Google’s SEO Starter Guide, a critical resource for SEO professionals, is undergoing a major overhaul.
The impending update was announced on last episode from “Search Off The Record,” a podcast featuring members of the Google Search Relationships team.
It was first launched years ago, SEO Initiation guide aims to explain the basics of improving website visibility in Google Search results.
According to Gary Illyes and Lizzi Harvey, the existing guidance needs to be updated and there will be significant changes.
Primary resource for aspiring SEO professionals
With over 8,000 words of advice, the current SEO Starter Guide continues to be one of the most visited resources on Google’s central search site.
“That’s the third most viewed page, which is interesting to me because I would have thought maybe people read it and then move on,” Harvey said.
The guide consistently ranks in Google search results for keywords like “SEO” and generates a lot of traffic.
Given the popularity of the guide, changes in content and recommendations could significantly affect how new website owners approach SEO. Some strategies can be de-emphasized or omitted entirely.
Goodbye technical jargon, hello general concepts
A key focus of the overhaul will be the simplification of content for modern users, especially those new to building websites.
The guide, known for its wide reach and high view rates, will be more concise and relevant.
“Our current draft that we have now is around 3000,” Harvey revealed, highlighting the aim to remove redundancy and outdated advice.
Illyes says the revised guide should focus more on general SEO concepts than technical details. For example, understanding the importance of page title tags without manually editing HTML code.
The changes reflect the rise in popularity of content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and website builders like Wix. These tools automate much of the technical SEO work, allowing users with minimal coding skills to optimize web pages.
Dispel SEO myths and reinforce best practices
During the episode, the hosts addressed the perennial statement that “SEO is dead,” a statement that comes up periodically in the industry.
Contrary to this claim, the popularity and positive feedback of the SEO Starter Guide indicates a strong and ongoing interest in SEO.
“It’s our most viewed guide after the homepage,” said Harvey, countering the myth and reinforcing the belief that mastering SEO is as vital as ever to online success.
A simpler guide for a modern audience
The decision to streamline the SEO Starter Guide reflects a shift towards a more focused and user-friendly approach.
With information overload a common challenge, the revised guide aims to provide clear and impactful advice without overwhelming readers.
“I don’t want to have ten different places where we’re doing … like saying the same thing in different ways,” Harvey explained.
The podcast revealed that the updated guide would prioritize user experience and practical needs.
This includes simplifying complex topics and ensuring that the guide remains accessible to beginners while providing value to seasoned professionals.
To sum up
Google is expected to release a revised version of its SEO Starter Guide soon.
The following guide will provide key insights into current search engine optimization best practices while eliminating outdated advice.
This new iteration will likely become an essential resource for both novice and experienced SEO professionals looking to improve website visibility in search results.
Featured image: Piotr Swat/Shutterstock
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