#pubcon

[willscott-v2]

Robots, Revolution, And The Death of ChatGPT

I presented at #Pubcon on #AI-Content last week. I’m sharing this in case any of you are interested in tools and tactics to up your AI Content game.

I presented at Pubcon on AI Content last week. I’m sharing this in case any of you are interested in tools and tactics to up your AI Content game. This was a redo of a presentation I gave in the spring, wherein I looked at several AI content tools and case studies. I also used Google Trends to debunk the idea that ChatGPT is in decline. I think it was the summer lull, plus Google’s PR…

[smokingmisfit]

And we're back to a hard one. Remember how I said I'm not a regular con-goer? Yeah.

But there was PubCon at Kolebka, and I want to say Mr Z ran the Apocalypse World scenario Sunken Sydney for us. My first time playing AW in the wild.

[reliqus]

Must-Attend SEO Conferences in 2024-2025

Staying ahead in the digital landscape requires keeping up with the latest SEO trends, strategies, and algorithm updates. Attending top SEO conferences in 2024-2025 is a great way to gain insights from industry experts, network with professionals, and discover cutting-edge tools to enhance your online presence.

From technical SEO and content optimization to AI-driven search strategies, these conferences cover every aspect of search marketing. Whether you prefer virtual or in-person events, major conferences like BrightonSEO, SMX, MozCon, and Pubcon offer invaluable learning opportunities. Attendees can engage in workshops, keynote sessions, and hands-on training to improve their SEO skills and stay competitive in the digital space.

At Reliqus Consulting, we help businesses implement the latest SEO strategies for long-term growth. By staying updated with industry trends and insights from leading conferences, we ensure our clients achieve higher rankings, increased traffic, and better conversions.

[madhukumarc]

Can comments hurt or help a blog's success?

Technically, comments can help for a blog’s success.

Yes, thoughtful and engaging comments can enhance SEO, foster community, and provide valuable insights for the blogger for future content creation and guidance.

However, ensure you monitor comments closely, as unrelated comments can harm your blog's performance.

Many bloggers and marketers misuse the comment section for unconstructive purposes, including adding irrelevant links for off-page SEO, though it is not very significant today.

Here's an insight from Google's Gary Illyes, shared during an AMA at Pubcon Pro in Austin, regarding comments.

Image Content Source - via Search Engine Land

Here's related information that you may also find helpful – Will Blogging Die? [Time to know about this].

[ciolookleaders]

Google’s Gary Illyes Confirms Links Matter Less in Ranking Algorithm

Source-Search Engine Journal

Since the late 1990s, the significance of links in determining a website’s authority and relevance for search engines has been a cornerstone of SEO strategy. These links, discovered to be crucial signals for search engine algorithms, have been instrumental in establishing the authority of websites. Initially, the focus was on validating a website’s authority, with anchor text serving as semantic signals for the content’s relevance.

Pioneering research, notably Jon M. Kleinberg’s seminal paper “Authoritative Sources in a Hyperlinked Environment,” published around 1998, laid the foundation for understanding the role of links in web ranking. Kleinberg’s research emphasized the need for an objective filter to sift through the vast expanse of web content and identify the most authoritative pages. This pivotal paper sparked further exploration into leveraging links not just as indicators of authority but also as subjective metrics for relevance.

The Diminishing Importance of Links

However, the landscape of link usage for ranking underwent significant changes over the years. What once served as a reliable signal of authority began to lose its effectiveness due to manipulative practices and algorithmic advancements by search engines. Google, in particular, pioneered efforts to combat link manipulation, deploying algorithms like Penguin in 2012 to penalize websites engaging in manipulative linking schemes.

As Google’s algorithms grew more sophisticated, they evolved to discern between natural and manipulated links. The introduction of the nofollow attribute in 2019 further signaled Google’s diminishing reliance on traditional links for ranking purposes. Statistical analysis and algorithmic updates gradually rendered many traditional link-building tactics ineffective, prompting Google to devalue the importance of links in its ranking algorithm.

