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Things That Help Earn Google's Trust
”What? Google has to trust me before they will give me a decent
ranking? Aw, come on.” Is that what you are saying?
When you think about it, it actually makes sense. Google’s continued
dominance at the top of the search engine heap depends on their
ability to deliver a relevant list of sites in response to a
surfer’s search terms. That is their challenge.
Your challenge, then, is to convince them that your site is
worthy of a good ranking by being the type of site that won’t
disappoint -- or disturb -- it visitors. To this end, inbound
links from reputable and authority sites help tremendously.
And, although the following things won't rocket you to the top
of the ranking in your chosen terms, when incorporated into your
site design strategies they can go a long way toward building a
solid relationship with Google.
Detailed Contact Information
You might think this sounds like a no-brainer, but you would be
surprised at the number of sites that skimp on this important
information. A phone number, email address, and physical
address are important if you want to look like the real deal and
not a fly by night operation.
Privacy Policy
A privacy policy explains how you use any data you collect
on your site. For example, if you have contact or order forms a
clear and concise explanation of how that information will be
used and NOT abused will go a long way to win the Google seal of
approval.
Consistency Over Time
If you have the tendency, after a good night’s rest, to wake up,
shake up the world, and redesign your website, it would behoove
your relationship with Google to curb that urge and work instead
on improving your existing site. Grow it. Market it. Expand it.
But don’t change it’s direction or give it a new face on a
regular basis. That says flaky. That says untrustworthy.
Good or bad,
a relationship with Google is much like most other meaningful
relationships. It takes time. It takes attention. And, most
of all, it takes patience. But all that will pay off. Because
once you earn their trust, Google just might reciprocate with
the ranking you’ve been hankering for. |
