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It’s done. After weeks of data aggregation, evaluations, analyzing, processing, interpreting, and making the corresponding graphic implementations, it is finally finished: the 2013 Searchmetrics Ranking Factors for Google USA, also known as the 2013 Ranking Correlation (only sounds sillier).
Once again, we have evaluated the 30 first search results of 10,000 keywords, thereby analyzing 300,000 websites. As a consequence, we have not only analyzed the top keywords, but also culled navigational searches as well; filtering largely brand search in order to deliver a better result. The result is 150 GB of data for all titles, descriptions, links, content, etc. – together with several billion backlinks, Facebook likes and shares, and millions of tweets and PlusOnes. In short: we have once again searched through a large, fresh database in order to show you what the top URLs in the Google SERPs have in common, and what makes them different from the more poorly ranked pages.
Trends from previous year and many new factors
In the process, we have greatly expanded our pool of factors compared to last year. In addition to a yearly comparison of the development trends from correlations already known from 2012, additional attributes now make it possible to perform an even deeper analysis in the areas of on-page content, on-page technology, backlinks and social signals. Incidentally, the evaluations already contain the findings according to the Penguin 2.0 update.
And again at the start, significant emphasis is placed on the difference between correlation and causal relation. A high correlation for an evaluated factor does not necessarily mean that this factor results in a better Google ranking, but rather that on average, more well-positioned pages exhibited this feature and more poorly placed pages did not. This also means that there are correlations that appear insignificant (frequently on-page), but are actually essential, because all the pages in the top 30 have that feature – a fact that utterly results in a small or even no correlation. For the full picture, please download the white paper.
An overview of the 2013 Rank Correlation
The fundamental approach for the calculation is the Spearman correlation (the same as in 2012), which is used to correlate the corresponding average values across the ranking position, depending on the trend. The following overview is thus to be read as: “The better the ranking of a page, the more often the factor X occurs on average.” And the more/less distinctive the value of factor X is, the higher/lower are the corresponding differences across the search result positions 1-30.
At first glance, links and social signals seem to be important, while on-page factors show somewhat lower correlation. As already mentioned, be aware of making a hasty interpretation of the data. Even factors with less distinctive correlation values could also be important, if not even a basic requirement for rankings (as already mentioned: On-page).
You can find a deeper analysis of this in a more detailed article that can also be downloaded as a white paper in PDF format.
> 2013 Ranking Factors for USA <
Here you can find additional graphics, details, and more in-depth results – and of course the entire study as well, which isabout 70 pages long.
A summary of the most important details
These are the most important results of our study at a glance:
- The number of backlinks remains of enormous importance
Not only the quantity, but also the quality of links differentiates well-ranked pages from those that place more poorly. The most “natural link profile” possible and “diversity” are keywords here. These are also observations shared by many others, at least since the Penguin updates. The analysis is therefore an additional confirmation of this.
- Keyword domains have lost relevance
Keyword domains and the factor “Keyword in the URL” appear to have been devalued by Google. Only a year ago, these factors were still correlated more positively with better rankings. The “Exact Match Domain” (EMD) Update by Google seems to have done a good job – as well as Penguin did.
- Quality and diversity count with respect to content
In relation to page content, factors like “length of text” and “number of images” correlate positively with improved rankings. But here the scale does not seem to be unlimited upwardly. Even more text is thus not equivalent to an even better position.
- On-page technology is one of the basics
A good technological page design is still a basic requirement for rankings in general and the existence of the keywords as well as the existence of H1, H2 and description on-page continues to be important.
- Social signals correlate very well with better rankings
This does not necessarily mean that social signals are a ranking factor. But the URLs in the top positions show significantly more social signals – that is a fact. It is also a fact that several studies have shown that social signals influence rankings. Studies in the US and Germany came to the same conclusion.
- Brands have a unique position
Some factors seem to apply to a different extent for brand pages than for non-brands. In any case, brands are different from other pages in the importance of some factors on average.
An extensive summary with graphics can be found, as mentioned, at www.searchmetrics.com/us2013
The infographic for the 2013 Ranking Factors
Last year they were in high demand; so we have developed an infographic with the most important outcomes for the 2013 Ranking Factors. Here’s how it looks:
If you would like to print out the files or would like to have a printable version, you can download the graphic here in high resolution. Have fun with it!
I am aware that the study offers plenty of discussion material, and as always, conclusions will be made without reading the study. That’s the way it goes. In spite of this, please let me know what you think of our insights. What is your opinion of the infographic (many thanks to Joerg, our Director Graphic Design) As always, I look forward to your feedback and a lively discussion!
