Google’s John Mueller recently addressed a common concern in the world of SEO: how long it takes for SEO strategies to work and what to do if rankings don’t improve even after a year of implementing best practices. In some cases, following best practices may not yield the desired results, and Mueller sheds light on why this may happen.
What Is SEO?
The definition of SEO can vary depending on who you ask. Some believe that SEO involves incorporating keywords into content and building backlinks, while others prioritize creating high-quality content over link-building. There are also those who focus on technical aspects such as site performance metrics and structured data. In some circles, there is a belief that SEO is not as important because Google tends to prioritize ads, big brands, and other elements over smaller businesses.
When someone wonders why their SEO efforts are not producing results, the answer can be complex. Even if ten SEO experts agree on a particular issue, it’s possible that they have only identified the most obvious reason and not the underlying problem. This was the scenario that John Mueller encountered when asked why a website was not ranking despite following SEO best practices.
Difficult to Provide a General Answer
Mueller was presented with a question from someone who had made SEO changes to their website a year ago but had not seen any improvement in traffic. Without specific details about the website in question, it is challenging to provide a definitive answer. Mueller acknowledged this difficulty and recommended seeking advice from Google’s help forums to get a more tailored response.
Why SEO May Fail
Even if a website has been optimized for SEO with a great layout, fast page speed, structured data, and a logical site architecture, there are still factors that could prevent it from ranking well. Issues with content quality, relevance, keyword focus, and competitiveness can all hinder a website’s performance, regardless of how well it has been optimized for search engines. Mueller emphasized that certain best practices may have minimal impact on a website’s day-to-day performance, such as having a clean page structure that helps search engines understand the content but may not lead to immediate ranking or traffic changes.
Diverse Ranking Criteria
Mueller also highlighted the fact that what matters for SEO can vary depending on the topic. Different topics may require fresh content, signals of trustworthiness, authoritativeness, user brand preference, and other elements that cater to specific user intents or geographic preferences. The key elements of SEO may differ from one website to another, requiring experience and expertise to identify and prioritize them effectively.
The Role of Experience in SEO
Experience plays a crucial role in mastering SEO strategies. Mueller stressed the importance of gaining practical experience and learning from others in the field to enhance one’s understanding of SEO. Mentorship can accelerate the learning process, but hands-on experience remains invaluable in developing a deep understanding of SEO principles and practices.
In conclusion, SEO is a dynamic and multifaceted field that requires ongoing learning, adaptation, and experience to achieve lasting results. By understanding the complexities of SEO, seeking guidance from experienced professionals, and continuously refining strategies based on feedback and data, website owners can maximize the impact of best practices on their Google rankings.