A recent correlation study conducted by Zyppy SEO has shed light on the role of experience in Google algorithm updates. The study found that websites that incorporated first-person pronouns, first-hand experience, and a cookie consent banner were more likely to experience positive visibility gains during Google updates. On the other hand, websites with fixed footer ads and fixed video ads were more likely to see negative impacts.
The findings of this study highlight the increasing importance of credibility and experience in the field of SEO. As Cyrus Shepherd, an SEO analyst, aptly put it, “everything in SEO connects to everything else.” While this doesn’t guarantee success for every keyword, it significantly improves the odds in one’s favor.
The study identified five website features that had a “strong” correlation among winners during Google algorithm updates. These features include the usage of first-person pronouns in the first 1,000 words of text, demonstrated first-hand experience through descriptions or unique imagery/video content, the display of a cookie consent banner, contact information in the footer, and contact information appearing somewhere on the page.
On the other hand, there were twelve website features that had a “very strong” or “strong” correlation among the losers of Google updates. These features included fixed ads in the footer that scrolled with the user, fixed (auto-play) video ads, usage of stock imagery, a high number of image and video ads, push notifications, a large navigational menu at the top of the website, a missing or hidden logo, a search function in the footer, no contact information on the page, usage of a mega menu, presence of affiliate links, and a link to a privacy page.
What these winners and losers have in common is their impact on experience and credibility. It all comes down to content creators demonstrating their expertise or websites providing a great user experience. Google aims to reward sites that excel in both these areas. However, it is important to note that Google is not perfect and search remains an “unsolved problem,” as Marissa Mayer once said.
The study analyzed a small sample size of 50 websites during a volatile period of Google from August to December 2023. It is also important to remember that correlation does not imply causation. While the results of the study are interesting, they do not definitively prove that these individual website features directly contribute to Google search visibility gains or losses.
In conclusion, this correlation study by Zyppy SEO provides valuable insights into the role of experience and credibility in Google algorithm updates. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating first-person pronouns, first-hand experience, and cookie consent banners for positive visibility gains. Conversely, it warns against using fixed footer ads, fixed video ads, or other features that may negatively impact website visibility. However, it is crucial to remember that these findings are not definitive proof and that Google’s search algorithms remain an ongoing challenge.
