During the video, key points are discussed, such as the automatic update of search results when a website is changed, the recognition of WebP images through the content-type header, the management of one language in multiple markets to avoid duplicate content issues, the recommendation to use the “.NL” domain for a Dutch website, the steps to move a large number of indexed pages to another site, and the importance of accurate redirects and monitoring traffic.
Other topics covered include crawl stats in Google Search Console, updating indexed URLs, the use of hreflang annotations, requesting reindexing for individual pages, avoiding duplicate URLs, understanding the use of strong and b tags, checking the robots.txt file, the impact of core ranking system updates, optimizing images with crawlable text, page speed algorithm considerations, potential coverage issues in the Arabic region, soft 404 errors, multiple websites for different services, and image display in organic search results. Overall, the video provides helpful information for improving SEO and addressing various challenges website owners face.
Overview of the English Google SEO office hours
The English Google SEO office hours from the March 2023 video by Google Search Central provide valuable insights into various topics related to search engine optimization (SEO) and Google search. The sessions are conducted by the Google Search Relations team, who answer questions submitted by website owners and address their concerns in a friendly and informative manner.
These sessions aim to educate website owners and SEO professionals on best practices for optimizing websites and improving their visibility in Google search results. The sessions cover various topics, including crawling and indexing, mobile sites, internationalization, duplicate content, Sitemaps, Search Console, pagination, and multi-lingual/multi-regional sites.
By watching the video and following along with the discussions, you can learn about the latest updates in SEO and get helpful tips for resolving common SEO issues. The footage also guides how to use Search Console efficiently and offers insights into handling various aspects of website content to enhance SEO performance. Additionally, the sessions address specific queries related to website pre-launch and organic search results, providing valuable solutions to common challenges website owners face.
Topics covered in the session
The English Google SEO office hours cover many relevant topics for website owners and SEO professionals. Here are some of the critical issues discussed in the session:
Crawling and Indexing
The sessions provide insights into how Google’s crawling and indexing process works and offer tips on optimizing your website for better crawling and indexing. Topics covered include handling URL changes, resolving duplicate URL issues, and checking the robots.txt file to ensure proper crawling.
Mobile Sites
Optimizing websites for mobile devices is crucial for SEO as mobile usage grows. The sessions offer guidance on improving mobile site performance and getting site links to mobile app stores, ensuring a seamless user experience.
Internationalization
For websites targeting multiple markets and languages, internationalization is essential to SEO. The sessions advise handling language in different markets, implementing hreflang annotations, and ensuring proper crawlability and indexation for multi-lingual/multi-regional sites.
Duplicate Content
Dealing with duplicate content is a common concern for website owners. The sessions explain how Google handles duplicate content and provide strategies for addressing duplicate URL issues. They also address whether having one language in two markets is duplicate content.
Sitemaps
Sitemaps play a crucial role in helping search engines discover and understand the structure of your website. The sessions discuss the importance of sitemaps and offer insights into using multiple sitemaps or including hreflang annotations within the same sitemap.
Search Console
Search Console is a valuable tool for monitoring website performance and identifying SEO issues. The sessions explain how to efficiently use Search Console, including requesting reindexing for specific pages, updating indexed URLs, and utilizing crawl stats for monitoring and troubleshooting.
Pagination
Pagination is essential for websites with large amounts of content. The sessions guide implementing pagination links for better indexing on e-commerce sites and offer best practices for optimizing pagination.
Multi-lingual/Multi-regional Sites
For websites targeting multiple languages or regions, implementing hreflang annotations is crucial. The sessions address questions related to hreflang implementation for different country sites, helping website owners ensure that their content is indexed correctly and displayed for the intended target audience.
SEO updates and queries discussed
During the sessions, the Google Search Relations team addresses specific SEO updates and queries raised by website owners. These updates and questions provide valuable insights into current SEO trends and challenges. Here are some of the updates and questions discussed:
Recognizing WEBP images
One query addressed in the sessions is how Google recognizes WebP images. The team explains that Google determines the image format based on the content type header in the HTTP response rather than the file extension itself.
Handling language in different markets
Website owners often have questions about handling language in different markets for optimal SEO. The team explains that although having one language on two markets may be seen as duplicate content, there is no penalty. However, using hreflang annotations can help inform search engines of the intended target audience for each version of the content.
