After a comprehensive overhaul of its previous Webmaster Guidelines, the word “Webmaster” has fallen out of favor at Google. While we still need time to figure out the new features, this is a significant change for users.
In our industry, twenty years is a very long lifetime. The fact that Google’s first Webmaster Guidelines were that dated is astounding. The replacement, however, is recent and fresh.
Google is officially rebranding the Webmaster Guidelines as “Search Essentials,” which comes with a streamlined update with only three sections.
Google’s goal with the revamp is to do away with the word “webmaster” and make the previous Google Webmaster Guidelines simpler to grasp.
Contents
What Led To The Rebranding?
Google stated that, aside from the fact that it is over 20 years old, “a lot has happened since 2002 with the internet and Google Search in general.” To guarantee that people have clear instructions on creating websites that effectively serve people, the new rules look more simple and more updated.
Google stated that this advice intends to assist website owners in concentrating on issues that are important to their sites. This information comes from a Google representative after the rebranding was released in the media.
Overview Of The Three Sections
Technical Requirements
The technical specifications list the very minimum that Google Search requires from a website to display it in search results. There aren’t many technological modifications you need to make to a web page; most websites already meet the necessary specifications.
Consequently, make sure Google can access the content and publish it in a way that Google can index. That is the minimum required to include a webpage in Google’s index. On the other hand, ranking a website demands more effort.
Spam Policies
The spam policies have undergone a significant update with information from other Google Search Central pages coupled with fresh content to provide clear instructions. There are also examples of issues, including scamming, fraud, and dishonest behavior.
Key Best Practices
In order to generate content that serves people and will make a site easier to find through Google Search, Google has also provided new recommendations with critical best practices that individuals may take into account when creating websites.
Other updates comprise unifying related pages and arranging the material of a site in a more analytical layout. Google did clarify in their update news that the material in those locations has no substantial alternative.
See Also: 9 Kick Ass Ways to SEO with Google Web Master Tools
Conclusion
One might think it will be challenging to adapt to the new guidelines for SEO practices. However, if you have a clear understanding of the webmaster guidelines prior to the update, it is easier to stick to the new features. Moreover, the rebranding is not an update for complex features either.
The new Google Search Essentials are valuable for more than just the features; in fact, everyone who manages or owns a website, including site owners, site publishers, and other webmasters, should take the time to study them through.