In this article, we analyze the most important SEO (Search Engine Optimization) factors that influence rankings, what you should watch out for, and how to increase your chances of achieving high positions.

High-Quality Content

Content remains the king of SEO. Google prioritizes pages that provide useful, comprehensive, and authentic information.

What defines quality content?

It fully addresses the user’s query.

It is well-structured (headings, subheadings, lists).

It includes keywords naturally, not excessively.

It is frequently updated.

On-Page SEO Optimization

Optimizing individual pages includes:

Page titles with keywords

Meta descriptions that attract clicks

Search engine-friendly URLs

Internal links for navigation

Alt text in images for accessibility and SEO

Google reads your site differently than users. On-page optimization helps it understand what each page contains.

Website Loading Speed

Speed is one of the top technical ranking factors. A slow website discourages visitors and increases the bounce rate.

Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or GTmetrix to improve speed.

Mobile-First Design

Google now prioritizes the mobile version of your site for evaluation. If your site is not mobile-friendly, your ranking potential drops.

Ensure your design is responsive, with proper font sizes and fast navigation.

User Experience (UX)

User experience is a core ranking pillar.

Key factors include:

Time spent on page

Bounce rate

Easy navigation

Minimal annoying elements (e.g., pop-ups)

The more satisfied the users, the better the signal to Google.

External Links (Backlinks)

High-quality links from other sites to yours act as “votes of confidence.” The more and more relevant the backlinks, the higher your ranking potential.

Avoid spammy backlinks—they can result in penalties from Google.

Domain Authority and Trust

The overall domain reputation plays a role in rankings. Factors include:

Domain history

Frequency of updates

Content quality

Absence of spammy behavior

All contribute to building a trustworthy site.

Local SEO

For businesses with a physical presence, local ranking is critical. Google evaluates:

Google My Business profile

Local citations

Customer reviews

Repeated location-based keywords (e.g., “lawyer Athens”)

Use of Structured Data (Schema)

Structured data helps Google better understand your content and display it with rich snippets.

Examples: star ratings, product prices, FAQs, etc.

Publishing Frequency & Content Freshness

Frequent and fresh content boosts your visibility in search results. Google rewards websites that remain active.

Google considers over 200 ranking factors but doesn’t officially disclose them all. However, SEO experts and analysts have identified the most critical through testing and statements.

SEO Factors Related to Domain Name

Domain Age
Older domains tend to have a slight ranking advantage due to perceived trust.

Keyword in Domain Start
If the domain starts with the primary business keyword, it may help with rankings.

Domain Registration Duration
Domains registered for multiple years signal stability to Google.

Domain Ownership Changes
Frequent ownership changes can affect credibility and trust.

Exact Match Domain (EMD)
Domains that exactly match a keyword (e.g., www.weddingphotographergreece.com) can be advantageous when paired with quality content.

Parked Domains
Google has reduced visibility for parked domains due to their spammy nature.

TrustRank & Domain Trust
The overall trust of a domain significantly affects rankings. Clean, recognizable domains rank better.

Domain Authority (DA)
Higher DA, calculated through backlink quality and historical performance, boosts rankings.

Geographic TLD
TLDs like .gr, .com, or .eu affect local visibility. National TLDs (e.g., .gr for Greece) are ideal for local targeting.

Subpages & Content Structure
A clear site hierarchy (e.g., domain.gr/services/wedding-photographer) helps Google understand and rank content.

Domain Extension & Relevance
Extensions like .edu or .gov are considered more trustworthy. Others may require more SEO effort.

WHOIS Information
Open and public WHOIS data increases transparency and trust.

Local SEO Ranking Factors

Listings in Local Directories
Presence in local professional directories (e.g., xartis.gr, Vrisko) enhances local reach.

Local Schema Markup
Using structured data (schema.org) to inform Google of your location, hours, and other business info.

User Reviews
Positive reviews on Google, Facebook, etc., greatly influence local visibility.

Local Keywords
Terms like “dentist Patras” or “electrician Thessaloniki” increase local relevance.

