Does Authority Matter for Indexing?
So, in my previous post, I mentioned the potential indexing problems for those who host their websites at SiteGround.
However, I have seen numerous questions from WA members, as to why their posts are not being indexed, regardless of where they are hosting.
Many people have suggested that there is currently a problem with Google indexing.
Not so, according to Google's John Mueller!
He is adamant that there is no problem with indexing at the moment.
It is simply that Google is being "more selective" when indexing.
And when questioned, he offered an interesting insight into indexing.
You Need a Minimum of 30 Posts
He was initially asked, "why is my content not indexing, when I have an authority site of 30 articles?"
And his response was, that 30 articles are not enough to be considered an authority.
And if a site stops publishing on a regular basis, Google will be more critical and conservative, when it does start to add more content.
Once a site has more than 30 articles, Google may index more quickly, as you have more to offer your visitors.
However, another interesting comment, was that Google may slow down indexing of your content, unless it is shown to be better than competitor's websites.
So, initially, you may have had your first few posts indexed quite quickly.
But when Google checks out how they stand against similar websites, indexing may be slower.
And finally, even submitting through the Search Console will not guarantee indexing.
My Thoughts
It's my personal opinion, that people get too sidetracked in the early stages of building their website.
For the first few months, you should do nothing but write tons of original content on your niche.
Don't bother with analytics, or checking if you have visitors until you have 30 posts.
Don't bother applying to join affiliate programs or add affiliate links until you have 30 posts.
Don't spend time changing the look of your website until you have 30 posts.
And yes, I'm aware that this goes against the training.
And I know why the training is set out in the way it is, and that is simply because people will lose interest if they don't get to the "exciting" part of making money.
Here is a link to the original article, should you wish to read it.
https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-authoritative-sit...
Recent Comments
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Another thing I have found out and that it isn't necessarily great content that Google favours or whether the word count is greater than the next competing post.
What is key is the number of posts and reviews that you write on a very regular basis that Google love and that's when you are rewarded.
If you want to compete with authority sites turning out 1/2 posts a day may be suffice.
That is when Google will notice your site.
Just my opinion and what I have found out.
Of course, once you have written a post or review make sure you add it to Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter (as many as you can) with a link back to your site.
Mick
If you don't have authority and most will not have even with 100+ posts/reviews, then it is down to being selective with what you write about and especially keyword selection.
There's no point in trying to compete with sites that have been around for years and that do have authority.
Off-page SEO and backlinks will increase authority but they take time.
Mick
See more comments
Wow! Thanks Diane for sharing this great info! I am a few months in and still working on content and website overall layout. Sometimes, I feel like I am moving at a steady pace but also feel like I need to pick it up to get indexed. However this is a reminder that the content has to be there in order to move forward.