigate and improving the overall user experience.
78. YouTube Videos: YouTube videos often receive special preference in Google’s search results, likely because Google owns YouTube. If your content strategy includes video, optimizing and publishing videos on YouTube can help you gain visibility in both Google and YouTube search results.
79. Site Usability: A website that is difficult to navigate can indirectly harm rankings by increasing bounce rates and negatively impacting RankBrain signals. A user-friendly design with clear navigation and builtin layout is essential for keeping users engaged and improving SEO performance.
80. Use of Google Analytics and Search Console: Some believe that installing Google Analytics and Google Search Console on your website can improve page indexing. However, Google has dismissed this as a rumor. While these tools not directly impact rankings, they provide valuable insights to help you optimize your site.
81. User Reviews and Site Reputation: A website’s reputation, including reviews on platforms like Yelp or Trustpilot, can play a significant role in Google’s algorithm. Positive reviews and a strong online reputation signal trustworthiness and quality, which can boost rankings.
82. Core Web Vitals: Core Web Vitals, which measure user experience metrics like loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability, are no longer just a tie-breaker. They have become a significant ranking factor in Google’s algorithm. Optimizing these metrics is essential for SEO success.
83. Age of Linking Domain: Backlinks from older, established domains may carry more weight than those from newer domains. Older domains are often seen as more trustworthy and authoritative, making their links more valuable for SEO.
84. Number of Linking Root Domains: The number of unique domains linking to your site is a key ranking factor. The more diverse and authoritative the referring domains, the stronger the signal to Google that your site is credible and valuable.
85. Links from Different C-Class IPs: Receiving links from different IP ranges (C-Class IPs) indicates widespread popularity and can positively impact rankings. This diversity signals to Google that your site is recognized across various networks and locations.
86. Number of Linking Pages: While multiple links from the same domain do not carry as much weight as links from different domains, having a large number of links can still impact rankings. Focus on earning links from a variety of high-quality sources to maximize their impact.
87. Backlink Anchor Text: Anchor text in backlinks provides Google with context about the content of the linked page. While over-optimized anchor text (e.g., exact-match keywords used excessively) can be seen as a spam signal, naturally occurring, keyword-rich anchor text remains an important ranking factor. Aim for a mix of branded, generic, and keyword-rich anchor text for a natural backlink profile.
88. Alt Text for Image Links: When an image includes Alt Text, it functions similarly to anchor text for Google. Alt Text helps search engines understand the content and context of the image, which can improve rankings for relevant queries. Always use descriptive and relevant Alt Text for images.
89. Links from .edu or .gov Domains: Google has stated that links from .edu or .gov domains do not carry special weight simply because of their domain extensions. However, many SEO experts believe these links are more authoritative due to the credibility of the institutions behind them. Focus on earning links from high-quality, relevant sources regardless of the domain extension.
90. Mobile Optimization: With over 50% of searches happening on mobile devices, Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites. Ensuring your site is responsive, loads quickly, and provides a seamless experience on mobile devices is crucial for ranking well.
91. Authority of Linking Domain: The authority of the referring domain also matters. Links from highly authoritative domains (e.g., established industry leaders or trusted websites) carry more weight and can significantly boost your site’s credibility and rankings.
92. Links from Competitor Websites: If your website receives backlinks from the same websites that rank for your target keywords, it can be particularly beneficial. These links signal to Google that your site is relevant and competitive within your niche.
93. Links from “Expected” Websites: Some SEO experts believe that until your site earns links from authoritative websites in your industry, Google may not fully trust your site. Building relationships with industry leaders and earning links from trusted sources can help establish your site’s credibility.
94. Links from “Bad Neighborhoods”: Links from low-quality, spammy, or irrelevant websites (often referred to as “bad neighborhoods”) can harm your SEO. Avoid such links and disown them if necessary to protect your site’s reputation.
95. Guest Posts: Links from guest posts can still hold value, but editorial links (those earned naturally) are more powerful. Be cautious with large-scale guest posting, as excessive or low-quality guest posts can lead to penalties from Google. Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content for guest posts.
96. Ads Links: According to Google, links from ads should be tagged with “nofollow” or “rel=sponsored” to indicate that they are paid. Failing to do so can violate Google’s guidelines and potentially harm your site’s SEO.
97. Homepage Authority: Links on a website’s homepage often carry more weight because homepages typically have higher authority and visibility. Earning a link from a reputable site’s homepage can be particularly valuable for your SEO efforts.
98. No-follow Links: Google generally does not follow “no-follow” links, but in some cases, it may consider them as hints or signals. While they do not pass PageRank, they can still contribute to your site’s overall link profile and user experience.
