Talk:Search engine optimization

Former featured articleSearch engine optimization is a former featured article. Please see the links under Article milestones below for its original nomination page (for older articles, check the nomination archive) and why it was removed.
Main Page trophyThis article appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page as Today's featured article on July 2, 2007.
Article milestones
DateProcessResult
April 7, 2007Peer reviewReviewed
April 9, 2007Good article nomineeListed
June 1, 2007Featured article candidatePromoted
June 23, 2008Featured article reviewKept
October 14, 2012Featured article reviewDemoted
Current status: Former featured article

Updating Keyword Stuffing Section for Modern Algorithms (BERT, RankBrain)

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While keyword stuffing is still recognized as a bad practice, I believe the article should mention newer search algorithms like BERT, RankBrain, and their focus on understanding user intent and context. Perhaps we can update the section to reflect the evolution of search engine algorithms. ASWATHI S Nambiar (talk) 06:41, 18 February 2025 (UTC)Reply

Please propose a reliable source. Grayfell (talk) 10:06, 18 February 2025 (UTC)Reply
I believe search engine land is a reliable source, they publish articles, analyses, and research reports on SEO and search engine algorithms.
https://searchengineland.com/library/platforms/google/google-algorithm-updates
ASWATHI S Nambiar (talk) 04:39, 19 February 2025 (UTC)Reply
Based on your talk page, you have previously been warned about promotional editing, so I can't help but suspect your intentions for wanting to add this site are promotional. Do you have any affiliation with it? TornadoLGS (talk) 04:42, 19 February 2025 (UTC)Reply
I suggested Search Engine Land because it provides a clear explanation of BERT and RankBrain's impact on keyword stuffing, a topic currently lacking in the Wikipedia article.
I believe this information is crucial for an update. I'm also happy to supplement it with corroborating sources like Search Engine Journal and Moz. My goal is to improve the article, not promote any specific site. ASWATHI S Nambiar (talk) 05:05, 19 February 2025 (UTC)Reply
I think this is a good idea, but it's worth noting that Moz is a blocked ___domain on Wikipedia right now due to past activity. Dflovett (talk) 15:59, 28 July 2025 (UTC)Reply

Semi-protected edit request on 26 March 2025

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Shahnewajkhan (talk) 20:44, 26 March 2025 (UTC)Reply

Request to Update Outdated Information on Mobile Search & Indexing

Hi, I would like to update a section of the article to reflect the latest developments in Google's mobile-first indexing and mobile search strategy.

Current Text: "In 2015, it was reported that Google was developing and promoting mobile search as a key feature within future products. In response, many brands began to take a different approach to their Internet marketing strategies."

Proposed Revision: "Since 2015, Google has prioritized mobile search as a key factor in search rankings, leading to the widespread adoption of mobile-first indexing. In 2020, Google confirmed that all websites would be indexed based on their mobile versions.[1] This shift prompted businesses to optimize their websites for mobile performance, focusing on factors such as loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability—metrics now measured by Core Web Vitals.[2] Furthermore, Google has continued enhancing mobile search with AI-powered features, including AI Overviews and an experimental AI Mode, reshaping the way users interact with search results.[3]"

Reason for Edit: The current sentence only references 2015 predictions about mobile search, which are outdated.

The proposed edit includes factual updates on mobile-first indexing (officially implemented in 2020).

It adds relevant, verifiable sources from Google, ensuring accuracy.

The revised content provides a more comprehensive overview of how mobile search has evolved.

Thank you for reviewing this request!

  Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. (secondary sources) Perception312 (talk) 20:13, 8 June 2025 (UTC)Reply

References

  1. ^ ""Announcing mobile-first indexing for the whole web"". Google Search Central Blog. March 5, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  2. ^ ""Core Web Vitals & Page Experience"". Google Search Central Documentation. Retrieved March 27, 2025.
  3. ^ ""A new era of Search with AI Overviews and more"". Google Blog. May 14, 2024. Retrieved March 27, 2025.

Addressing update and essay-like issues

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I've made targeted edits to address the maintenance tags:

  • Replaced outdated 2008 UK market share data with current 2024 statistics
  • Removed irrelevant 2006 industry size comparisons
  • Updated general statements about Google's market dominance with current context
  • Removed prescriptive language and business advice
  • Changed tutorial-style "how to" content to neutral descriptions
  • Replaced subjective recommendations with objective industry observations
  • Consolidated repetitive Google algorithm update history
  • Maintained informational value while improving readability

Request review for removal of maintenance tags. TarynCheese (talk) 01:58, 13 August 2025 (UTC)Reply

Semi-protected edit request on 18 August 2025

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1. In the "History" section, add this paragraph after the 2024 update note:

  "By 2024, the rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Google's Search Generative Experience (SGE) led to the development of Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). This new approach focuses on optimizing content for AI-generated answers in addition to traditional search results, requiring adjustments to content structure and authority signals.[1][2]"

2. Add a new subsection under "Methods" titled "AI and generative search optimization" with:

"

  With the advent of AI-powered search tools, SEO strategies have expanded to include:
  * Optimization for featured snippets in AI-generated answers
  * Structured data markup for large language model comprehension
  * Balancing AI-assisted content creation with Google's 'Helpful Content' guidelines[3]"

References: [1] https://blog.google/products/search/generative-ai-search/ [2] https://www.searchenginejournal.com/generative-engine-optimization/492329/ [3] https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2023/02/google-search-and-ai-content Microarindam (talk) 20:03, 18 August 2025 (UTC)Reply

  Not done: please provide reliable sources that support the change you want to be made. Your second reference is a dead link, and the other two (from Google) are somewhat promotional, and I would consider them primary sources. Ideally, with reference to more reliable sources, the tone of this can be made less promotional. Seercat3160 (talk) 10:34, 19 August 2025 (UTC)Reply