A 2021 Correlation Study into Links and Brand as Ranking Factors

Do you want to learn more about ranking factors to boost your website’s search engine results? This article will review a 2021 correlation study that reveals that brand and backlinks play a significant role in search engine ranking.

The search engine results page, also known as SERP, refers to where your website organically appears in correlation to a search engine plug-in. The higher you rank, the more impressions on your website and the more likely you will have website visitors and conversions.

Do you want to learn more about these correlation studies and learn what can boost your SERP ranking? Then keep reading.

2021 Search Ranking Factors

These SEO ranking factors were chosen from a correlation study that revealed what SEO tactics boosted a brand’s SERP. Below we list some proven correlation study conclusions that improve a site’s ranking on Google.

Backlinks

The more backlinks your site has, the higher it will rank. Backlinks are when another site links to yours. The more backlink variety you have (and at reputable websites-not spammy ones), the higher your site will rank.

.com Domains Rank Higher

.com domains have been shown to rank higher than similar sites using .co, .org, etc. If you are on the market for a new domain, try to end it with .com.

Page-Level Performance Matters

Page-level performance is an encompassing term. It refers to many factors like how fast your site loads. It also includes session duration, bounce rate, and other analytics about your website’s “popularity.”

Keywords

Keywords still matter in 2021. Having a relevant SERP keyword in the first 100 words on your homepage correlates to a higher SERP ranking. Your keyword can also be in your domain, title tag, and throughout your website.

Relevancy

A correlation study example shows that sites with daily and weekly updates perform better than static sites. The more you update your website with relevant “freshness,” the higher the ranking factors.

2021 Local Search Ranking Factors

Local search factors differ slightly from general SEO ranking factors as they use local SEO. Local SEO limits users’ search to businesses in their geographical area. An example is when someone searches “pizza near me.”

GMB Category

GMB stands for “Google My Business.” Have a Google page for your business and choose the category that most associates with your business. For example, if you own a Middle Eastern restaurant, choose “Middle Eastern fine dining” and not just “restaurant.”

GMB Keywords

Include relevant keywords in your GMB profile. This triggers Google to rank it when those keywords are searched in proximity.

Geography

Make sure to have all your addresses listed. The searcher’s proximity and physical address will affect your ranking during a search.

Use Correlation Study Data to Boost Ranking Factors

Follow the guide above to boost your ranking factors into the new year. Make sure to keep optimizing your site.

Boosting ranking factors in 2021 requires a solid marketing strategy. It also requires an in-depth understanding of Google Analytics. Contact us today if you need help—our team is ready and waiting!