99. Diversity of Link Types: A natural link profile includes links from a variety of sources, such as blogs, news sites, directories, and social media. If your site only receives links from a single source (e.g., forums or blog comments), it may be seen as spammy. Aim for a diverse mix of link types to build credibility.
100. Sponsored or UGC Tags: Links tagged with rel=sponsored (for paid links) or rel=UGC (for user-generated content) are treated differently from regular follow links. These tags help Google understand the nature of the link and ensure compliance with its guidelines.
101. Contextual Links: Links embedded within the main content of a page are more valuable than those placed in sidebars or footers. Contextual links are seen as more natural and relevant, as they are directly related to the content surrounding them.
102. Excessive 301 Redirects: If a page has too many 301 redirects, it can dilute the PageRank passed through those links. While 301 redirects are useful for maintaining link equity, excessive or unnecessary redirects can harm your SEO.
103. Internal Link Anchor Text: Internal links also provide relevance signals, though they are less impactful than external links. Using descriptive and keyword-rich anchor text for internal links helps Google understand the structure and content of your site.
104. Link Title Attribution: The text that appears when you hover over a link (the “title” attribute) can serve as a slight relevance signal for Google. While its impact is minimal, using descriptive titles can improve user experience and accessibility.
105. Country TLD Influence: Links from country-specific domains (e.g., .de for Germany, .uk for United Kingdom) can improve rankings in that specific country. If you are targeting a local audience, earning links from relevant country-code top-level domains (ccTLDs) can be beneficial.
106. Link Position in Content: Links placed at the beginning of content generally carry more weight than those at the end. This is because search engines prioritize content and links that appear earlier on the page.
107. Link Location on Page: Links located in the main content area are more powerful than those in the footer or sidebar. Links in the main content are seen as more relevant and natural, while footer and sidebar links are often considered less impactful.
108. Relevance of Linking Domain: Links from websites related to your industry or niche are more valuable than those from unrelated sites. Relevance signals to Google that your site is a credible source within your field.
109. Page-Level Relevance: Links from pages that are topically relevant to your content have a stronger impact. For example, a link from an article about SEO to another SEO-related page is more valuable than a link from a page about an unrelated topic.
110. Keyword in Title of Linking Page: If the linking page’s title includes your target keyword, it can provide additional SEO benefits. This reinforces the relevance of the link and helps Google understand the context of the connection.
111. Positive Link Velocity: If a website is rapidly gaining new backlinks, it signals popularity and can improve rankings. A steady increase in high-quality backlinks is a strong indicator of a site’s growing authority.
112. Negative Link Velocity: If a website is losing backlinks, it may indicate declining popularity or authority, which can negatively impact rankings. Monitoring your backlink profile and addressing sudden drops is crucial for maintaining SEO performance.
113. Links from Hub Pages: According to the Hilltop Algorithm, links from authoritative and informative pages (often referred to as “hub” pages) carry more weight. These pages are seen as trusted resources, and links from them can significantly boost your site’s credibility.
114. Links from Authority Websites: Backlinks from highly authoritative websites like Wikipedia, Forbes, or other trusted sources are extremely beneficial. These links signal to Google that your site is credible and valuable, which can significantly boost your rankings.
115. Being Linked as a Source on Wikipedia: Although Wikipedia links are “no-follow”, being cited as a source on Wikipedia can enhance your website’s credibility and reputation. This indirect benefit can lead to more organic traffic and recognition.
116. Co-Occurrences: The words surrounding a backlink (co-occurrences) help Google understand the context and relevance of the link. For example, if your site about “healthy eating” is linked within an article discussing nutrition, it reinforces the topic’s relevance.
117. Age of Backlinks: Older backlinks tend to carry more ranking power than newer ones. This is because they have had more time to establish trust and authority. However, consistently earning new backlinks is still important for maintaining and growing your site’s authority.
118. Genuine Websites vs. “Splogs”: Links from genuine, authoritative websites are far more valuable than those from automated spammy blog networks (splogs). Splogs are often low-quality and spammy, and links from them can harm your SEO.
119. Natural Link Profile: Websites with a natural link profile, meaning links are earned organically from diverse sources. And tend to rank more consistently and are less affected by algorithm updates. Avoid manipulative link-building tactics to maintain a natural profile.
120. Reciprocal Links: While a few reciprocal links (exchanging links with another site) are fine, excessive link exchanges can be seen as a link scheme by Google, potentially harming your rankings. Focus on earning links naturally.
121. User-Generated Content Links: Google can differentiate between links placed by website owners and those in user-generated content (e.g., comments or forums). Links in user-generated content are often given less weight unless they are clearly relevant and trustworthy.
