Unveiling the Unchanged Face of SEO in 2020

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Content in SEO
   1. Search Intent
   2. Content Type, Format, and Angle
   3. Thoroughly Covering the Topic
   4. On-Page Optimization
3. Building Quality Backlinks
   1. Effective Link Building Tactics
   2. Providing Value in Link Building
4. The Significance of Indexation
   1. Understanding Search Indexing
   2. Checking Indexation in Google Search Console
   3. Troubleshooting Indexation Issues
5. Conclusion

The Role of SEO in 2020 and How to Succeed

In the ever-evolving world of SEO, understanding the key factors that determine rankings is crucial for online success. While there have been algorithm updates in 2019, these updates haven't changed the fundamental principles of SEO. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the three most important aspects of SEO that will determine your website's fate in 2020.

The Importance of Content in SEO

Content is the backbone of SEO success. No matter how skilled you are at writing, unless your content aligns with search intent, your chances of ranking high are slim. When crafting your content, consider the three C's of search intent: content type, format, and angle. By analyzing the top-ranking pages for your target keyword, you can identify the prevalent content type and format. Additionally, the content angle should showcase the benefit to entice users to click through to your page. Picking up on search intent and optimizing your content accordingly is more crucial than ever.

Thoroughly covering the topic is another essential aspect of content optimization. While you don't need to include every minute detail, studying the top-ranking pages will give you an idea of the subtopics to cover and the structure to adopt. By providing comprehensive and valuable information, you can maximize your chances of ranking high.

On-page optimization is equally important. Pay attention to elements such as titles, URL slugs, and heading tags. These basic on-page SEO techniques can significantly impact your rankings. For an in-depth look at on-page optimization, be sure to check out our comprehensive on-page SEO checklist tutorial.

Building Quality Backlinks

Building backlinks remains a crucial aspect of SEO in 2020. However, instead of constantly searching for new and revolutionary link building tactics, focus on proven strategies. Tactics such as broken link building, the Skyscraper Technique, and guest posting are still effective. The key is to provide value to the recipients of your outreach emails, increasing your chances of securing high-quality backlinks. Our playlist of various link building strategies is an excellent resource for those new to link building or seeking guidance on building quality backlinks. Choose a strategy that aligns with your goals and execute it diligently.

The Significance of Indexation

Indexation is the process by which search engines crawl, parse, and store information in their databases. Without proper indexation, your website pages will not be discoverable in search results. To ensure your pages are indexed, check the Coverage report in Google Search Console. This report will provide insights into which pages have been indexed by Google. If your site is not yet set up in Search Console, conduct a manual search by typing "site:yourdomain.com" on Google. If you are not seeing any results, it implies that your site is not indexed.

If your site or specific pages are not indexed, there are a few troubleshooting steps to follow. First, ensure that you haven't unintentionally noindexed your pages, as sometimes happens during website redesigns. Review your meta robots tag to rule out any noindex directives. Additionally, check your robots.txt file to ensure that you are not blocking Googlebot or all user agents from crawling your website. In case you find a manual action in Google Search Console, address the issue, and submit a reconsideration request. If specific pages are not being indexed, you might have technical SEO issues that require attention. Performing thorough checks for common issues, such as accidental noindexing, can help identify and resolve the problem.

Conclusion

While SEO is constantly evolving, the core principles remain consistent. In 2020, success in SEO lies in understanding and implementing the fundamental aspects that determine rankings. Rather than getting caught up in the latest trends and tactics, focus on content optimization, building quality backlinks, and ensuring proper indexation. By following these key strategies, you can improve your website's visibility and increase your chances of ranking high in search engine results.

🔍 Resources:

• Ahrefs' Content Gap tool