Google confirms Backlinks are not that important for Google Search Algorithms

Google’s Explicit Confirmation and the Future of Ranking Factors

In a paradigm-shifting revelation, Google’s Gary Illyes explicitly stated at a PubCon Austin event in 2023 that links no longer ranked among the top three factors influencing search results. This disclosure underscored Google’s shifting focus towards other factors in determining search rankings. The March 2024 Core Algorithm Update further solidified this stance, with Google updating its spam policies documentation to downplay the significance of links in ranking.

The underlying reason behind Google’s diminishing reliance on links lies in the advancement of AI and natural language understanding capabilities within its algorithms. By harnessing the power of AI, Google can analyze content and understand context with unprecedented accuracy, reducing the need for traditional signals like links.

In conclusion, the evolution of search ranking signals reflects a paradigm shift in SEO strategy. While links once reigned supreme, Google’s emphasis on AI-driven algorithms signals a new era where content quality, relevance, and user experience take precedence. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, adapting to these changes will be paramount for publishers and SEO professionals alike.

Also Read: Embracing Worldly Leadership: Navigating Global Challenges with Vision and Empathy

[speed-seo]

Google: Links No Longer A Top 3 Ranking Factor

Google has long touted backlinks as one of the most important ranking signals for search engine optimization (SEO). However, in a surprising revelation at PubCon 2023, a major search marketing conference, Google's Gary Illyes stated that links are no longer even among the top 3 ranking factors. This signals a notable shift away from link building as a primary SEO tactic. One big takeaway from my AMA with @methode is that links are no longer in the top 3 for ranking factors. #pubcon— Jennifer Slegg (@jenstar) September 21, 2023 The Historical Importance of Links for Rankings Since the early days of Google, backlinks have been viewed as vital for ranking highly in search results. Google's original PageRank algorithm analyzed backlinks to determine the importance of a webpage. More links from authoritative sites passed more "link juice" and rankings potential. For over a decade, SEOs dedicated tremendous effort to link building, securing backlinks from trusted directories, partner websites, and through guest posting. Links served as votes of confidence in a site's value. Conventional wisdom held that more high-quality backlinks led to better search visibility. Are links still one of the most important ranking factors?I think they are important but I think people overestimate their importance.I don't agree that it's the top 3 and it hasn't been for some time.The top ranking factor is content. @methode #pubcon— Patrick Stox (@patrickstox) September 21, 2023 Google Distancing Itself From Link Importance In recent years, Google has been subtly downplaying the importance of backlinks in its search algorithm. As early as 2010, Google Fellow Amit Singhal suggested the algorithm relied less on links, saying "today, links are merely one input in a much larger set of variables." In 2016 and 2017, Google's Gary Illyes advised SEOs to focus less on building links and more on crafting high-quality content. He noted that "links should occur naturally" as a result of content. Google Fellow Martin Splitt also echoed this view in 2018, suggesting "backlinks are nowhere near as important as rankings factors today as they used to be." Original, Expert Content Now Ranking King 🔎Spotted: Our very own @martinibuster at #pubcon giving his talk on "How To Plan and Write Content that Ranks."🕵️‍♂️Roger is spilling all the good secrets and tips on how he gets his content right where he wants them in the SERPsDon't forget to say hi and share your pics!(Can… pic.twitter.com/kjrTemMxtQ— SearchEngineJournal® (@sejournal) September 21, 2023 With links declining in influence, expert-driven, original content appears to be rising as the top ranking factor according to Google. In a 2020 Webmaster Central video, Google's John Mueller said he " recommend focusing on links" and advised concentrating on "creating amazing, useful content." Illyes affirmed content's primacy at PubCon 2023, suggesting original reporting, analysis and expertise outrank aggregation and linking out. Google rewards in-depth content answering searchers' intent. Pages satisfying informational, complex or long-tail queries now consistently beat sites with more links but thin content. Author authority also plays a bigger role. Building subject matter expertise and trust signals like verified profiles, media mentions and community engagement enhances rankings potential. Minimal Links Can Suffice With Strong Content Certain sites continue ranking highly with relatively few backlinks, further indicating content now outweighs links at Google. For example, marketing blog Backlinko achieved top rankings for competitive terms with around 50 referring domains. Brian Dean built the site's authority mostly through relentlessly publishing in-depth, useful content. Similarly, health publisher Healthline obtained traffic surges after optimizing content even with modest links. It scaled back link building efforts once discovering Google appreciated its expertise. These examples demonstrate that while links remain helpful, they are no longer decisive or mandatory. Optimized content, expertise and user engagement can compensate for a lack of links. Actionable SEO Takeaways for the Links Decline With links playing a reduced role, brands should evolve their approach: - Double down on content quality and optimization. Invest in thoughtful, well-researched content providing value and answering search intent. - Earn links naturally through outreach and engagement. Don't buy links or spam low-value guest posts. Focus on contributing to useful resources. - Build domain authority through SERP features. Earn Cards, Knowledge Panels, Site Links, etc. to validate expertise. - Monitor user experience signals. Page speed, engagement and time-on-site metrics grow in importance. The Future Role of Links It seems clear that links are no longer the ranking dominant force they once were according to Google. But it remains open whether their importance will continue declining or whether links will stabilize as a modest ranking factor. One perspective is that links retain influence for assessing website reputation and trust. Some webmasters speculate links help most as tiebreakers between content of similar quality. Others believe links will maintain more value for ranking in competitive niches vs informational queries. For example, local businesses may still benefit from link building to stand out. Regardless of whether links endure as a top 10 or top 20 signal, brands must pursue a holistic SEO strategy focused on the user. Providing the best content, expertise and experience for searchers is what will ultimately prevail at Google. Final Verdict Backlinks are clearly not the SEO silver bullet they were once regarded to be by Google and search marketers alike. While links retain some ranking influence, brands should actively adapt to Google's content-first focus in 2024. Developing truly useful, engaging content must now be the top priority. Relying on links alone is insufficient in the current search climate. But marrying the best content with natural links, expertise signals and optimal user experience will remain a winning SEO formula into the foreseeable future. Read the full article