Domain choice for a Dutch website
Choosing the right domain for a website targeting a specific country can impact SEO. In response to a query about using a .com domain or a .nl domain for a Dutch website, the team advises sticking with the .nl domain to indicate the local relevance of the website.
Moving indexed pages to another site
The sessions guide moving many indexed pages from one site to another. The team suggests minimizing errors, redirecting URLs, and closely monitoring traffic to ensure a smooth transition without negatively impacting SEO.
These updates and queries reflect the ever-evolving nature of SEO and highlight the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest best practices to ensure optimal website performance in search results.
Efficient use of Search Console
Search Console is an essential tool for website owners and SEO professionals to monitor and optimize their website’s performance in Google search results. The sessions provide valuable insights into how to make the most efficient use of Search Console. Here are some critical areas covered:
Crawl requests in the Search Console
Regarding crawl requests in the Search Console, website owners often question whether it covers Google’s AdsBot crawling. The team confirms that the crawl stats in Search Console cover Google’s AdsBot crawling, as it uses the same infrastructure as Search.
Updating indexed URLs
Updating indexed URLs is essential for managing a website’s performance in search results. The sessions explain that Google updates indexed URLs automatically once they are crawled and reprocessed. This ensures that any changes made to a website’s URLs are reflected in search results.
Hreflang across several sitemaps
Hreflang annotations play a crucial role in ensuring that the correct version of a webpage is displayed to the intended target audience. The team clarifies that hreflang annotations can be used across several sitemaps or within the same sitemap, providing flexibility for website owners in implementing hreflang for multi-lingual/multi-regional sites.
By efficiently utilizing Search Console and implementing the best practices discussed in the sessions, website owners can gain valuable insights into their website’s performance in search results and make informed decisions to improve their SEO strategy.
Resolving common SEO issues
The sessions also address common SEO issues website owners face and provide solutions and best practices for resolving them. Here are some of the common SEO issues discussed:
Reindexing products in Search Console
Website owners often need to request reindexing for specific pages or products. The team explains that although there is no button to request reindexing for a whole website, individual pages can be asked to be reindexed. This lets website owners promptly ensure that any product changes or updates are reflected in search results.
Duplicate URL problems
Dealing with duplicate URLs is a common challenge in SEO. The team addresses this issue by explaining that duplicate URLs are considered duplicates if identical or near duplicates at one point. Website owners can improve their overall crawlability and indexation by identifying and resolving duplicate URL issues.
Utilization of strong tags
Website owners often have questions about using strong tags for better SEO. The team clarifies that the substantial tag is more intense and should be used for essential or urgent text, while the b tag is for less severe bold text. Understanding the appropriate use of these tags can help website owners optimize their content for better search rankings.
Checking robots.txt file
The robots.txt file is an essential aspect of website optimization and can impact a website’s crawlability and indexation. The team advises website owners to check their robots.txt file to ensure it is properly configured and does not block important pages or resources from crawling and indexing.
Core ranking system updates
Website owners often notice drastic changes in their site’s search results, which can indicate a core ranking system update. The team explains that these changes are a sign of a core ranking system update. While the team does not provide specific details about the updates, they acknowledge that core ranking system updates can significantly impact search results.
The team helps website owners navigate and optimize their websites for better search performance by addressing these common SEO issues and providing practical solutions.
Handling SEO aspects of website content
Optimizing website content is crucial for SEO success. The sessions provide valuable insights into handling various aspects of website content to improve SEO performance. Here are the key areas covered:
Crawling text in images
Images with embedded text can pose challenges for search engines in crawling and understanding the text content. The team addresses this issue by explaining that while Google can crawl the text in images, it is crucial to provide alternative text (alt text) for images to provide context for search engines. Alt text helps search engines understand the content of the image and improves accessibility for users.
Page speed algorithm and viewport optimization
Page speed and viewport optimization are essential factors in user experience and SEO. The team explains that Google’s page speed algorithm considers metrics like the largest contentful paint to measure page experience. Optimizing the viewport content for speed can help improve page load times and overall user satisfaction.
Coverage issues in the Arabic region
Specific regions may have unique coverage issues that can affect indexation in Google search results. In response to a query about coverage issues in the Arabic region, the team clarifies that crawl stats in Search Console do not cover Google’s indexed URLs in the Arabic region. This information helps website owners understand the nuances of indexation in different areas and plan their SEO strategies accordingly.
