Google employee John Muller answered 7 important SEO questions in a new YouTube video #AskGoogleWebmasters.
1. What is the difference between 301 and 302 redirects?
Both redirect users to a different address. The difference between 301 and 302 redirects is very small and not always perceptible. A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect, so Google will stick with the new address. The 302 redirect is temporary, so
Google will go back to the beginning to double-check the data.
301 and 302 redirects are simply different redirection methods. If possible, you should use the correct redirect, but do not worry about their impact on SEO.
2. What is the difference between 404 and 410 code?
Both server response codes tell Google that the page has disappeared. Theoretically, 410 code might be a little faster. However, in practice, on a regular site, they both work the same.
3. How long should the Description meta tag or Title tag be?
There is no fixed length. You should focus on making them unique, attractive, and useful. You need to provide people with the information they are looking for, and then Google will highlight your pages among others.
4. Can symbols be used in headings?
Of course! Symbols can be used. However, they do not give any advantages for ranking.
5. What role do keywords play in the URL?
Words in URLs do not play a big role for web pages, but keep in mind that Google uses words in image file headers. The cuterobot.gif header is better than image-1138.gif.
6. What is better for pages: ending PHP or HTML?
Both options work just fine. I would only recommend not changing one option to another.
7. Is there a secret to rank better?
Sorry, but there is no secret. Having a site in excellent technical condition and with excellent content is the first step towards a good ranking.
Let’s compare this to baking the best cookies. You want to make something from good ingredients according to the recipes of trustworthy bakers, so that you end up with something that cannot be obtained elsewhere.
Stand out, use good technique, great content, do the best for today, something that you will be proud of in the long run. Our algorithms do not take into account the number of words per page, nor do you evaluate the taste
of cookies by weight.
If you want Google to recommend your pages as amazing, do something amazing!
Use the services of a professional SEO agency to start being outstanding in the new year!
Source: YouTube