By Les November 25, 2015

Google just a few days ago introduced a new policy regarding human internet searches which we will be adapting to make sure our clients are in compliance.

The guidelines essentially give us a peek into what Google thinks search users want — and gives us an understanding on how to align our online marketing strategy and methodology, particularly SEO, with Google.

We take these guidelines seriously and they form part of our strategy.

Key takeaways from the guidelines:

1. The purpose of each of your Webpages must be clear with your Main Content (MC) aligned with that purpose.
2. Pages that could potentially impact the future happiness, health, or wealth of users, (such as pages of online stores, online banking, as well as financial, medical, legal, and safety information pages) has very high Page Quality rating standards because pages with low quality could have negative impact to users’ happiness, health, or wealth.
3. Web pages must be maintained with updated and new content.
4. The reputation of your website and business matters.  Independent, credible sources of reputation information such as the Better Business Bureau, as well as customer reviews are considered in grading your website’s and business’ reputation.
5. High quality rating for a page are influenced by the following criteria:
   • A satisfying amount of high quality MC.
   • Demonstration of a high level of Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T).
   • Positive Reputation. According to Google: While a page can merit the High rating with no reputation, the High rating cannot be used for any website that has a convincing negative reputation. A very positive reputation can be a reason for using the High rating for an otherwise Medium page.
   • A satisfying amount of website information, such as ‘About Us’ and ‘Contact Information’.
   • Supplementary Content (SC) which contributes to a satisfying user experience on the page and website.
   • Functional page design
   • A modern, mobile responsive, and well-maintained website.