[trupsjn]

Google Says Links No Longer A Top Three Ranking Factor

Google: Links No Longer A Top Three Ranking Signal Google has been downplaying the importance of links in its ranking algorithm for the past couple of years now. But last Thursday, at PubCon, Gary Illyes from the Google Search team said he wouldn’t even put links into the top three ranking signals Google Search uses. Gary was quoted saying this in several posts on X during his Q&A session at…

[hoanggh]

Google đã hạ thấp tầm quan trọng của backlinks trong thuật toán xếp hạng của mình trong vài năm qua. Nhưng vào 21/09/2023, tại PubCon, Gary Illyes từ nhóm Google Tìm kiếm cho biết anh ấy thậm chí sẽ không đưa các liên kết vào top ba tín hiệu xếp hạng hàng đầu mà Google Tìm kiếm sử dụng. https://hoanggh.com/google-backlinks-khong-con-nam-trong-top-3-yeu-to-xep-hang/

[clexacon]

Join @MelissaBrayden @KrisBryant2014 @FionaRileyFic @AnneShade3 Julie Cannon, Yolanda Wallace & Moderator, @GeorgiaLBeers for From First Glance to First Kiss: How to Establish Tension in Your Romance Novel. RSVP for #PubCon here: http://ow.ly/GQLf50Bkp56

[casieg]

I’m a Featured Speaker at Pubcon Florida!

I am excited to say I will be a featured speaker at Pubcon Florida this year. More details to follow. See you in Ft. Lauderdale!

[realmarydiamond]

I have always been excited about #ContentMarketing because it's the intersection of two things I love. Writing and strategy. Turns out, Joe Pulizzi from @cmicontent says this is the future! #digitalmarketing #SEO #PubCon (at Las Vegas Convention Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpCm1LXF8T6/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1kqrjbgebm9ai

[ahmytricks]

Google Keynote Pubcon Pro Virtual 2020: SEO and Diversity Google’s John Mueller at his session at PubCon Virtual 2020 offered his thoughts on where SEO is or should be going for the future, beginning with diversity in SEO hiring practices.

