In today’s digital age, being recommended by Google is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to establish themselves as the go-to solution providers. In the article “Becoming a Recommended Solution Provider on Google Entity Lists: A Guide,” author Jason Barnard provides insights and strategies on how to leverage Google’s knowledge algorithms to be explicitly recommended in search results.
The article starts by explaining what a “best of” entity list is on Google search. It refers to a list in the search results that answers user queries asking for Google’s opinion on the top solution providers for a specific topic or problem. Traditionally, Google presented someone else’s opinion through blue links, videos, and lists in featured snippets. However, Google now uses its own algorithmic assessment to determine the best solutions.
The importance of being included in these “best of” entity lists is highlighted. People trust Google to provide the best solutions to their problems, making it a recommendation engine. Therefore, every SEO tactic implemented aims to convince Google to recommend the business or individual as the preferred solution provider.
Entity lists are replacing blue links, universal search, and featured snippets as prime spots for “best of” queries on Google search. Being included in these lists demonstrates understandability, credibility, and deliverability. It shows that Google has understood who the entity is, assessed their credibility (E-E-A-T), and recognized their presence across the digital ecosystem.
The article outlines eight strategies to optimize for “best of” entity lists:
1. Get a Knowledge Panel for your entity: This is the prerequisite for being included in any entity list. It involves explicitly recognizing the named entity in one of Google’s Knowledge Graphs.
2. Communicate as many attributes as possible: Provide information about the entity’s revenues, country, number of employees, etc., to enhance its understanding by Google.
3. Get users talking about you: User-generated content such as reviews, forums, and social media interactions can be used by Google to understand additional attributes and relationships.
4. Get included in industry/expert “best of” lists: Being listed in relevant lists from authoritative sources boosts the entity’s performance in Google’s entity lists.
5. Build association with relevant topics: Publish topically relevant content on the entity’s website and engage in activities that strengthen Google’s association between the entity and the topic.
6. Build relationships with relevant entities: Networking with other entities in the industry helps improve association and recognition by Google.
7. Improve and communicate E-E-A-T credibility: Showcase expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness through website content and external validation from peers, clients, and the audience.
8. Build niche notability: Increase visibility and engagement through online activities and participation in offline events to become famous within the niche.
Implementing these strategies increases the chances of dominating a niche and being recommended by Google. The article emphasizes that entity optimization is the future of SEO and that understanding, credibility, and deliverability are the keys to modern SEO success.
In conclusion, being included in Google’s “best of” entity lists is crucial for businesses and individuals looking to establish themselves as recommended solution providers. By following the strategies outlined in the article, entities can optimize their presence on Google search and increase their chances of being recommended by the search engine giant.