Hreflang for different country sites
Hreflang annotations ensure that the correct webpage version is displayed to users based on their language and location. The team addresses whether to use hreflang ‘de’ or ‘de-de’ for a website targeting Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. They suggest using ‘de’ as the hreflang value for the overall German market, as it is the most critical market for the website owner.
By addressing these SEO aspects of website content, website owners can optimize their content for better search rankings and user experience.
Dealing with Site Pre-launch and Organic Search Results
Preparing for a website launch and optimizing organic search results are essential steps in the SEO process. The sessions provide valuable insights into handling these aspects. Here are some of the key areas covered:
Effects of blocking Googlebot on an unlaunched site
In the pre-launch phase of a website, website owners may wonder about the impact of blocking Googlebot’s crawl access. The team explains that blocking Googlebot during the pre-launch phase will not negatively impact the site after its launch. This provides reassurance to website owners who may need to restrict access to their websites during development.
Getting site links to mobile app stores
Website owners may notice that some websites have site links in search results that point to mobile app stores. In response to this query, the team suggests using App Indexing and providing structured data to guide search engines to the respective mobile app stores. This helps improve visibility and user experience for users searching for mobile apps.
Adding structured data within structured data
Structured data helps search engines understand the content and context of web pages. In response to a query about adding structured data within existing structured data, the team advises against it, as it can lead to confusion and errors. It is recommended to have clear and separate nested structured data for better organization and readability.
Defining soft 404 errors
Soft 404 errors occur when there is an error message on a page instead of the expected content. The team addresses this issue by explaining that soft 404 errors can occur if the page does not return a proper HTTP response code, such as a 404 or 410. Ensuring that error pages return the appropriate response code is essential to prevent soft 404 errors and maintain a positive user experience is necessary.
By understanding and addressing these aspects of site pre-launch and organic search results, website owners can optimize their websites for better visibility and user engagement.
Plan for Websites offering different services
Websites offering different services may face challenges regarding SEO strategy and website structure. The sessions address this concern and guide approaching sites offering different services. Here are the key areas covered:
Consideration of having two websites for different services
When a company offers different services, website owners may wonder whether it is better to have two or a single website that combines all services. The team advises that the decision depends on various factors, such as the nature of the services, target audience, and maintenance costs. It is essential to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of both approaches to determine the best strategy for the business.
Error on an XML hreflang sitemap
Hreflang sitemaps are crucial in signaling a website’s language and regional variations to search engines. In response to a query about an error on an XML hreflang sitemap, the team suggests checking its location and ensuring it is correctly referenced in the robots.txt file. Resolving any errors in the sitemap can help improve the indexation and visibility of the website in different markets.
By carefully planning and implementing SEO strategies for websites offering different services, website owners can ensure maximum visibility and reach for their target audience.
Relevance of Alt text and Infinite Scroll in SEO
Alt text and infinite scroll are essential aspects of website design and can impact SEO performance. The sessions provide insights into the relevance of alt text and endless scroll for better SEO. Here are the key areas covered:
Importance of alt text for images within the content
Alt text is an essential element for images within the content. The team emphasizes the importance of providing alt text for images to provide context for search engines. Alt text helps search engines understand the content of the image and improves accessibility for users. Including descriptive and relevant alt text for all images on the website is recommended.
Consideration for infinite scroll and pagination links for better indexing on e-commerce sites
Infinite scroll is a popular design trend, especially on e-commerce websites. However, it is essential to consider the implementation of endless scroll in conjunction with pagination links for better indexing by search engines. The team advises that infinite scroll should be accompanied by pagination links to ensure search engines can properly crawl and index the content.
By optimizing alt text and implementing appropriate strategies for infinite scroll and pagination, website owners can improve the crawlability and indexation of their websites, leading to better SEO performance.
Conclusion
The English Google SEO office hours from the March 2023 video provide valuable insights into various SEO and Google search aspects. The sessions cover many topics, addressing common SEO issues, providing updates on SEO trends, and offering practical solutions to website owners’ queries.
By following the guidance and best practices discussed in the sessions, website owners and SEO professionals can improve their website’s visibility, optimize their content for better search rankings, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in SEO. Google’s approach towards modern SEO practices and problems reflects its commitment to providing a seamless search experience for users and helping website owners succeed in the competitive online landscape.
As SEO continues to evolve, website owners can benefit from staying informed about the latest updates and adopting strategies that align with Google’s guidelines. The English Google SEO office hours serve as a valuable resource for gaining insights, resolving SEO challenges, and planning for the future of SEO trends and practices.
