Notes From the SEO Underground: May 2019

“SEO Underground” is your first and fastest stop to find out about breaking news and recent algorithm updates that affect your firm’s online visibility.

A lot happened in May! So, we’ll dig right in by taking a closer look at the E.A.T updates, new additions to Google Search Console, and a new series from Google called SEO MythBusting 101, where Google reveals some crucial information about ranking priorities.

E.A.T Gets An Update

On May 16th, 2019, Google updated their Search Quality Evaluator Guidelines. These guidelines are what human quality evaluators use to provide feedback that directly ties into Google’s algorithm updates.

What Does It Mean For Your Law Firm?

If your law firm is focused on creating unique, relevant content, then your strategy should not change. If your strategy is to push out as much content as possible, regardless of quality, then it’s time to re-align your trajectory. The update reinforces the E.A.T principles of being an expert in the legal industry (E), creating authoritative content (A), and building a trustworthy brand (T).

User Experience Matters: Tamp Down The Pop-Ups

While pop-ups can be an effective tool for lead generation, they can be distracting and lead to a poor user experience if they are overbearing. Limit pop-ups to one (1) per page and make sure that they are unobtrusive and allow the user to easily exit.

Looking For More Information About E.A.T?

For SEO tips for law firms based on the E.A.T. principles, check out our Gladiator blog, When E-A-T Doesn’t Mean a Lunch Break.

New Reports in Google Search Console

Google added 3 new enhancements to its Search Console dashboard. If you use the respective markup below, it will show up in the Enhancements section. If your firm needs help setting up these markup types, drop us a line.

1. Unparsable Structured Data Report

2. Sitelinks Searchbox

3. Logo

The unparsable structured data is particularly interesting because your firm will be able to diagnose how Google is rendering your source code, and you can view any errors that may be limiting your ability to rank and/or stand out through the use of schema.

Google Shares Top 3 Ranking Factors

In a new series called SEO MythBusting 101, Google lifts the curtain a little bit to give insights into their top 3 ranking factors. Google reportedly has over 200 signals it takes into account when determining the relevancy of a page.

During a question-and-answer session, this question was asked to Martin Splitt (Webmaster Trends Analyst, Google):

“If you could give me like… top three things that I should consider, what would that be?”

Here Are The Answers With Some Added Commentary From Us

1. Content – As the saying goes, “content is king.” Without quality content, your SEO has no foundation to build upon.
2. Meta Data – Having unique Meta titles and enticing meta descriptions that encourage click-throughs to your website is the second most important factor. Interestingly, it’s been widely accepted that meta descriptions were not a priority ranking factor. However, it seems that Google may be ranking the meta description ahead of backlinks.
3. Performance – This is arguably the most surprising inclusion on the list. While performance has the obvious benefit of improving user experience, it also plays a role in increasing visibility by delivering content quickly.

Takeaways

From quality guideline recommendations, to new report features in Search Console, to insights into top SEO ranking factors, there have been really important developments and announcements from Google in May, which means you need to stay close to in-the-know news from SEO Underground.

Follow the SEO Underground

Connect with us to learn more about these developments and how we can help improve your online campaigns. And stay tuned for next month’s installment of Notes From The SEO Underground.