How Does Google Handle Webmaster Queries?

TL;DR

John Mueller, a Google Webmaster Trends Analyst, answers various questions about web crawling, indexing, and site optimization. He offers insights into link building, structured data, mobile-first indexing, and handling duplicate content. Mueller emphasizes the importance of creating quality content and using structured data effectively while dispelling common SEO myths.

Transcript

JOHN MUELLER: All right, welcome everyone to today's Webmaster Central Office Hours Hangout. My name is John Mueller. I am a Webmaster trends analyst here at Google in Switzerland. And part of what we do are these office hour Hangouts, where people can join in and ask their questions around websites and web search. I hope you're all doing well rega... Read More

Key Insights

• Google handles disavow files on a per URL basis, not waiting for all links to be crawled.
• Duplicate menus for mobile and desktop do not harm SEO, but cleaning them up can improve usability.
• No follow links between branches are unnecessary; natural linking is recommended.
• Structured data errors are evaluated on a per page basis; valid data is still used.
• Content behind tabs is indexed with mobile-first indexing, but should be easily accessible for users.
• Google does not manually filter search results for health terms but ensures high algorithmic quality.
• Domain authority metrics from third parties like Moz are not used by Google for ranking.
• Creating valuable content is key to earning natural links; avoid spammy link-building tactics.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Google handle disavow files?

Google processes disavow files on a per URL basis, meaning that as individual links are crawled, they are dropped if listed in the disavow file. This process is incremental, so there is no need to wait for all links to be crawled before the disavow takes effect. Most websites do not need disavow files unless involved in dubious link-building practices.

Q: Do duplicate menus for mobile and desktop affect SEO?

Duplicate menus for mobile and desktop do not negatively impact SEO. However, cleaning them up can improve usability and reduce page size. Google understands the logic of responsive design and does not penalize sites for having duplicate menu URLs in the code. It is beneficial from a usability standpoint to streamline these elements.

Q: Is it necessary to use no follow links between branches?

No, it is not necessary to use no follow links between branches. Natural linking between branches is perfectly fine and does not require no follow attributes. Using images to indicate temporary closures is acceptable, but it is recommended to use HTML or alt text for better accessibility and usability.

Q: How does Google handle structured data errors?

Structured data errors are evaluated on a per page basis. If a page contains both valid and invalid structured data, Google will use the valid data. Errors on some pages do not affect the entire site. Implementing structured data directly on the site is recommended for better control and utility.

Q: Is content behind tabs indexed with mobile-first indexing?

Yes, content behind tabs is indexed with mobile-first indexing. Google can use this content for ranking purposes. However, from a usability perspective, important content should be easily accessible to users to prevent them from leaving the page if they cannot find the information they are searching for.

Q: Does Google manually filter search results for health terms?

Google does not manually filter search results for health terms. Instead, it ensures that its algorithms provide high-quality results for such queries. Google strives to maintain high standards for health-related searches due to user expectations, but this approach is algorithmic rather than manual intervention.

Q: Should I take third-party domain authority metrics seriously?

Third-party domain authority metrics, like those from Moz, are not used by Google for ranking purposes. These metrics might provide some insights into your website's performance but should not be the sole focus. It is important to understand what these metrics measure and how they relate to your specific goals.

Q: How can a new website earn do follow links?

Earning do follow links involves creating valuable, high-quality content that naturally attracts attention and recommendations. Avoid spammy link-building tactics, such as posting on low-quality sites. Instead, focus on providing value, engaging with your audience, and promoting your content through legitimate channels to earn genuine endorsements.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Mueller discusses how Google processes disavow files, indicating that links are dropped incrementally as they are crawled. He advises that most websites do not need disavow files unless they engage in questionable link-building practices.

• Mueller addresses concerns about duplicate menus in HTML code, clarifying that while duplicate links do not harm SEO, they can be cleaned up for better usability. He also discusses the importance of having a clear site hierarchy for effective page rank distribution.

• The session covers various aspects of structured data, emphasizing that errors are assessed per page. Valid structured data is still utilized, and site owners are encouraged to implement structured data directly on their sites for better control and utility.