122. 301 Redirect Links: Links from 301 redirects may lose some strength, but according to Google’s Matt Cutts, they are almost as effective as direct links. Properly implemented 301 redirects can preserve most of the link equity.
123. Use of Schema.org: Pages with structured data markup (e.g., Schema.org) often perform better in search results because they can display rich snippets. These enhanced results attract more clicks, which can indirectly improve rankings.
124. TrustRank of Linking Site: If a high-trust website links to your site, its TrustRank can positively influence your site’s credibility. TrustRank is a measure of how trustworthy a site is, and links from trusted sources are highly valuable.
125. Number of Outbound Links: If a webpage has too many outbound links, the strength of each link decreases. Focus on maintaining a reasonable number of outbound links to ensure each one carries value.
126. Forum Links: Google often devalues links from forums because they are frequently used for spammy purposes. While forum links can drive traffic, they typically have little impact on SEO.
127. Word Count of Linking Content: A link in a 1,000-word article may carry more weight than a link in a 25-word paragraph. Longer, more detailed content is often seen as more authoritative and relevant.
128. Quality of Linking Content: Links from poorly written or auto-generated (spun) content are less valuable than those from well-written, informative content. High-quality linking content reinforces the credibility of the link.
129. Sitewide Links: If every page on a website links to the same site, Google may “compress” these links and treat them as a single link. Sitewide links are less impactful than contextual links within content.
130. RankBrain: RankBrain is Google’s AI algorithm that monitors user interactions (e.g., clicks, dwell time) to adjust search rankings. Pages that satisfy user intent and provide a good experience tend to rank higher.
131. Click-Through Rate (CTR) for Specific Keywords: If a page receives a high CTR for a specific keyword, Google may rank it higher in search results. Optimizing titles and meta descriptions can improve CTR.
132. Organic CTR for All Keywords: A website’s overall CTR (more clicks = better ranking) can be a quality signal in SEO. High CTR indicates that users find your site relevant and appealing.
133. Bounce Rate: A high bounce rate (users leaving immediately after visiting) can signal to Google that the content is not useful or relevant. Improving content quality and user experience can reduce bounce rates.
134. Direct Traffic: Google can use Chrome data to determine how many people visit a website directly. Sites with higher direct traffic are often seen as more authoritative and trustworthy.
135. Repeat Traffic: If users repeatedly return to your website, it signals to Google that your site is valuable and engaging. This can positively impact your rankings.
136. Pogosticking or Bounce Rate: If users click on your site in search results but immediately return to click on another result, Google may see this as a negative signal and lower your ranking. Ensure your content meets user expectations to avoid this.
137. Blocked Sites: If users block a site in Chrome, the Panda algorithm may consider it low-quality and reduce its ranking. Providing a positive user experience can prevent this.
138. Chrome Bookmarks: If a website is frequently bookmarked in Chrome, it can be a positive signal to Google. Bookmarks indicate that users find the site valuable and worth revisiting.
139. Number of Comments: Google sees websites with more comments as having better user engagement, which can improve their rankings. More comments suggest the content is interesting and encourages interaction. This helps Google understand that users find the page valuable and worth discussing.
140. Dwell Time: Google focuses on “dwell time”, or how long users stay on your page after clicking from search results. Longer visits signal useful content, helping rankings. If users leave quickly, it may indicate the page is not relevant or helpful.
141. Query Deserves Freshness: For time-sensitive searches, Google boosts newer pages to show the most up-to-date information. This is especially important for news, trends, or events where recent content matters most.
145. Query Deserves Diversity: If a keyword has multiple meanings (e.g., “Ted” or “ruby”), Google shows varied results to cover different interpretations. This ensures users find what they are looking for, even if the term is ambiguous.
146. User Browsing History: Google ranks sites you visit often higher in your search results, assuming they are relevant to you. This personalization helps deliver results that match your preferences and habits.
147. User Search History: Your search sequence influences results. For example, searching “reviews” then “toasters” may prioritize toaster review sites. Google connects your previous searches to provide more relevant outcomes.
148. Featured Snippets: Google picks content for featured snippets based on factors like length, formatting, page authority, and HTTPS usage. These snippets appear at the top of search results, providing quick answers to user queries.
149. Geo-Targeting: Google prefers sites with local server IPs and country-specific domains, showing region-relevant results. This ensures users find content that is geographically appropriate for their needs.
150. Safe Search: If you enabled, Google filters out explicit or adult content from search results. This feature ensures a safer browsing experience, especially for younger users or those avoiding such content.
