Google answers to questions about SEO: analysis of key points

In a question-and-answer format, Google experts discuss current issues on SEO and search. Let's look at the main points of their answers.

Impact of multiple sites on rankings

Having multiple websites does not directly impact your search rankings. However, problems can arise if there is not enough time and resources to develop them. Search engine algorithms may take into account the overall performance of all your sites when ranking them.

Hyphens vs. underscores in URL

Using keywords in URLs does not have a significant impact on rankings. However, it is recommended to use hyphens to separate words as it improves the readability and perception of the URL by search engines.

Indexing and crawling pagination pages

The “noindex, follow” directive allows you to exclude pagination pages from the index, but the search engine will be able to crawl them and find links to other pages. It is important to understand that indexing is not guaranteed even with technically correct site settings.

Counting impressions and clicks after changing domain

The decision on whether to count impressions and clicks from the previous domain after a domain change is up to the site owner and does not have a direct impact on SEO.

Using # or ? in the URL for product options

Snippets (#) in URLs can be useful for creating unique links for different product options, which is useful for faceted navigation. Alternatively, you can limit the indexing of URLs with these parameters.

Removing a site from search

There are several methods to exclude a site from the search engine index:

  • robots.txt: blocks crawling, but does not guarantee removal from the index.
  • Meta tag noindex: excludes the page from the index, but it can be found by name.
  • Search Console Delete Tool: Temporarily removes a page from the index.

PageRank and links with highlighted text

Links with highlighted text do not contribute PageRank because the search engine ignores the fragments in the URL.

Impact of 503 Errors on SEO

Short-term 503 errors do not affect site crawling or ranking, but long-term downtime can slow down the site crawling process.

Changing the URL of a social network page

The best way to change the URL of a social media page is to use a redirect. If redirection is not possible, you should delete the old page.

Disappearance of a site from the index after transfer

If the site disappears from the index after the transfer, the search engine may be blocking it. Check your indexing and crawling settings in Search Console.

Changing hosting provider and SEO

Changing hosting has no impact on SEO as long as the site remains accessible and downtime is minimal.

Indexing URLs with Chinese characters

Indexing URLs with Chinese characters may be a sign that the site has been hacked. It is recommended to refer to the search engine documentation and get expert advice.

404 Errors and Sitemap Crawls

If Googlebot encounters 404 errors when crawling your sitemap, make sure Googlebot's IP addresses are not blocked.

Removing a cached version of a site from search

The search engine has stopped displaying links to cached versions of pages. Pages will automatically update to reflect the current state of the site. For urgent removal, use the tool in the Search Console.

Using Indexing API for Real Estate Advertising

The Indexing API is designed to advertise jobs and events. Using this API for other purposes may not be effective.

Integrating titles into images

Various ways of integrating text and images work correctly. Avoid embedding text in images, as this can make the text difficult for both search engines and users to recognize.

Hidden burger menu and duplicate links

Using a hidden burger menu with duplicate links does not result in penalties from search engines.

Using hreflang with regional subdomains

You can use multiple hreflang values ​​for a single page, for example to target different regions.

Transition from HTTP to HTTPS and Search Console

If you're migrating from HTTP to HTTPS, create a new property in the Search Console or validate your site at the domain level.

False 404 errors and rating drops

False 404 errors that Googlebot detects do not impact SEO. It's not necessary to fix them, but if users frequently land on 404 error pages, it's a good idea to redirect them to relevant content.

Google account for verification in Search Console

The Google account used to verify a site in the Search Console does not have to be the same as the site owner.

The name of the sitemap file and whether it must be present

A sitemap is not required, and the file name can be anything.

Redirecting a mobile site to the desktop version

Redirecting a mobile site to the desktop version is not an optimal solution. It is better to use responsive design to improve user experience and boost SEO.

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