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Google is a search engine. There is a big difference between humans and a search engine. Search engines are a bunch of codes, while you are flesh and blood. How you think is not how Google thinks – but it imitates that, albeit in a different way. In this first part of the course, we will be tackling about the different ways that Google ‘Thinks’ as a search engine.
So to let you in on the first chapter, here’s the breakdown and excerpt:
Google’s Rating Guidelines
There are different ways that Google rates a website. Quality Raters are the people behind Google who makes sure that the search engine is functioning the way it’s fashioned to do so. These people act as ‘checkers’ or ‘examiners’ on Google’s process of quality control. Let’s take a look at how these Quality Raters go through their job and what affects their decisions.
Social Signals and its Effects
Social Networks are strongly taking center stage – with Facebook leading the way. Search engines just can’t deny that this is so only because people love ’em. And if Google’s only trying to get people what they want in terms of search, then Google must adapt. Social signals are now a very powerful player in your SEO.
Search Volume Effects
You might not know it, but your brand marketing indirectly but strongly affects your searchability in terms of what you bring to your market. Let’s take a look at some case studies where there are not much links nor keywords and yet the website ranks for the value it brings to the online world. (feature Uratex case study as well as adidas / new balance)
Brand Mentions Effects
Google knows that links are a very powerful way to detect relevance, trust and authority around the web. It also knows that linkbuilding is being manipulated and abused because it is a major factor in its algorithm. So they are now trying to move parts of its algorithm away from it. Brand mentions are now a huge factor that affects your site’s SEO. (Again, Uratex case study)
Checklist in starting a site
You have to go through all these in order to create a powerful start-up presence in the web in terms of SEO. If you have a new client or a new blog or website, this checklist is the ‘bunch of tricks’ be followed to jumpstart your SEO.