151. YMYL Keywords: Google holds “Your Money or Your Life” content (e.g., health, finance) to higher quality standards. These topics require accuracy and trustworthiness, as they can impact user’s well-being or finances.
152. DMCA Complaints: Pages with valid DMCA complaints may be demoted in rankings to avoid promoting copyrighted material. This helps protect intellectual property and ensures fair use of content.
153. Domain Diversity: Google’s “Bigfoot Update“ increases the variety of domains shown on each search results page. This gives users a wider range of sources and reduces dominance by a single website.
154. Transactional Searches: For purchase-related searches (e.g., flights), Google shows customized results like booking options or shopping links. This helps users complete transactions quickly and efficiently.
155. Local Searches: Google places local results (e.g., nearby businesses) above regular organic results for location-based queries. This makes it easier for users to find services or products in their area.
156. Top Stories Box: For news-related keywords, Google displays a “Top St ories” box with recent articles. This provides users with the latest updates on trending or important topics.
157. Big Brand Preference: After the Vince Update, Google boosts big brands for certain keywords. This is because users often trust well-known brands, making them more likely to click on their results.
158. Shopping Results: Google sometimes includes product listings with images and prices in organic search results. This helps users find and compare products directly from the search page.
159. Image Results: Google Images can appear in regular search results for visually oriented queries. This is useful for searches where images are more relevant than text, like design ideas or art.
160. Easter Egg Results: Google has fun hidden features, like searching “Atari Breakout“ in Google Images to play a game. These Easter eggs add a playful element to the search experience.
161. Multiple Results for the Same Site: For brand-related keywords, Google may show multiple links from the same website (e.g., Nike’s homepage, product pages). This helps users explore different sections of a trusted site.
162. Payday Loans Update: This is a special algorithm designed to filter out “extremely spammy searches.” It targets low-quality or manipulative sites, especially those related to payday loans, to ensure users get trustworthy results.
163. Brand Name Anchor Text: Branded anchor text is a simple yet strong brand signal. When other websites link to you using your brand name as the anchor text, it helps Google recognize your brand’s authority and relevance.
164. Branded Searches: People search for brands. If users search for your brand on Google, it signals to Google that your site is a legitimate brand. This increases your credibility and can improve your rankings.
165. Brand + Keyword Searches: Are people searching for specific keywords alongside your brand (e.g., “Linkplacers Google ranking factors” or “Linkplacers SEO”)? If so, Google may boost your rankings when users search for the non-branded version of the keyword, as it shows your brand’s association with that topic.
166. Site’s Facebook Page and Likes: Brands typically have Facebook pages with a significant number of likes. A strong Facebook presence signals to Google that your brand is popular and trusted by users.
167. Site’s Twitter Profile and Followers: A Twitter profile with many followers signals a popular brand. Active engagement on Twitter also helps reinforce your brand’s credibility and authority.
168. Official LinkedIn Company Page: Most legitimate businesses have a company page on LinkedIn. A well-maintained LinkedIn profile adds to your brand’s authenticity and professionalism.
169. Verified Authorship: In February 2013, Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt stated that verified online profiles would rank higher in search results. This means content tied to verified authors is seen as more trustworthy and may rank better.
170. Authenticity of Social Media Accounts: A social media account with 10,000 followers but only 2 posts will likely be treated differently from one with 10,000 followers and high engagement. Google has filed a patent to identify fake or low-quality social media accounts.
171. Brand Mentions in Top Stories: Major brands are frequently mentioned on Top Stories sites. Being featured in top news stories can boost your brand’s visibility and credibility in search results.
172. Unlinked Brand Mentions: It is common for brands to be mentioned without a hyperlink. Google likely treats unlinked brand mentions as a brand signal, as they still indicate recognition and relevance.
173. Physical Location: Legitimate businesses have offices. Google may use location data to determine if a site is a major brand, as having a physical address adds to your credibility.
174. Panda Penalty: Sites with low-quality content (especially “content farms”) become less visible in search after a Panda penalty. This update targets thin, duplicate, or irrelevant content.
175. Links from Bad Websites: Linking to “bad websites,” such as spammy pharmacies or payday loan sites, can harm your search visibility. Google may penalize your site for associating with low-quality sources.
176. Redirects: Deceptive redirects are a major issue. If caught, a site may face penalties or even deindexing. Always use transparent and user-friendly redirects.
177. Pop-ups or Distracting Ads: According to Google’s official “Rater Guidelines” document, pop-ups and distracting ads are signs of a low-quality site. These can negatively impact user experience and rankings.
178. Interstitial Pop-ups: Google may penalize sites that show full-page interstitial pop-ups to mobile users. These pop-ups disrupt the user experience, especially on smaller screens.
