Did you know there are a 200+ factors that can affect your SEO and position on Google? Want to know the key ranking factors having a big effect in 2017?

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing, search engine optimization (SEO) remains a crucial component for businesses looking to succeed online. With Google being the dominant player in the search engine game, understanding the key factors that affect your performance on Google is essential for any website owner or digital marketer.

As we delve into 2017, the SEO landscape is continually changing, and staying ahead of the curve is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 19 key factors that can significantly impact your SEO performance on Google in 2017. These factors range from on-page optimization to off-page strategies and everything in between.

By understanding and implementing these elements into your SEO strategy, you can boost your website’s visibility, organic traffic, and ultimately, your bottom line.

Target Points share 19 factors to look at first in this infographic.

 

1. Quality Content

The foundation of any successful SEO strategy is high-quality, valuable content. Google’s algorithms have become increasingly sophisticated in assessing the quality and relevance of content. In 2017, it’s crucial to create content that is not only well-written but also provides value to your audience. High-quality content that engages and informs your readers is more likely to rank well on Google.

2. Keyword Research

Keyword research remains a fundamental aspect of SEO. In 2017, it’s essential to use keyword research tools to identify relevant keywords and phrases for your industry. Focus on long-tail keywords, which are more specific and have less competition. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your content to improve your chances of ranking higher on Google.

3. Mobile Optimization

With the increasing use of mobile devices for browsing, Google introduced mobile-first indexing in 2017. This means that Google primarily uses the mobile version of a website for ranking and indexing. Ensure that your website is mobile-friendly, responsive, and offers a seamless user experience on smartphones and tablets to improve your SEO performance.

4. Page Loading Speed

Page loading speed is a critical factor affecting user experience and SEO rankings. Google considers page speed when ranking websites. Slow-loading pages can lead to higher bounce rates and lower rankings. Optimize your website’s images, minimize code, and leverage browser caching to improve page loading times.

5. User Experience (UX)

User experience is closely tied to SEO performance. Google rewards websites that provide a positive user experience. Ensure that your website is easy to navigate, has a clean design, and offers intuitive site architecture. Focus on user-friendly features like clear call-to-action buttons and logical navigation menus.

6. On-Page SEO

On-page SEO encompasses various elements, including title tags, meta descriptions, header tags, and image optimization. In 2017, it’s essential to optimize each page of your website for relevant keywords and provide clear meta descriptions that encourage click-throughs from search results.

7. Voice Search Optimization

The rise of voice-activated devices like Siri, Google Assistant, and Alexa has changed the way people search online. In 2017, optimizing your content for voice search became crucial. Focus on answering common questions concisely and naturally in your content to improve your chances of ranking for voice search queries.

8. SSL Encryption

Website security is not only important for protecting user data but also for SEO. Google gives preference to secure websites with SSL encryption. Ensure that your website has an SSL certificate installed to boost your rankings and build trust with users.

9. Schema Markup

Schema markup, also known as structured data markup, helps search engines understand the content on your website better. In 2017, Google started to display rich snippets in search results, which provide more information to users. Implementing schema markup can improve your chances of having your content featured in these snippets.

10. Content Length and Depth

While quality content is essential, longer and more in-depth articles tend to perform better in search results. In 2017, consider creating comprehensive, informative articles that thoroughly cover a topic. Aim for a word count that provides value without being overly verbose.

11. Social Signals

Social signals, such as likes, shares, and comments on social media platforms, can indirectly impact your SEO performance. In 2017, focus on creating shareable content and building a strong social media presence to increase the visibility and reach of your website.

12. Backlinks

Backlinks remain a crucial ranking factor in 2017. Quality and relevance matter more than quantity. Build a diverse portfolio of high-quality backlinks from authoritative websites in your industry. Avoid spammy or low-quality backlinks, as they can harm your rankings.

13. User Engagement Metrics

Google assesses user engagement metrics like click-through rate (CTR) and bounce rate when ranking websites. A high CTR indicates that users find your content relevant, while a low bounce rate suggests that users engage with your site. Monitor these metrics and optimize your content and user experience accordingly.

14. Mobile-First Design

In addition to mobile optimization, consider adopting a mobile-first design approach for your website. Ensure that the mobile version of your site provides a seamless and engaging experience for users. Google rewards websites that prioritize mobile users.

15. Local SEO

For businesses targeting local audiences, optimizing for local SEO is crucial in 2017. Ensure that your Google My Business listing is complete and accurate. Encourage reviews from satisfied customers, and include location-specific keywords in your content to improve local search visibility.

16. Content Freshness

Google prefers fresh, up-to-date content. Regularly update and refresh your existing content to keep it relevant and informative. Publishing new content consistently can also signal to Google that your website is active and valuable to users.

17. Video SEO

Video content continues to gain popularity, and Google ranks video results in its search listings. In 2017, consider creating and optimizing video content for SEO. Use descriptive titles, tags, and transcripts to make your videos more discoverable in search results.

18. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Google places a high value on E-A-T when evaluating the quality of content and websites. Ensure that your content is written by experts, and your website demonstrates authority and trustworthiness in your niche. Back up claims with reliable sources and credentials.

19. Local Link Building

Building local links from authoritative sources can significantly impact your local SEO rankings. Seek out opportunities to collaborate with local businesses, sponsor local events, or contribute to local publications. These efforts can help you establish a strong local online presence.

Conclusion

In 2017, SEO on Google continued to evolve, with a greater focus on user experience, mobile optimization, and content quality. To succeed in this dynamic landscape, website owners and digital marketers need to adapt their strategies to align with these key factors.

By consistently producing high-quality content, optimizing for mobile, and staying up-to-date with the latest SEO trends, you can improve your website’s performance on Google. Additionally, focusing on user engagement, security, and local SEO can further boost your rankings and help you stay competitive in the online marketplace.

Remember that SEO is an ongoing process, and staying informed about industry developments and algorithm changes is crucial to maintaining and improving your search engine rankings. Keep these 19 key factors in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving SEO success in 2017 and beyond.