The world of SEO is constantly evolving, and staying informed about the latest search engine recommendations is crucial for a successful strategy. That’s why Josh Hiemstra, digital strategist for Simpler Strategies, regularly attends Google SEO office hours, gleaning valuable insights directly from the source.
These Q&A sessions feature John Mueller, a Google search advocate, answering pressing questions about SEO challenges. Topics range from ranking factors and website structure to content optimization and algorithm updates. In this article, we review key SEO information gleaned from Google SEO office hours related to user experience.
I have an ecommerce website with many similar products. Should I write unique descriptions for each product, or is a high-quality, general description sufficient?
While Google Search might consider similar descriptions as duplicate content, this won’t necessarily lead to a demotion. However, if you don’t highlight the unique features of each product, it can be challenging for Google to differentiate their individual pages in search results.
Therefore, it’s generally acceptable to use similar descriptions for multiple products, as long as you clearly differentiate the unique features of each. This helps Google understand the nuances between products and improve their visibility in search rankings.
We’re redesigning our site architecture. How should we consider internal links placed in page content versus navigation regarding SEO rankings?
While both internal link placements are valuable, it’s essential to strike a balance. Excessive subcategories in navigation can devalue main category pages. Avoid changing URL structures to minimize disruptions.
Why does my homepage have a higher SEO rank for a keyword that more closely matches a service page on my website?
This is a positive sign, indicating that your SEO efforts are effective. However, Google Search might not fully understand the relative importance of terms within your website.
While your homepage likely contains some information related to the service page, it may not be clear to Google that the service page is more relevant to the specific keyword.
To address this, consider:
- Internal linking: Strategically link to your service page from other relevant pages on your website.
- Content optimization: Ensure the content on your service page is optimized with the target keyword and relevant phrases.
Remember, your homepage is a valuable asset. While it might be tempting to shift focus, carefully balance its content with the importance of your service pages.
Our product pages aren’t ranking as well as our blog posts. We’ve been focusing on internal linking, but still aren’t seeing desired SERP results. Do you have any other suggestions?
While internal linking is important, it’s also crucial to consider Google’s intent understanding. Google tries to determine whether a searcher is looking for general information or aiming to make a purchase.
To improve product page rankings:
- Prioritize clear calls to action on your blog posts. This helps guide users from informational content to product pages.
- Continue refining your internal linking strategy. Ensure links are relevant and strategically placed.
- Evaluate product page content quality. Ensure it’s informative, engaging, and optimized for relevant keywords.
- Monitor search intent: Research relevant keywords to understand user intent and tailor your product pages accordingly.
What is the best SEO practice for setting up a product that has different names for users from different countries?
Use Hreflang tags. This approach doesn’t affect your rankings but will dynamically swap out the URL based on the user’s location, ensuring they see the most relevant product name.
Interested in other Google SEO Office Hours takeaways?
Explore our full article series:
- Insights related to technical SEO
- Insights related to crawlability & indexing
- Insights related to high-quality content
- Insights related to backlinks
- Insights related to user experience
Interested in exploring how Simpler Strategies can improve your website’s visibility? Reach out to our team.
