A staggering 96.55% of pages in our index receive zero traffic from Google, while a mere 1.94% scrape together between one to ten visits each month.
Have you ever been frustrated with your articles not hitting the top spots on Google? You’re not alone.
Recently, someone on Twitter asked for help with this exact issue. Guess who stepped in?
Google Search Liaison didn’t just offer a few tips – he conducted a mini-site audit.
We’re about to break down the four pieces of content he found that might be holding your articles back.
Additionally, we will also tell you other important aspects that might be preventing you from getting the desired visibility.
The Question?
A fellow named Brandon Saltalamacchia was struggling to get his content to rank on search. With that, he shared his concern about X.
Interpreting Search Liaison’s Impromptu Mini Audit
Surprisingly, Danny Sullivan (Search Liaison) responded with a Page Audit.
Basically, he spotted four major problems with that page:
1. Lack Of Clear Original Content
Ever feel your content drowns in a sea of sameness? Google’s nodding. Originality is your SEO life jacket.
And if your webpage lacks unique, crystal-clear content, you’re waving goodbye to those top spots.
So, how can you redefine your content to make it stand out as a unique voice in the digital crowd?
2. Content Doesn’t Demonstrate Product Experience
Google craves more than words. In fact, it looks for a narrative that showcases your expertise. If your content doesn’t scream, “I’ve been there, done that,” you might be missing a crucial SEO beat.
So, what strategies can you employ to turn your content into a personalized, experiential journey for your audience?
3. Unsatisfying Content That Misses The Mark
Ever click a promising link, only to find it falls flat?
That’s the experience Google wants to avoid. If your content doesn’t meet and exceed user expectations, it’s destined for the lower rungs of the SERP ladder.
So, how can you consistently deliver content that not only satisfies but pleasantly surprises your audience?
4. Stale And Out-of-Date Content
Imagine craving fresh insights but stumbling upon outdated info. Google despises that too. Stale content not only disappoints users but also signals to Google that your webpage might not be the go-to source.
So, can you balance maintaining content freshness without sacrificing the depth and quality your audience craves?
Our Verdict:
4 Things You Can’t Afford To Miss If You Want Your Content to Make Noise On Search Results
We are on the same page with Danny Sullivan. However, we think that there are some more factors to watch out for. Adding these aspects is not a choice, it’s a prerequisite.
(i) Not Addressing The Search Intent Properly
Ensure your blog post aligns with the searcher’s intent for the target keyword. Before writing, check what’s already ranking for the keyword to understand what users are looking for.
Is it possible to anticipate and fulfil user intent to create content that not only ranks but resonates with your audience?
(ii) Your Content Is NOT Better Than Competitors
Make sure your blog post is superior to what’s already ranking for the target keyword. Analyze top-ranking posts, improve your post, and make it more comprehensive and helpful.
(iii) Low-Quality Content Across The Entire Website
Conduct a content audit and either update or delete low-quality posts. Thoroughly audit content, and update or delete poor-quality posts based on relevance and usefulness.
How can you maintain a high standard of content across your website, ensuring every piece contributes positively to your overall SEO strategy?
(iv) Your Link Profile Is NOT Up To The Mark
Backlinks can shape your website’s digital reputation in silence.
In this SEO arena, they are your unspoken testimonials.
In fact, Google’s top-ranking page has 3.8x more backlinks than pages 2-10
Therefore, backlinks are crucial.
Conduct competitive link analysis to understand your competitor’s strategies and target similar referring domains.
Moreover, try to follow guest posts to attract those niche backlinks.
End Note
Remember, Search Liaison’s tips might not be direct ranking factors, but they align perfectly with Google’s content goals.
Make sure you follow them without fail.
So, how can we strike a balance between unique and evergreen content that garners traction?