In 2024, something big happened in the SEO world—a huge leak of internal Google documents that revealed over 14,000 ranking factors.
Yes, 14,000!
Now, don’t worry. We’re not going to dive into each one of them.
Instead, let’s focus on the top takeaways that actually matter for your SEO strategy, especially if you’re in Web3.
Content Quality is Still the Foundation
Let’s start with the obvious. Google continues to emphasize that high-quality content is crucial.
This isn’t new, but the leak confirmed that originality, depth, and user satisfaction are non-negotiable when it comes to ranking well. Google’s system evaluates content based on its relevance and how well it meets users’ needs.
For Web3 companies, this means you need to ensure your content is educational and answers real questions. Explaining complex topics like Ordinals or Runes in clear, simple terms is key.
Google also loves fresh content, so keep things updated to stay relevant.
Backlinks: Quality Trumps Quantity
The leak also confirmed that quality backlinks remain a cornerstone of SEO success.
Google uses a metric called siteAuthority, which measures how trustworthy and credible your website is, largely based on where your backlinks come from.
What’s the takeaway?
Focus on getting backlinks from authoritative and relevant sites rather than just trying to gather as many as you can. For Web3 brands, getting crypto backlinks from trusted industry sources, like well-known blogs or influencers, can make a huge difference in how Google views your site.
Mobile Optimization is a Must
We’re all glued to our phones these days, and Google knows it.
According to the leaked documents, mobile-first indexing remains a critical ranking factor. That means if your site isn’t optimized for mobile devices, it’s going to hurt your rankings.
For Web3 businesses, where many users access platforms via mobile, ensuring your site is fast and easy to navigate on smartphones is essential.
You don’t need fancy animations—just make sure everything loads quickly and functions smoothly.
User Experience (UX) Matters More Than Ever
Google’s ranking algorithm is all about user experience.
This includes everything from page load speed to how easy it is for users to navigate through your site.
If your website frustrates visitors with slow speeds or confusing layouts, expect a ranking demotion.
For Web3 platforms, user experience is especially important.
Make sure your site is intuitive, whether you’re running a decentralized exchange or an NFT marketplace. A good UX not only helps with rankings but also keeps users engaged!
AI and Machine Learning Are Key
Another big revelation from the leak is that AI and machine learning play a significant role in how Google ranks content.
Tools like RankBrain and BERT help Google understand search intent and relevance.
In simple terms, Google is getting smarter at figuring out what users really want.
So, when you’re creating content, it’s important to focus on user intent. Make sure your pages answer the questions people are asking.
E-A-T: Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness
Google places a lot of weight on E-A-T—Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—especially for Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) content.
The leak confirmed that Google is serious about rewarding sites that demonstrate expertise.
For Web3 companies, this means you need to establish your authority in the space.
Highlight expert contributors, provide well-researched information, and ensure your content is accurate. If you can show Google (and your audience) that you know your stuff, you’ll build trust—and rank higher.
On-Page SEO is Still Critical
Finally, while all this talk of AI and backlinks is exciting, don’t forget the basics.
On-page SEO—things like title tags, meta descriptions, and structured data—still play a crucial role in how Google ranks your content.
For Web3 sites, optimizing title tags and descriptions for relevant keywords can make a big difference in search visibility.
Also, consider using schema markup to help Google better understand your content and boost your rankings.
Conclusion
The Google ranking factors leak gave us a rare peek behind the curtain, but the key takeaways boil down to this: focus on quality content, authoritative backlinks, mobile optimization, and user experience.
Add in some AI-powered content optimization and a strong dose of E-A-T, and you’re well on your way to climbing the rankings.
While it’s tempting to get lost in all the technical details, the real secret to SEO success hasn’t changed much—put the user first.
If you need help navigating these new ranking factors, Rise Up Media is here to help you optimize your SEO strategy for Web3 success. Contact us here!
