Which Signal Is Most Important When Ranking New Content? [POLL]

Organic search ranking factors are a constant point of contention in SEO.

A lot of the confusion can be traced back to varying statements from the spokespeople for the search engines, as well as industry studies.

For quite some time now, we’ve heard that Google’s top three ranking signals are:

• RankBrain.
• Links.
• Content.

But just last year, Google’s Gary Illyes clarified this misconception and we found out that top ranking factors actually change depending on the query.

Changes happen every day in the world of search engine optimization and it can be challenging to keep up for even the most seasoned SEO professionals. More so to those who are still new to SEO.

Out of the many factors to consider, which one is really essential for ranking brand new content?

After all, links are a non-factor when new content is published – because they haven’t earned any links yet.

Without links, how can Google rank content? Why is it easier for new content to rank better on some sites than others?

Our Twitter community helped weigh in on this subject. Here’s what they had to say.

Based on Your Experience, Which Signal Do You Think Is Most Important to Google When Ranking Brand New Content?

Here are the results from this #SEJSurveySays poll question.

According to SEJ’s Twitter audience:

• Relevance is the most important signal to Google when ranking brand new content, per 48 percent of the respondents.
• 38 percent said that the authority of the site/brand is what matters most.
• 7 percent think that click-through rate is the most important, based on their experience.
• Another 7 percent responded that page/site speed is paramount when ranking brand new content.

Awesomeness Is the Key to Ranking in Google

Even seasoned practitioners in the industry struggle to uncover the best way to rank for Google. In fact, plenty of industry studies focus heavily on demystifying Google’s ranking factors.

However, Google’s John Mueller reminds us that there’s more to SEO than focusing on ranking signals.

The algorithms try to show relevant & awesome results to users’ queries. Everything else varies. Opt’ing for factors is short-term thinking.

— 🍌 John 🍌 (@JohnMu) September 18, 2017

There is no one way to rank in Google, but if you really want to make it to the top of the SERPs, make sure your content embodies awesomeness.

Awesomeness.

— 🍌 John 🍌 (@JohnMu) September 6, 2017

This is not an easy thing to do. But this guide can help you in your quest for creating awesomeness.

More Insights on SEO Ranking Factors:

Check out this list of articles from our SEJ contributors and uncover the truth behind SEO ranking factors:

• Real World Ranking Factors
• How Ranking Factors Studies Damage the SEO Industry
• 11 Things You Must Know About Google’s 200 Ranking Factors

Have Your Say

What do you think is the most important factor for ranking brand new content? Tag us on social media to let us know.

Be sure to have your say in the next survey – check out the #SEJSurveySays hashtag on Twitter for future polls and data.

Image Credit

Chart created by Shayne Zalameda