In a recent statement on social media, Google Search Link reminds us that there is no “perfect page” formula that websites must follow to rank well in search results.
The statement begin:
“Today I wanted to share the belief that there is some sort of ‘perfect page’ formula that must be used to rank well in Google Search.”
Google clarifies that there is no universal ranking formula, although it claims that word counts, page structures or other specific optimizations can ensure a high position.
The statement continues:
“There is not, and no one should feel that they have to work with some kind of mythical formula. It’s a belief that goes back even before Google was popular.”
Reads: Does word count really matter for content SEO?
Debunking SEO Myths
Third-party SEO tools often advise you to build pages in specific ways for search success. However, Google claims that these tools cannot predict rankings.
Tool recommendations are often based on finding averages between top pages, while Google’s algorithm values commonalities and unique differences.
“Third-party tips, even news articles, can suggest some sort of thing. Following these tips does not guarantee a higher ranking. Also, these predictions and tips are often based on looking at averages, which misses the point that completely different and unique pages can be successful in search.”
Instead of formulas, Google’s advice is to focus on being useful and relevant to users.
For example, if an byline fits the purpose of a page for readers, include it, but not because it can supposedly increase rankings.
The link statement concludes:
“Google’s key advice is to focus on doing useful things for your readers. For example, if it makes sense for your readers to see an article title (and they might!), do it for them. Don’t do because you’ve heard that having a byline ranks you better on Google (it doesn’t).
Put your readers and your audience first. Be useful to them. If you do that, if you do things for them, you’re more likely to align with completely different signals that we use to reward content.”
key points
The key point of Google’s message is to take a reader-centric approach.
For those hoping for this perfect model to guarantee ranking, Google’s message remains consistent: there is no such thing as a formula. But creating content that actually serves its purpose? This continues to be rewarded.
Featured Image: egaranugrah/Shutterstock
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