2015 Search Quality Rating Guidelines Checklist: Aligning with Google’s Focus on Usefulness

2015 Search Quality Rating Guidelines Checklist: Aligning with Google’s Focus on Usefulness was originally published on BruceClay.com, home of expert search engine optimization tips.

Google’s latest update of its Search Quality Rating Guidelines shows a shifted focus at the search engine, and consequently, for SEOs. For years, the buzzword for search engine optimization has been “relevance” — making your site the most relevant result for a searcher’s query. But as Duane Forrester, our new VP of organic search operations, observed: “It’s all about usefulness today and moving forward. The goal of the search engine is simple: increase searcher satisfaction. That’s why ‘useful’ is the new watchword. Previously we said ‘relevant,’ but really we all meant ‘useful.’”

Google annually updates its internal guidelines document that tells hired human quality raters how to evaluate sites as part of Google’s ongoing experiments. The guidelines are not the algorithm. But they do show what Google’s focusing on, and that’s worth paying attention to. Here’s our checklist for making sure your SEO campaign aligns with Google’s priorities.

Review the 2015 Search Quality Rating Guidelines Checklist.