Google Sheds Light on About Us & Contact Pages: Here’s the Lowdown
In a world where every pixel on your website might feel like it’s under the SEO microscope, it’s refreshing to get some straight answers. Recently, a gem surfaced from @JohnMu of Google, shedding some light on the ever-present question about the necessity of About Us and Contact pages on websites. Thanks to a deep dive from Roger Montti at Search Engine Journal, we’ve got the insider scoop on whether these pages are truly critical from Google’s perspective.
What does it mean?
Turns out, the importance of About Us and Contact pages might be a bit inflated in the collective SEO psyche. Although these pages are no doubt valuable for establishing trust and transparency with your audience, Google’s John Mueller confirms there’s no direct mention in Google’s search developer documentation necessitating these pages. This revelation is akin to finding out that a secret ingredient isn’t so secret after all – useful but not the end-all-be-all.
Montti’s exploration, inspired by a tweet seeking Mueller’s counsel, clarifies this point with precision, marking a distinction between Google’s Quality Raters Guidelines and actual search ranking factors. Basically, while it’s excellent (and recommended) practice to have clear delineations of responsibility and expertise on your site (hello, E-E-A-T), the absence of About Us and Contact pages isn’t a make or break deal for Google.
Is there anything you should do about it?
Yes and no. If you’re stressing out about your SEO company constantly hammering on about the presence of these pages for the sake of pleasing Google’s algorithm, you can relax a bit. But, and it’s a big but, that doesn’t mean you should shy away from optimizing your site.
These pages still play a crucial role in user experience, establishing credibility, and encouraging conversions – factors that indirectly influence your site’s performance in search results. It’s about striking a balance. If your site can benefit from clearer communication of who’s behind the screen and how they can be reached, it’s worth investing in well-crafted About Us and Contact pages. Treat them as integral elements of your site’s overall narrative and credibility, not just SEO checkboxes.
If your current site lacks these pages or could use a strategic overhaul, consider reaching out to a website development agency to amp up your credibility and user engagement. It’s less about appeasing Google and more about respecting your audience’s need for transparency and ease of contact.
To wrap it up, Google’s John Mueller has once again provided a valuable piece of clarity in the sometimes murky waters of SEO. It’s a reminder to focus on what really matters – creating a trustworthy, engaging online presence that serves your audience first and foremost.
For an in-depth look at this discussion, check out Roger Montti’s article on Search Engine Journal. It’s always a good idea to keep a pulse on these insights, shedding light on the path to a more transparent and user-centric web experience.