179. Over-Optimized Sites: Yes, Google penalizes sites that over-optimize, such as by keyword stuffing, excessive header tags, or unnecessary keyword highlighting. Focus on natural, user-friendly content.
180. Random Content: A Google patent explains how Google identifies “random” content, which helps filter spun or AI content from its index. Unique, valuable content is always preferred.
181. Hiding Affiliate Links: If you go too far in trying to hide affiliate links (especially through cloaking), you may face penalties. Always disclose affiliate links transparently.
182. Fred: A nickname for a series of Google updates starting in 2017. According to Search Engine Land, Fred targets “sites that put revenue above helping users.” This update focuses on improving the quality of search results by penalizing overly monetized or low-value sites.
183. Affiliate Sites: It is no secret that Google is not a big fan of affiliate sites. Many believe sites that earn money through affiliate programs are scrutinized more heavily. Google often views these sites as low-value if they lack original content or focus solely on monetization.
184. AI-Generated Content: Google not dislikes auto-generated content. If they suspect your site is publishing Ai-generated content which have not providing value to reader or readability, you may face penalties or deindexing. Unique, high-quality content is always preferred over Ai automated or spun content.
185. Excessive PageRank Sculpting: If you no-follow all outbound links to excessively sculpt PageRank, it may be seen as an attempt to game the system. Google prefers a natural distribution of link authority rather than manipulative tactics.
186. Spam-flagged IP Address: If your server’s IP address is flagged for spam, all sites on that server may be affected. It is important to ensure your hosting environment is clean and reputable to avoid collateral damage.
187. Meta Tag Spamming: Keyword stuffing can also occur in meta tags. If Google suspects you are adding unnecessary keywords to title and description tags, they may penalize your site. Keep meta tags clear and relevant.
188. Hacked Site: If your site is hacked, it may be removed from search results. In fact, Search Engine Land was completely deindexed when Google believed it had been hacked. Regularly monitor and secure your site to avoid such issues.
189. Sudden Spike in Unnatural Links: A sudden, unnatural increase in links to a website can signal fake links. Google may devalue these links or penalize the site if it appears manipulative.
190. Penguin Penalty: Sites hit by Google Penguin became less visible in search. However, Penguin now mostly filters out bad links rather than penalizing entire sites. It focuses on identifying and neutralizing spammy backlinks.
191. High Ratio of Low-Quality Links: Too many links from sites using black-hat SEO tactics (e.g., blog comments, forum profile links) can signal an attempt to game the system. Aim for high-quality, relevant backlinks instead.
192. Links from Unrelated Sites: If most of your backlinks come from sites unrelated to your topic, it may lead to a manual penalty. Google values relevance and context in link-building.
193. Unnatural Links Warning: Google has sent thousands of webmasters “Google Search Console notice of detected unnatural links.” This often signals a drop in rankings, though not always. Address these warnings promptly to avoid further issues.
194. Low-Quality Directory Links: According to Google, getting backlinks from low-quality web directories can harm your site. Focus on reputable directories and avoid spammy ones.
195. Widget Links: Google dislikes links automatically embedded on a site via a “widget.” These links are often seen as manipulative and can lead to penalties.
196. Links from the Same Class C IP: If a site receives an unnatural number of links from the same server IP, Google may associate it with a blog network. Diversify your link sources to avoid suspicion.
197. Toxic Anchor Text: If your site receives links with “toxic” anchor text (especially pharmacy-related keywords), it may signal spam or a hacked site, harming your rankings. Monitor your backlink profile for such issues.
198. Unnatural Link Spike: According to a 2013 Google patent, Google can estimate whether a sudden spike in links to a site is natural. If not, those links may lose value. Organic growth is key to maintaining credibility.
199. Article Directories and Press Release Links: Due to widespread misuse, Google now views most article directories and press releases as “link schemes.” Avoid relying on these for backlinks.
200. Manual Actions: There are several types, but most are related to black-hat link-building practices. Manual penalties require direct action from Google and can significantly impact rankings.
Final Words
SEO is not just about optimizing for search engines. It is about creating real value for users. By focusing on high-quality content, ethical link-building, technical excellence, and user-friendly design, you can build a website that not only ranks well but also provides a meaningful experience for your audience. Avoiding black-hat tactics and adhering to Google’s guidelines will help ensure long-term success in search rankings.
Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires consistent effort, ongoing learning, and the ability to adapt to changes in the ever-evolving search landscape. By staying patient, committed, and user-focused, you can achieve and maintain strong rankings while building trust and authority in your niche.