English Google Webmaster Central office-hours hangout

TL;DR

John Mueller discusses various webmaster-related questions.

Transcript

JOHN MUELLER: OK, welcome, everyone, to today's Google Webmasters Central office hours hangout. My name is John Mueller. I'm the webmaster trends analyst here at Google in Switzerland. And part of what we do is talk with webmasters and publishers, like the ones here in the Hangout, and the ones that submitted lot of questions. As always, we have a ... Read More

Key Insights

• John Mueller explains that moving websites to subdomains doesn't negatively impact SEO, as Google understands site structures.
• The limit of 999 queries in Search Console is due to data filtering, and Google balances adding new features with expanding data.
• HTML sitemaps can be helpful for complex navigation structures, but XML sitemaps provide more detailed information.
• Using multiple heading tags (h1, h2, h3) on a page is acceptable, and they help Google understand page structure.
• Canonicalization is complex, and Google considers multiple signals to determine the canonical URL for indexing.
• AMP is not currently a ranking signal, but it provides fast mobile pages and may become more visible in search results.
• Google's removal of right-hand PPC ads is part of ongoing experiments to improve search result relevance.
• Structured data using JSON-LD must be correctly implemented for Google to use it for rich snippets.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does Google treat subdomains in terms of SEO?

John Mueller clarifies that moving websites to subdomains does not inherently harm SEO. Google tries to understand the structure of websites, whether they are on subdomains or separate domains. The decision to use subdomains should be based on what works best for the website's needs, and Google will recognize the site structure accordingly.

Q: Why are only 999 queries shown in Search Console?

The limit of 999 queries in Search Console is due to data filtering, where one query might be excluded if there's insufficient information. Google balances the demand for more query data with the need to develop new features. Users can use the API for more detailed query filtering and analysis.

Q: Is there any SEO value in HTML sitemaps?

HTML sitemaps can be useful for users, especially when a site's navigation is complex or primarily search-based. For SEO, they help Google understand site structure but do not replace XML sitemaps, which provide more detailed information like change dates. If a site has good navigation, an HTML sitemap is not necessary for search engines.

Q: Can multiple heading tags affect SEO?

Using multiple heading tags, such as h1, h2, and h3, on a page is perfectly fine. They help Google understand the structure and context of the content. There is no need to limit to one h1 tag per page, and headings should be used to clearly define sections of the content for both users and search engines.

Q: How does Google handle redirects for canonicalization?

Google evaluates multiple signals to determine the canonical URL when handling redirects. A 301 or 302 redirect indicates preference, but Google also considers canonical tags, internal links, sitemaps, and external links. Consistency in these signals helps Google accurately identify the preferred URL for indexing.

Q: Is AMP a ranking signal in Google search?

AMP is not currently a ranking signal, but it helps create fast, mobile-friendly pages. While AMP pages can appear in the news carousel on mobile search results, they do not directly influence rankings. However, having AMP pages can improve user experience and potentially increase engagement.

Q: What changes did Google make to search result ads?

Google has removed right-hand PPC ads as part of ongoing experiments to improve search result relevance. The change aims to refine the user experience and align with how users interact with search results. The space may be used for other elements, but specific plans were not detailed.

Q: Does Google give more weight to pages with images?

Google does not give added weight to pages with images compared to those without. Images can enhance user experience and be indexed for image search, but they do not directly impact web search rankings. Descriptive file names and alt text can help Google understand image content.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• John Mueller from Google Webmaster Central discusses various SEO topics in a hangout session. He addresses questions on subdomains, Search Console data limits, and the role of HTML sitemaps in SEO. He also explains the importance of headings and AMP pages for mobile optimization.

• The session covers Google's handling of redirects, canonical URLs, and the impact of structured data. Mueller reassures that AMP is not a ranking factor but enhances mobile page speed. He mentions ongoing experiments with search result layouts, including the removal of right-hand ads.

• Mueller emphasizes the importance of consistent URL structures and proper use of structured data. He also addresses community concerns about review stars in search results, confirming a bug fix to restore their visibility. The hangout provides insights into Google's approach to evolving search technologies.