Google Offers Tips for “High Quality” SEO Content

After Google’s recent major algorithm update, rolled out across the globe over the last couple of months, many websites were surprised about the widespread effect the changes had.

After much questioning and commentary, the Google blog masters posted a list of 23 questions that they use, amongst many other inputs to the algorithm, to help determine whether a site offers the “high quality” content that the search engine is focusing on, and that should be incorporated into your arsenal of SEO techniques, tips and tricks.

Many of the points are, of course, related to how trustworthy, well-edited and original the content is - for example, is the site a recognised authority?  Is it edited well?  How much quality control is performed?

Other important points to remember include:

• Would you be comfortable giving your credit card information to this site?

• Does the article describe both sides of a story?

• Is this the sort of page you would want to bookmark, share with a friend, or recommend?

• Does this article have an excessive amount of ads that distract from or interfere with the main content?

• Would you expect to see this article in a printed magazine, encyclopaedia, or book?

• Would users complain when they see pages from this site?

Most reputable webmasters and content creators will consider that they cover all this anyway, and may even feel patronised at the suggestions.  However, given the continual, ongoing, adaptations to the algorithm (Google say they have rolled out over more than a dozen more algorithm tweaks since the first big Panda update) all sensible website owners and those involved in web design should keep these tips in mind.