English Google SEO office-hours from May 6, 2022

TL;DR

John Mueller answers SEO questions in a Google office-hours session.

Transcript

all right hi everyone and welcome to this episode of the google search central seo office hours hangout my name is john mueller i'm a search advocate on the search relations team uh and our job is partially to help answer questions from site owners that come up uh all around their websites and around search uh so like last time we're trying things ... Read More

Key Insights

• Web components can be used for SEO if tested properly using tools like Search Console to ensure Google can render the content.
• Using FAQ schema across different sections of a blog post is acceptable as long as the content is visible to users.
• Republishing your own content is not considered plagiarism, but strategic content creation is recommended to avoid doorway pages.
• JavaScript reliance is not inherently problematic for SEO, but user-friendliness should be considered for better user experience.
• The platform used (HTML or WordPress) does not inherently affect SEO; focus should be on content quality and user experience.
• Canonical tags help guide Google on preferred URLs, but Google may choose different URLs based on its evaluation.
• Spammy backlinks pointing to 404 pages are ignored by Google; disavow tools can help manage unwanted links.
• Technical issues are unlikely to cause sudden ranking drops across multiple domains; broader SEO strategies should be evaluated.

Questions & Answers

Q: Can I use Web Components for SEO?

Yes, you can use Web Components for SEO. They are implemented using JavaScript, which Google can process. However, it's crucial to test using tools like Search Console to ensure Google can render the content correctly. Check the rendered HTML and screenshots to verify important information is captured.

Q: Is it okay to use FAQ schema across different parts of a page?

Yes, it's fine to use FAQ schema across different sections of a page as long as the questions and answers are visible to users. The FAQ snippets are not guaranteed to show in search results, but using a testing tool can help ensure proper implementation.

Q: Can bloggers plagiarize their own content?

Reusing your own content is not considered plagiarism. However, duplicating content can dilute your site's value. It's better to create unique, compelling content or consolidate similar topics into a single article to enhance SEO and user engagement.

Q: Is JavaScript reliance a problem for SEO?

JavaScript reliance is not inherently problematic for SEO, as Google can process JavaScript. However, user-friendliness should be considered, as poor usability can affect user experience. Testing tools can help ensure content is accessible to Googlebot.

Q: Does using HTML or WordPress affect SEO?

The platform (HTML or WordPress) does not inherently affect SEO. Google evaluates the final HTML pages. Focus on content quality and user experience rather than the platform. If blog posts are not indexing well, consider content quality and overall site value.

Q: Why are both canonical and non-canonical pages shown in search?

The rel=canonical tag is a signal to Google about preferred URLs, but it's not a guarantee. Google may choose different URLs based on its evaluation. Ensure canonical tags are set correctly to guide Google in indexing preferred pages.

Q: What to do about spammy backlinks?

Spammy backlinks pointing to 404 pages are ignored by Google. Use the disavow tool to manage unwanted links, especially if they come from malicious domains. Focus on enhancing your site's content quality rather than worrying about spammy links.

Q: Could technical issues cause a ranking drop across domains?

Technical issues alone are unlikely to cause sudden ranking drops across multiple domains. Evaluate broader SEO strategies, content quality, and user experience. Minor technical tweaks are less likely to impact overall visibility, so focus on comprehensive SEO improvements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Mueller discusses the use of web components in SEO, emphasizing the need for testing with tools like Search Console to ensure proper rendering by Google. He also addresses the use of FAQ schema across different sections, highlighting the importance of content visibility.

• The session covers the topic of republishing content, suggesting a focus on strategic content creation to avoid doorway pages. JavaScript reliance is discussed, with an emphasis on ensuring user-friendliness for better user experience.

• Mueller explains that the platform used (HTML or WordPress) does not inherently affect SEO; instead, content quality and user experience are crucial. He also addresses spammy backlinks and the use of canonical tags, providing guidance on managing these aspects effectively.