Summary of SEO 101 Episode 353
Google surprised the SEO community with serious issues with its index when it seemingly de-indexed up to 4% of its total index arbitrarily. The hosts discuss this along with its supposed correction, issues with Google Search Console still showing, along with the new Discover Report.
Next up, Matt Cutts makes a great suggestion. Ross and John touch base on a couple of key basics on redirects and link reports, and they answer three excellent questions from the new SEO 101 Facebook Group.
Important Links from SEO 101 Episode 353
Google Says De-Indexing Issue Is Fixed – Search Engine Land
Google announced it has finally resolved the indexing issue that has been affecting a lot of websites lately. Google’s claim came after their series of updates on fixing the indexing bug.
New Google Search Console Discover Report – Search Engine Roundtable
How does Google Discover, formerly called Google Feed, actually work? Also, learn how to leverage the brand new data that the Google Discover report generates.
Google Search Console Performance Report Now Consolidated To Canonical – Search Engine Roundtable
As Google announced in February, all Search Console Performance data has now consolidated to canonical. No more need for different reports.
There’s no shortcut to authority: Why you need to take E-A-T seriously – Search Engine Land
Is it essential to follow Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) guidelines for your website? Learn the steps you can take to build E-A-T and its significance to SEO.
Matt Cutts Wants Google To Bring Back The + Operator – Search Engine Roundtable
Now that Google+ is gone, former Googler Matt Cutts wonders if Google will reclaim the + search operator. Apparently, he’s not the only one who wants it back.
The Mueller Files
Our weekly section of commentary from Google’s John Mueller.
- Google Explains 301 Redirects Are Not Links But… – Search Engine Roundtable
Google doesn’t consider 301 redirects as links. However, as John said, “Links to the redirecting URL could be seen as links to the redirection target.” - Google: Links Not Shown In Search Console Are Generally Irrelevant – Search Engine Roundtable
According to John, links that are not shown in Google Search Console are “pretty irrelevant overall.” Still, it is advisable to look at different backlink reports as opposed to relying on one.
Questions from SEO 101 Listeners
Ross and John also welcome some SEO-related concerns from listeners. Please listen to the show to find out their answers to these questions.
“If I want to rank well for “Made in Tennessee” as well as ‘Made in Jackson Tennessee’ do I need to create content for both or can I get by on focusing on just ‘Made in Jackson Tennessee’ since it has all the terms I want to rank for? – Austin T.
“Recently, I did the 30 day trial for MOZ for my podcast website. It was really helpful to take the classes and audit my website, however the monthly cost for MOZ is too high for my budget. I know SEO is going to be ongoing maintenance, which all in one program do you recommend for the best price or even free?” – Steve D.
“What negative SEO effects, if any, would arise from a competitor rewriting your content on a regular basis? If there is a negative effect, are there any non-confrontational tactics to mitigate that damage?” – Caitlin B.
End of Show Notes
If you have any questions you would like to share with Ross and John, please feel free to post them on the SEO 101 Facebook Group. And, if you enjoy SEO 101 on WebmasterRadio.FM please consider supporting the hosts with feedback on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favourite podcast stream.