[kitchentablelit]

Thinking about last weekend when we lit up the Third Annual Tampa Bay Publishing Conference... . . . So thankful for this work! . . . #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #wewritehere #tampabay #wordierthanthou #publishing #editing #bookreviews #books #paneldiscussion #pubcon #floridalife #floridawriters https://www.instagram.com/p/B9c2Vr6Ap8-/?igshid=j6nm0lk4q5bj

[stevehall89]

Never stayed at Sahara in #Vegas before. A small struggle to get a decent room. Not bad. Here to shoot #pubcon #lasvegas #stratospherelasvegas #stratosphere (at Sahara Las Vegas Hotel and Casino) https://www.instagram.com/p/B3VCnq6p98b/?igshid=1easgvbeiu5ry

[trupsjn]

Google Says Comments Sections On Websites Can Be Good

Google Gary Illyes: Comments Sections On Websites Can Be Good Gary Illyes from the Google Search team said at PubCon that comments sections on websites can be a good thing. This messaging is on target with what Google has said about comments sections in the past, assuming the comments are useful and not filled with spam – they can be a good thing. Patrick Stox quoted Gary as saying, “Comments can…

[renowebdesign]

Best SEO Experts

When looking for SEO experts, it's important to consider factors such as their experience, expertise, track record, and client testimonials. You can start by researching online and reading reviews, blogs, and articles about SEO experts and their work. Here are some tips on finding reliable resources:

Follow reputable SEO blogs and websites: There are several blogs and websites dedicated to SEO and digital marketing, which provide up-to-date information, insights, and best practices. Some of the popular ones include Moz, Search Engine Land, Search Engine Journal, Ahrefs, and Backlinko.

Attend SEO conferences and events: Attending industry events, conferences, and workshops is a great way to connect with SEO experts and learn about the latest trends and best practices in the field. Some of the popular SEO events include BrightonSEO, Pubcon, SMX, and MozCon.

Read books on SEO: There are several books on SEO and digital marketing written by experts in the field, which provide in-depth knowledge and insights on the subject. Some of the popular books include "The Art of SEO" by Eric Enge, "SEO for Growth" by John Jantsch and Phil Singleton, and "The Ultimate Guide to Link Building" by Eric Ward and Garrett French.

Join online communities and forums: Joining online communities and forums dedicated to SEO and digital marketing can provide you with a wealth of knowledge and insights from experts in the field. Some of the popular communities include Moz Community, Warrior Forum, and Black Hat World.

Now, let's take a closer look at some of the top SEO experts in the field:

Sandy Rowley: Sandy Rowley is an experienced SEO expert based in Reno, Nevada, in the United States. She is the founder and owner of Reno SEO, Marketing & Web Design, a digital marketing agency that specializes in search engine optimization, web design, and social media marketing. Sandy is known for her results-driven approach to SEO, focusing on developing customized strategies that meet the specific needs of her clients.

Neil Patel: Neil Patel is a well-known digital marketing expert and entrepreneur, who is the co-founder of several marketing and analytics tools, including Crazy Egg and Hello Bar. He is also the founder of Neil Patel Digital, a leading digital marketing agency that provides SEO, content marketing, and social media services to businesses of all sizes. Neil is known for his expertise in SEO, content marketing, and online advertising, and has been featured in several publications, including Forbes and The Wall Street Journal.

Brian Dean: Brian Dean is the founder of Backlinko, a popular blog and resource for SEO and digital marketing. He is known for his expertise in link building, on-page SEO, and content marketing, and has published several guides and tutorials on these topics. Brian is also a frequent speaker at industry events and has been featured in publications such as Forbes, Entrepreneur, and Inc.

Rand Fishkin: Rand Fishkin is the founder and former CEO of Moz, a leading SEO software company. He is also the founder of SparkToro, a market research and audience intelligence tool for digital marketers. Rand is known for his expertise in all aspects of search engine optimization, including technical SEO, keyword research, and link building. He has authored several books on SEO and is a well-known speaker in the industry.