Google Confirms: Changing Nofollow Was About Link Signal
Gary Illyes confirmed that nofollow links deprived Google of important link data.
About
I have 25 years hands-on experience in SEO, evolving along with the search engines by keeping up with the latest research, patents and what’s happening in the search results.
Need a consultation? Contact me at roger@martinibuster.com or use the contact form at: Martinibuster.com
I recently presented at Pubcon Vegas in October and March 2024, and over the past 20 years have presented at search conferences across the United States: Pubcon, SMX, Affiliate Summit & SES (Search Engine Strategies) and have served as a Head Judge at the U.S. Search Awards .
Articles
Google Will Now Treat Meta Robots Nofollow as a Hint
Google announced that the Meta Robots Nofollow will also be treated as a hint. Google will no longer treat it as a directive.
Google Nofollow Links Ranking Change – How it Affects SEO
Google’s announcement that nofollow links may help rankings changes digital marketing in a profound way.
Adult Spam Links – Should You Disavow Them?
Is there any harm or benefit to disavowing spammy adult links?
Quality Raters Guidelines Update – This is What Changed
Google updated the Quality Raters Guidelines. Changes may indicate SEO trends to follow.
Google on Broad Core Algorithm Update Recovery – 4 Takeaways
Google’s John Mueller offers four takeaways on recovering from a broad core algorithm update.
Majestic Updates Backlink Tool – You Might Need to See This
Majestic released an improved version of their popular link checking tool. It takes the pain out of link research for SEO.
WordPress 5.3 Will Change How it Blocks Indexing
WordPress 5.3 will stop using Robots.txt to discourage search engines from indexing a site.
It’s OK if Structured Data From Desktop Version is Missing from AMP
Google’s John Mueller affirms that it’s fine if structured data from desktop version is missing from the AMP version of a web page.
Google Research: 55% of Consumers Use Videos for Purchase Decisions
Shopping decisions are influenced by online videos.
Google Rankings and Nofollow Anchor Text
Many SEOs report that nofollow anchor text helps web pages rank. Is there truth to this?
Google Accused of Privacy Gaslighting by University Scholars
Two university PhD researchers accused Google of gaslighting about Chrome browser and privacy.
Google Says it Doesn’t Require Fixing Structured Data Warnings
Google’s John Mueller said Google doesn’t require fixing structured data tool warnings. But encouraged fixing it if possible.
Google’s John Mueller is Asked About Links and E-A-T
Links have traditionally been a metric of website authority and trustworthiness. Do links establish E-A-T?
Doesn’t Build Links. Why Did Google Slap a Link Penalty?
Well known marketing agency doesn’t build links but Google slapped them with a link penalty anyway.
Google Introduces Relative Mobile Conversion Rate Metric
Google officially introduces Relative Mobile Conversion Rate, a way to measure and improve mobile conversion rates.
Google AdSense Announces Crackdown on Invalid Clicks
Google announced AdSense will stop ads from showing BEFORE invalid clicks happen.
Is there a Google Patent on Natural Link Profiles?
Are there any Google patents or research papers about natural links? What does it mean to have natural links?
Why Bidding On Your Brand Name is Important
I may seem counterintuitive but PPC bidding on your own brand name makes sense.
Top Ranking in Google Local Can Be Rented – Exposes Lax Google Ranking Criteria
You can rent top positions in Google’s local search rankings.
Did Googler’s Tweet Imply Google Doesn’t Catch All Paid Links?
A tweet by Google’s Gary Illyes about devaluing 700 domains for link selling implied the paid links previously worked.
Why White Hat SEO is No Longer a Thing
It’s time to be realistic about how we define SEO for Google
Google’s Mueller Asked About Increasing E-A-T with Structured Data
Google’s John Mueller answers question about increasing E-A-T and structured data.
How to Reach More People on Facebook
Tips for increasing the reach of Facebook posts for Facebook groups and business pages.
SEO Community Responds to Google’s Nofollow Advice
SEO community responds to Google’s assertion that adding nofollow to all outbound links seems “a bit lazy.”
Google Top Places List Out of Beta – Uses Machine Learning
Google’s Top Places List is out of beta. It now uses machine learning to select local search articles to display.
Google Announces Featured Snippets Update
Google announces an update to featured snippets that changes some results by freshness.
Google Publishes Core Algorithm Update Guidance
Google published guidance on Core Algorithm Updates and how to create quality content.
Why You Should Add JSON-LD Structured Data Right Now
A study of the top 10 million sites shows only 25% of sites use JSON-LD. Here are reasons why you should consider JSON-LD.
Google Assistant Comes to DISH TV – What this Means for Search
Google Assistant expands its reach via DISH TV. A milestone for voice search and Google Assistant.