Let’s Talk About Keyword Relevance

Sept 06, 2024

Google is currently using over 200 different ranking factors when determining which results to show on Google Search. One of the key factors is keyword relevance, as this helps ensure that the results on the search engine results page (SERP) are directly relevant to the user's search query. There is more to it than just looking at a website's keywords. Google will also examine user intent, engagement with pages, internal links, localization, content relevancy, and even how up-to-date the information on the page is. Google wants to prioritize links that offer relevant information that best aligns with a user's search query. An internet strategy consultant in Knoxville can help you use various SEO techniques to improve your website's keyword relevancy and get more organic traffic due to your improved Google rank.

Let's take a closer look at keyword relevancy and how you can make your content more relevant with help from an internet strategy consultant in Knoxville.

Confirmed Keyword Relevance Signals

As touched on above, keyword relevance goes deeper than just matching words—otherwise, you could add your chosen keywords to random content that is irrelevant to the topic users are searching for! Google uses several factors to determine whether a page is relevant to a particular keyword and how relevant it is! Here are seven confirmed signals that Google will look for when determining your content's relevancy. Work with an internet strategy consultant in Knoxville to help make sure the content you put out hits all the right notes.

  1. Search Query Intent - Google wants to ensure users get the necessary information, so it focuses heavily on search query intent. That means if you have content about the topic but do not specifically answer the user's query, Google will deem your content less relevant than other websites that can better fulfill their needs.
  2. Exact Keyword Matches - Google will also look for content that matches the words in the initial search query exactly, as this is likely relevant to the query. However, Google does not rely only on exact matches, so the content must offer valuable information on the topic.
  3. Other Relevant Keywords & Content - In addition to exact keyword matches, Google will also look for additional keywords relevant to the topic and other content and media, such as images and video content, that are also relevant to the search query. This allows them to prioritize the pages that have the most comprehensive and relevant content on the search query topic.
  4. User Behaviors - Google also tracks how users engage with the results they click on. For example, if users immediately leave your site after clicking on it, Google will assume that it is not relevant to their search query. However, if they stay on the website for some time and navigate to additional pages, then the site is considered to be more useful and will be more relevant to those entering that particular search query. This is often where having a user-friendly website plays a significant role. If you have great, relevant content but your site is complex to navigate, you may lose traffic because users won't stick around.
  5. Links - Google will also examine internal and external links on your page, as this can help establish context for your content. If you have other pages on your website that offer additional relevant information, it is a good idea to link to them within your content, making it easier for them to find.
  6. Localization & Personalization - Many users are looking for local services when searching, so Google also looks at the user's search history, location, and other preferences to personalize SERPs to best meet their needs.
  7. Freshness - When someone is looking for an answer to a problem, they want the most up-to-date information available. For this reason, Google will prioritize websites that regularly update their content, as these are usually the most relevant by default.

It is important to note that keyword relevance is not the only determining factor regarding where your website will rank on SERPs. More than 200 ranking factors are in play at any given time, so working with an experienced internet strategy consultant in Knoxville is often necessary to ensure your website is fully optimized for the best possible rank. In terms of your content, pay close attention to the relevancy signals mentioned above and make sure you are hitting the mark with everything you publish.

In conclusion, while keyword relevance is crucial to improving your website's rank on Google, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. With over 200 ranking factors at play, it's essential to consider the full range of signals that Google uses to determine the placement of your website on SERPs. By working with an experienced internet strategy consultant in Knoxville, you can ensure that your content not only aligns with the confirmed keyword relevance signals but also addresses other critical aspects of SEO. This comprehensive approach will help you optimize your website, increase organic traffic, and ultimately achieve better search engine rankings.

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To Your Best Online!

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Ingrid Maddox, Internet Marketing & Strategy Consultant. bluedress INTERNET MARKETING®, an Internet Marketing Company headquartered in Knoxville, TN. Internet Marketing Developed, Implemented, and Managed to Full Circle! Organic Internet Search Engine Guru. Turn-Key Internet Optimization Programs Placing You Everywhere and Anywhere You Need to Be Online.

ingrid@bluedressinc.com

865-378-7712