Google has recently released an updated version of its SEO Starter Guide, specifically catering to beginners in the field. This new version is significantly smaller than the previous one, making it more accessible for those who are new to search engine optimization (SEO).
Originally released in 2008 as a PDF document, the SEO Starter Guide has been a valuable resource for both new and experienced SEO professionals. The guide was last updated in 2017, but Google felt the need to release a new version that is more focused on beginners.
One of the major changes in this updated guide is the removal of the glossary section. Instead of providing a separate glossary, Google now explains individual terms in context on the page. This allows beginners to understand the terms better without having to constantly refer to a separate glossary.
Another section that has been removed is the structured data section. Google considers this to be an advanced topic that beginners don’t necessarily need to worry about. Additionally, Google acknowledges that many content management systems (CMS) like Wix or Squarespace offer plugins that handle structured data, eliminating the need for beginners to learn how to add code to their websites.
The mobile-friendliness section has also been removed from the guide. According to Google, most new sites and platforms are already mobile-friendly, so this section is no longer necessary for beginners. Similarly, the section analyzing site performance has been removed as well. Google believes that this topic is more suited for advanced SEO professionals and not essential for beginners.
On the other hand, Google has added several new sections to the guide. The content has been compressed and simplified to make it more digestible for beginners. For example, sections like “Are you on Google” and “Do I Need an SEO” have been condensed into just a few sentences with links to more comprehensive guides.
The guide also places more emphasis on alt text for images, as it is considered more important for a beginner audience. Additionally, Google has compressed the section on links, while still emphasizing their usefulness and why they are important for users and search engines.
While the majority of the site structure section remains unchanged, Google has removed sections on navigation and explicit setup for breadcrumbs, considering them to be more advanced topics.
Google has expressed its intention to keep this starter guide as it is in the future, but it will continue to improve its documentation to make it clearer and easier to understand. This updated version of the SEO Starter Guide is essential reading for anyone interested in SEO, whether they are beginners or experienced professionals.
The release of this updated guide has generated excitement among the SEO community, as the SEO Starter Guide has always been a valuable resource for those in the industry. It is recommended that both new and old SEO professionals take a look at the updated guide to familiarize themselves with the changes.
Overall, Google’s updated SEO Starter Guide provides beginners with a concise and accessible resource to understand the basics of search engine optimization. With its simplified content and removal of advanced topics, this guide is an essential tool for those starting their journey in SEO.