Who’s writing this stuff? My name is Marcus Tober and I’m the founder of Searchmetrics. Because we really love to analyze every kind of online data, we can give you more insights than any other company in SEO, SEM and Social Media. It’s not a job, it’s passion. You can find me also on Google+ .
Show all articles from Marcus Tober.
Tags: 2013 | Backlinks | correlation | Keyword domains | On-page | ranking | ranking correlations | ranking factors | social signals | study
Comments (28)
Comments (91)
Just dropping by to tell you I have probably read this page 3 times over the past few weeks and have sent the full research to my Kindle where I have read every page.
Obviously I find this data very interesting and informative. I know you know this, but the readers have to be very careful to interpret this correctly. Like you said, this does not always mean cause and affect.
It has to be viewed as “The better the ranking of a page, the more often the factor X occurs on average.”
I personally think G+ is given too much power. I know Google wants to promote it like crazy but seriously think they should lower it’s weighting. This has happened before with Youtube where all links were follow once ago.
Like Arnie, I have used this over and over too. I also downloaded the full research. With all the algorithm updates, it is even more important to be on top of all this information. Interesting with G+ though, MOZ says it is #2, you say it is #1. Thoughts?
Jason, I completely agree with you! Google+ is brutally underpopulated – or at least that’s what Google thinks – and they’re trying their best to bring more and more people over, even spammers.
It’s been almost a year since you published this study. Have you thought about doing another one this year? It would be interesting to see how ranking factors influence changed in just one year.
Pinterest is up there! I don’t see why, but this is a very popular platform right now and a lot of people are using it. I think I’m just not used to it yet.
Just stick this infographic in front of your desk and take a look at it every day. Is very well made and it says everything you need to know.
Just stick this infographic in front of your desk and take a look at it every day. Is very well made and it says everything you need to know.
This is an everchanging game. It’s difficult for me to keep up. That’s why I think hiring someone to do all of this for you is the best solution.
If some one desires expert view about running a blog then i recommend him/her to
go to see this weblog, Keep up the pleasant work.
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Google+ is brutally underpopulated but is a Google product… simple
Google+ seems like a bit of a waste of time to me – i mean not in terms of SEO and trying to market the content to get it ranked for google, but does anyone actually use it for anything other than satisfying google? It doesn’t really seem to offer anything great?
Some of these rankings are very surprising for me! I would have expected Facebook to be in front of Google+. Very interesting infographic.
I think that Google + is a very important factor for ranking .
I personally checked on my sites the effects of this social links that come from the SERP .
I agree I think Google+ definately has improved my site https://www.twitterfav.com rankings, I did a test by adding https://plus.google.com/102071260692967665097/posts to my footer and after looking at my webceo search rankings results during one month, I could see a significant change in ranking for a handful of my keywords.
Very nice post Marcus, thanks!
While results did not change much from 2012 to 2013, it is interesting how they have changed in 2015. Keyword in domain names still matters and social signals are equally important. In an independent study we did for two websites, we found that social signals (using tools like folwd.com) matter a lot if all other factors are kept the same.
Google+ however will be interesting as they are most probably going to take it away.
Well, I can say, Google+ has many benefits, when it comes to SEO as we can get do-follow Backlinks from About section and then, can Guest Posting on other Blogs and take Link to our Google+ Profile. It passes link juice to our profile makes it very powerful and then those about section links really helps us rank our blogs. Also, Sharing all blog posts on Google Plus helps in ranking and FAST indexing. This is my person point of view, as I have tested this method in past and it worked most of the times.
I can say back in 2013 Google+ had an influence on ranking but recently I’ve noticed that the influence has been dropped significantly. May it is due to manipulation in ranking due to wrong use of Google+ by SEO gurus. people were started taking advantage of it.
Very nice post, Infographic is great. Thanks
Thanks for sharing. I also downloaded the full research. With all the algorithm updates, it is even more important to be on top of all this information.
Great information. I know Google wants to promote it like crazy but seriously think they should lower it’s weighting. This has happened before with Youtube where all links were follow once ago.
I would have expected Pinterest to be in front of Google+. Very interesting infographic.
There is definately a lot to learn about this topic.
I really like all of the points you made.
Excellent blog! Do you have any tips and hints for aspiring writers?
I’m planning to start my own website soon but I’m a little lost on everything.
Would you suggest starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so
many options out there that I’m completely confused .. Any tips?
Appreciate it!
Great topic guys, amazing blog… thanks for the info… as a wordpress user this was very helpfull.
You’re a really useful internet site; couldn’t make it without ya!
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