How to Optimize Google SEO for Better Rankings

TL;DR

An XML sitemap file can contain up to 50,000 URLs, including sitemap index files. ARIA attributes don't boost SEO but enhance accessibility. Consistency in canonicalization aids tracking but not SEO. URL fragments are generally ignored by Google Search. For ranking issues, focus beyond technical SEO. Use Search Console for penalties. Hreflang can link similar content for different regions.

Transcript

SPEAKER: Hello, and welcome to another episode of "Google's SEO Office Hours." In these videos, we aim to answer your questions about SEO and Google Search. These questions were submitted using the forum link below over the past month. To answer them, we have folks from Google's Search Quality team. Joining us today is just me. With various bits of... Read More

Key Insights

• An XML sitemap file can include up to 50,000 URLs, which applies to sitemap index files as well.
• ARIA attributes do not inherently improve SEO but are valuable for accessibility purposes, benefiting users who rely on them.
• Consistency in canonicalization and internal linking usually results in the preferred version being selected as the canonical.
• URL fragments, indicated by a hashtag, are typically ignored by Google Search but can help users navigate to specific content.
• Technical SEO elements like sitemaps, indexed pages, and backlinks are important, but broader factors influence ranking success.
• Search Console shows the status of manual actions, helping to identify penalties once site ownership is verified.
• Hreflang tags can be used for similar content targeting different countries, not limited to direct translations.
• Mixing relative and absolute links on a website poses no SEO issues as search engines handle them like browsers.

Questions & Answers

Q: How many URLs can a sitemap index file have?

An XML sitemap file can include up to 50,000 URLs, and this limit also applies to sitemap index files. Sitemap index files are designed to include other sitemap files, allowing for efficient organization and submission of large numbers of URLs to search engines like Google.

Q: Does setting ARIA attributes improve SEO?

ARIA attributes do not provide a direct SEO advantage. They are primarily intended for accessibility, helping users with disabilities navigate and understand web content. While they don't enhance SEO rankings, using ARIA attributes properly ensures a more inclusive web experience, which can indirectly benefit user engagement.

Q: Should I redirect canonicalized 'domain/en' to 'domain'?

There is no SEO advantage in redirecting canonicalized 'domain/en' to 'domain'. However, being consistent with canonicalization and internal linking can simplify tracking and management. If 'domain' is the default version, set it as the x-default in Hreflang to maintain consistency without impacting SEO.

Q: Do URL fragments affect search result display?

URL fragments, identified by a hashtag, typically do not affect how a URL is displayed in search results. They are used to navigate users to specific sections of a page. Google Search generally ignores fragments, focusing on the entire page content, though fragments can enhance user navigation.

Q: Why is my site not ranking despite good SEO?

Ranking issues can persist despite good technical SEO due to broader factors. SEO success involves more than technical details like sitemaps and backlinks. Consider factors like content quality, user engagement, and competition. Compare it to offline success: technical perfection doesn't guarantee popularity or sales without broader appeal.

Q: How can I see if my newly bought site has a penalty?

To check for penalties on a newly acquired site, verify site ownership in Google Search Console. This tool displays the status of manual actions, which indicate penalties. Resolved or expired manual actions are not listed, and resolving them typically removes their effects swiftly. Algorithmic issues may not show as manual actions.

Q: Is it okay to use product rich snippets for real estate?

Using product rich snippets for real estate properties is not supported by Google. The Merchant Center's unsupported content guidelines list real estate as immovable objects, which are ignored in product schema. While not considered abuse, using appropriate structured data for visible effects is recommended for better search visibility.

Q: Can hreflang link similar content for different countries?

Yes, hreflang tags can link similar content targeting different countries, even if they aren't direct translations. They are used for alternate language or regional versions of content, helping search engines serve the correct version to users based on their language or regional preferences, enhancing the user experience.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• An XML sitemap can contain up to 50,000 URLs, including sitemap index files. ARIA attributes improve accessibility, not SEO. Consistency in canonicalization aids tracking but doesn't impact SEO. URL fragments are usually ignored by Google but help users navigate.

• Ranking issues may arise despite good technical SEO due to broader factors. Manual actions can be checked in Search Console to identify penalties. Hreflang tags link similar content for different regions, not limited to direct translations.

• Mixing relative and absolute links on a website poses no SEO issues. Structured data should match user-visible content, with specific fields like days of the week requiring English. Google ignores unsupported structured data like real estate in product snippets.