The Real Deal: How Google Prioritizes Authentic Businesses in SEO

In this riveting episode of our podcast, titled "The Real Deal: How Google Prioritizes Authentic Businesses in SEO," Mark A Preston and Cyrus Shepard delve into the evolving landscape of Google's search engine rankings, particularly focusing on the significance of being a legitimate business in today's competitive SEO environment.

The discussion kicks off with Mark addressing the prevalent confusion and challenges faced by numerous websites, especially information sites, in the wake of Google's relentless updates. Cyrus, lending his expertise, illuminates the crucial aspect of building a solid reputation, which real businesses often naturally acquire. He argues that this reputation factor is becoming increasingly pivotal for Google when assessing the value and relevance of a website.

Cyrus points out that while Google's algorithm may not explicitly filter out sites based on their business status, it certainly favours those with a reputable standing in their field. He highlights the struggle of information sites in gaining traction, primarily due to their lack of real-world interaction and discussion, which is a cornerstone for businesses selling products or services.

This episode also touches on the monetization strategies of various sites. Cyrus explains that sites primarily driven by ads and affiliate links might not offer the best user experience, a factor Google weighs heavily. In contrast, real businesses, like the trowel manufacturer client Cyrus mentions, provide value through their deep industry knowledge and focus on their products, leading to a more favourable evaluation by Google.

Mark and Cyrus emphasise the importance of caring deeply about the user experience and how a genuine, user-focused approach can still lead to success in SEO, even for information sites. They encourage site owners to evaluate their content and strategies from a user-centric perspective to align with Google's evolving criteria.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the SEO field, from beginners to seasoned professionals, and particularly for those running information sites. It offers valuable insights into what Google values in websites today and how to adapt strategies to meet these evolving standards.

Tune in to "The Real Deal: How Google Prioritizes Authentic Businesses in SEO" for an enlightening discussion on the future of SEO and practical tips on building a website that resonates with both users and search engines. Subscribe to our podcast for more expert insights into the world of SEO with Mark A Preston and Cyrus Shepard.

Want to talk more about SEO? Continue the conversation on Bluesky, X or check out old episodes of Unscripted SEO by SEO Arcade