Explore the newly revamped Google SEO Starter Guide tailored for beginners! Discover the latest updates and changes designed to cater to a starter audience. Stay informed about essential SEO practices.
Google just rolled out the third edition of its SEO starter guide, and it’s a more user-friendly version, especially designed for those diving into the world of SEO. Originally launched as a PDF in 2008 and last updated in 2017, this new release is a pocket-sized guide with a tighter focus on what beginners in SEO should concentrate on.
In this update, Google made some notable changes. They bid farewell to the glossary section, opting to explain terms directly on the page. The structured data section got the boot as Google deemed it an advanced topic not crucial for beginners, especially those using content management systems like Wix or Squarespace. The mobile-friendliness section was also axed since Google believes most new sites and platforms are already mobile-friendly. Similarly, the section on analyzing site performance was removed to keep the guide beginner-friendly.
However, Google didn’t just cut content; they also added valuable information. They introduced sections that answer the crucial “why” questions, explaining why certain actions are necessary and why some topics are excluded. They expanded the duplicate content section, shedding light on what it is and how to address it, and even threw in a new short section on videos. A fresh addition is a section on common SEO theories and ideas, guiding users on what not to focus too much on, along with insights on how long it takes to see results.
Content compression was also on the agenda. Sections like “Are you on Google” and “Do I Need an SEO” were streamlined for a quicker check on site visibility. The “Title links and snippets” section saw a significant reduction in favor of more comprehensive standalone documents. The “Images” section emphasized the importance of alt text for beginners. Google consolidated the “Opt out of Google Search” section, acknowledging its importance but realizing it’s not the primary reason users consult the guide. The “Links” section was condensed while maintaining the importance of linking for users and search engines. The “Promoting a site” section was compressed and linked to Google for Creators for more detailed information.
While the “Site structure” section remained largely unchanged, Google made some tweaks. They focused on linking important onsite URLs more aggressively, removed the navigation section, as linking became more prominent. The 404 section was axed with the rationale that Google isn’t overly concerned about 404 pages. Additionally, explicit setup for breadcrumbs, considered an advanced topic, was removed.
Google expressed the hope that this starter guide remains stable, but they commit to continuous improvement in documentation clarity over the coming months.
For those in the SEO realm, the updated Google SEO starter guide is definitely worth a glance. If you’re curious, you can compare the new version with the old one using the Wayback Machine.
Also Read: Google Leader Tackles Worries of Advertisers About Automation: Bridging the Gap Between Tech and Trust
