What are the top 3 ranking factors for 2025?
Top 3 ranking factors for 2025 are related to content, off-page SEO and UX.
Content – topical authority and overall quality of content that follows E-A-T
In 2025, establishing topical authority will be still crucial for ranking well. This involves creating in-depth, high-quality content that thoroughly covers specific subjects, demonstrating expertise. Adhering to Google’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) guidelines is essential. This means content should be written by experts (with usage of author schema and reviewedBy schema), be factually accurate, well-researched, and updated regularly (with usage of dateModified usage) to reflect the latest information. Content should be free from errors, easy to read, and provide genuine value to the audience.
To enhance topical authority, a website should comprehensively cover all topics related to its niche. This means not only addressing the core subjects but also exploring related subtopics, trends, and emerging issues within the field. By providing a wide range of content that meets the informational needs of the audience. Creating pillar content and supporting it with detailed articles, guides, and resources can help structure the website effectively. Furthermore, utilizing internal linking to connect these pieces of content can guide users through a logical path, enhancing their understanding and engagement with the site.
Off-page SEO – domain authority and quality of backlink profile
Domain authority remains a significant ranking factor, influenced heavily by the quality of backlinks pointing to the website. In 2025, it will be not just about the quantity of backlinks but their quality and relevance. Links from home pages of seed websites or well linked and ranked articles from high-authority, reputable sites within the same niche are particularly valuable. Backlink profiles should look natural (without overusing anchor text). In 2024 in one of the updates Google worked on devaluation of the power of links and redirections from expired domains.
Building a diverse and natural backlink profile can be done e.g. using outreach, digital PR, creating shareable content (linkable assets), engaging in industry collaborations, and earning mentions in reputable publications. It can boost domain authority.
User Experience and fulfilling the users intent
User experience (UX) will be important in 2025, playing a critical role in how search engines rank the website long term after obtaining data from “user signals” (CTR, dwell time, pogo-sticking, bounce rate, user interactions, direct repetitive visits, brand mentions, etc.). This also includes factors such as mobile-friendliness, page load speed, ease of navigation, implementation of HTTPS, and overall site usability and quality.
Websites that offer a seamless and enjoyable experience are more likely to retain visitors and encourage engagement. Additionally, understanding and fulfilling user intent is crucial. This means ensuring that content precisely addresses what users are searching for, whether it’s informational, transactional, or navigational queries. Using analytics and user feedback to continually refine and improve the user experience can significantly impact a website’s ranking.
From 2024 (after August Broad Core Update) it’s important to mention that Google seems to favor real shops, and local services, instead of affiliates (e.g. fashion marketplaces). It can be understood as user intent is to buy the product or service faster directly from the source (merchant). Affiliate websites are challenged to offer more value to compete with real shops or services in 2025.
Summary
In 2025, content will still be the king, but quality backlinks (or an authoritative domain) and a great user experience that fulfills user intent are what put the king on the throne.
December 23, 2024 at 2:15 pm |
It’s interesting to note the shift towards real shops and services, highlighting the necessity for affiliates to adapt.