Skip to content

Google Top Three Ranking Factors

If you're curious about Google's top three ranking factors, click here to find out.

When it comes to ranking your website, the topic of Search Engine Optimization has always been somewhat vague. Though we've had a list of ranking factors to consider, Google has never been upfront about what the top considerations are. When the list tops 200 factors, things tend to get a little sticky.

For example, in 2015, Google announced that site speed accounted for 1% of it's ranking algorithm. Even though that's not a very significant number, it was something. To have Google attribute a definite number to a ranking factor was a huge leap for the tech giant, and it stirred up a frenzy in the automotive industry.

Vendors and Dealers went crazy over it. It became a game of 'who has a faster website'. It's funny to see how quickly the sky can start falling inside of this industry, especially over something that only accounts for 1% of the ranking of your website.

So what are the ranking factors already?

Last year, we learned about RankBrain, which Google announced then as the third most important ranking factor. At that time, they refused to say what the first two were.

Thanks to a recent Google Q&A session with Andrey Lipattsev, a Search Quality Senior Strategist at Google, we know what the top three ranking factors are for Google.

"I can tell you what they are. It is Content. And it's links pointing to your site." 

 

The top three Google ranking factors are Content, Links, and RankBrain.

Though we don't know what comes first between content and links, my best guess is that the list looks like this:

1.) Content
2.) Links
3.) RankBrain

The fact that you need content to link to suggests (in my opinion) that content is the number one ranking factor for Google. 

At FlexDealer, we believe that content is one of the most valuable (and underutilized) methods of attracting high-quality vehicle shoppers.

Think about it. Every single day, thousands of automotive shoppers in your market are going online to search for information. Those that provide it win. 

In closing, my question is this. Now that you know what Google believes are the most important ranking factors, what are you going to do about it?

Michael Cirillo      

Michael Cirillo      

Michael Cirillo is the CEO of FlexDealer.com, a leading provider of innovative inventory and marketing solutions for the retail auto industry. He is also the host of the top-rated Dealer Playbook podcast and an acclaimed author and speaker. With his passion for creative thinking and a growth mindset, Michael helps dealerships develop and achieve their digital goals.

Elements Image

Subscribe to our newsletter

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Semper neque enim rhoncus vestibulum at maecenas. Ut sociis dignissim.

Latest Articles

Michael Cirillo: Keynote Speaker At NIADA 2023

Michael Cirillo: Keynote Speaker At NIADA 2023

Set your calendars for Michael Cirillo's inspirational keynote address on June 22, 2023, plus meet the entire FlexDealer team at this year'...

5 Ways to Make Your Marketing Sticky: Expert Tips for Car Dealers

5 Ways to Make Your Marketing Sticky: Expert Tips for Car Dealers

These five expert tips will help improve your dealership marketing efforts and connect with more customers who are ready to support your br...

Don't Get Screwed By Data Thieves: All About Owning Your Own Data

Don't Get Screwed By Data Thieves: All About Owning Your Own Data

Your dealership, your data. Learn how to make sure you own it and why it’s vital that you do.