As discussed in a previous blog post, Google has officially launched its new search algorithm, Hummingbird, a semantic search designed to focus on the meaning of an entire query, as opposed to only separate words, in order to create more accurate, well-matched search results. Hummingbird has been running for about a month, and it is interesting to start evaluating it …
Hummingbird: Google’s New Search Algorithm
Google recently announced an ambitious change to its search engine. It has developed an algorithm re-write, which will allow Google Search to handle more complex queries with much more authentic and accurate search results. The new algorithm, Hummingbird, is the most comprehensive change to the Google algorithm since 2000. The basis of the change is an effort to focus upon …
2013 Search Engine Ranking Factors – Data and Conclusions
The 2013 Search Engine Ranking Factors report has been released by Moz. In a field as data-driven as SEO/SEM, it is always worth evaluating large scale data such as this. In the past, Google has said that it uses over 200 signals in its search algorithm. (Note: It is unclear how much this has changed since the recent introduction of …
Guide to Generating Rich Snippets
Generating Rich Snippets Rich snippets, the brief descriptions that appear along with listings on search pages, can play a key role in creating high conversion rates by offering search engine users more information about how a site can meet their needs. Rich Snippets can be generated using a fairly straightforward form of mark-up within the HTML of your site. Micro …
The Dramatic Evolution of Keyword Tracking
The world of rankings has been changing drastically. In the recent past, the vast majority of keyword rankings/SERPs were identical for everyone who did the same search, regardless of who did the search, where they were located, what device or account they used, or any other factor. Over the past several years this obviously has changed, but in 2012 the …
The New SEO Process: Holistic Strategies Get Results
The latest in SEO is an approach that integrates other aspects of online and traditional marketing to maximize results. The key components of this highly strategic approach are: Opportunity Exploration: This stage of the SEO process includes gaining a comprehensive understanding of business objectives, target audience, and the competition. The best SEO strategies focus on meeting goals using a holistic …
External Factors Can Cause Unexpected Mass Google Ranking Changes
Every so often, there is a noticeable spike in Google ranking changes on a particular day for no easily discernible reason. The obvious place to look for answers is a Google algorithm update for that day, but if this is not the case, it’s worth considering other possibilities. One such ranking flux occurred on December 13th, with no confirmed algorithm …
Ten Essential Enterprise SEO Facts
Search Engine Optimization is of vital importance to successful online marketing plans and plays a huge role in their ROI. Like the web itself, SEO is constantly evolving, due to Google’s ever-changing search algorithm, competitors’ actions, and any number of other strategic factors. The list below provides some of the latest information you need to maximize your SEO efforts. Conversion …
Top 10 Mobile Optimization Tips
During a recent discussion with a mobile app guru we were discussing the importance of optimization that is uniquely positioned for the mobile market. In several instances we’ve seen over the past few years, many mobile websites tend to be optimized exactly the same as a traditional desktop website. While there are some commonalities there are also some very distinctive …
Google’s New Disavow Tool: Should You Use It?
Google’s New Disavow Tool: Should You Use It? The short answer is, probably not. For more, read on… What is Google’s Disavow Tool? The Disavow tool is a way for you to instruct Google to ignore unnatural (spammy) links that are hurting your site’s Google search rankings. What could make you a candidate for using this tool? If you have received …