Google Noodle: Current Thinking For Search Engine Performance

Second guessing Google's algorithm has become the all-consuming issue for SEO (search engine optimisation) professionals. For those that effectively crack the code it's not far from being today's Internet Holy Grail. Through a gradual process of deduction gained from the trail and error efforts of many hundreds of experts however, we can begin to edge our bets a little. It has to be said that the points below should not necessarily be considered as conclusive. Constant testing, research and sharing of information need to uppermost in the minds of those that want serious results. Nevertheless this information has been formed through a broad consensus of opinion. It is acknowledge that some may wish to challenge the order and relevance of these points, or indeed have other points they feel to be of higher importance. It is also worth remembering Google is never standing still. Moreover, Google's algorithm is being honed with increasing regularity. The fact that the goal is constantly moving, means nothing can be considered as fact for very long.

1) Keywords & Meta Tags – From way back when, this elementary factor still remains one of the single most important aspects of good page design. Creating keywords that properly mirror the thrust of the page content should be considered an imperative before commencing any other SEO.

2) Link Popularity – Links from other websites across the web is the cornerstone of Google's development and evolution. This is not to say that quantity is everything. Increasingly Google is becoming more stringent and gives more credence to links from sites that have commonality in their content. It's a classic case of quality before quantity.

3) Linking Text – The linking or anchor text from any inbound source gives relevance and therefore strengthens the link.

4) Internal Linking Structure – The way a site is constructed, often unintentionally, suggests how important pages are. More often than not the home page is heavily referenced but structure can be modified to focus link popularity on other important areas.

5) Maturity Over Youth – We all know that new sites can take time to be properly indexed. If launching a new site the best that can be done is to align it with as many trusted and established sites as possible through linking etc. Also keep in mind that drastic redesigns can also set a website back until trust is re-established.

6) Link Relevance – Also referred previously in Link Popularity, but is well worth a separate point of its own. Evidence suggest we should give plenty of weight to the text that surrounds inbound links as well as the general topic / content match.

7) Community Strength – What is being insinuated here is that much depends upon your websites ranking among other sites that compete in a similar field. Getting inbound links from these sites can be very powerful, particularly if keywords are naturally encompassed within the links.

8) Body Text – Its important to write good honest content that features relevant keywords. In fact Google is actively looking for ways to rank and index page material. It's surprising how even technical pages often miss mentioning the prime keywords you might normally associate with a particular subject.

9) Link Popularity of Link Partner – Much strength can be attributed to the popularity of the sites that link in to yours. A few very popular sites prepared to give you a link could be worth much more than hundreds of low rankers. Keep in mind though that these can be much harder to earn.

10) Frequency of Link Growth – An explosion of inbound links suggests you've been up to something. The best policy is gradual and consistent growth.

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