Google My Business (GMB)
A complete and optimized GMB profile is crucial for visibility in Google Maps and local packs.

Local Customer Reviews
Reviews from local residents carry special weight.

Local Keywords in Titles & Content
Use of location in H1, meta description, and page content helps local SEO.

Social Media Presence
An active local-targeted profile on Facebook or Instagram boosts brand image.

Backlinks from Local Sites
Mentions from local blogs, businesses, or news sites improve credibility and rankings.

Locally Relevant Content
References to neighborhoods, local events, or news connect you with the local audience.

Local Content Marketing
Publishing locally focused articles (e.g., “Best restaurants in Glyfada”) helps build reputation and visibility.

Page-Level SEO Factors

Titles and Meta Descriptions
Include relevant keywords to help Google understand the page’s topic.

Content Quality
Useful, unique, and in-depth content has higher chances of ranking well.

Keyword Density
Avoid keyword stuffing. Natural usage is key.

Page Speed
Fast-loading pages improve user experience and rankings.

Mobile Friendliness
Your site must perform well on mobile devices.

Internal Links
Guide users and help Google understand your site structure.

External Links
Linking to reputable and relevant pages shows credibility.

Writing Quality and Structure
Well-written, organized text is easier to read and understand.

Content Variety
Use images, videos, and infographics for more engaging content.

Content Freshness
Regular updates improve site dynamism.

Grammar and Spelling
Proper language use signals professionalism.

References to Authoritative Sources
Linking to trusted sources boosts credibility.

Number of Pages
Small sites may appear “thin” to Google. More pages = more trust (if quality maintained).

Clean URLs
Keyword-rich, readable URLs help with indexing.

XML Sitemap
Sitemaps help Google find new or updated pages.

Original Content
Copied or syndicated content hurts rankings. Original = better.

URL Path Structure
Pages closer to homepage get slightly more indexing priority.

Bullet Points & Lists
Improve content readability and structure.

Page Age
Older but updated pages often rank better than newer ones.

Contact Page
Clear contact info increases trust.

E-A-T: Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness
Sites demonstrating industry expertise and reliability rank higher.

Breadcrumb Navigation
Helps both users and Google understand page context.

Core Web Vitals
Measures site responsiveness, speed, and stability—key SEO elements.

Content Internationalization
Use hreflang for different regions and languages.

Trust & Security – Critical SEO Factors

Domain Reputation
Aged domains with good content and backlinks are trusted more.

Historical Violations
Past SEO violations or malware issues can hurt trust.

Contact Information
Visible contact details build trust.

Terms & Policies
Display Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for credibility.

Supplemental Content
Extras like guides or widgets show user value intent.

Backlinks from Authority Sources
Mentions by major websites act as a trust signal.

SSL Usage (HTTPS)
SSL encryption is a ranking requirement.

GDPR & Data Protection
Complying with privacy laws enhances trust.

Removal of Spammy Links
Monitor and disavow bad backlinks regularly.

Virus and Malware Protection
Clean, secure sites perform better.

Access Control
Strong passwords, 2FA, and restricted access improve site safety.

DDoS Protection
Helps maintain site uptime and credibility.

Clear Security Policy
Public privacy policies make visitors feel safe.

User Behavior Signals

Google uses behavioral data to understand site performance:

UX: Fast, mobile-friendly, easy-to-use websites rank better.

Time on Site: Longer visits suggest valuable content.

Return Visits: Indicate user satisfaction.

Browser Compatibility: Sites should work across all major browsers.

Readability: Easy-to-read content boosts engagement.

Bounce Rate: Low bounce rates indicate relevance.

Rich Snippets: Enhance SERP appearance and click potential.

CTR: Attractive titles and descriptions improve clicks.

Social Shares: Indicate popularity.

Engagement: Clicks, form submissions, comments show activity.

Fewer Pop-ups: Reduce user frustration.

Accessibility: Enhances site usability.

Cross-Device Sync: Continues user experience across devices.

Social Proof: Reviews, likes, shares build trust.

Error Handling: Friendly 404 pages improve experience.

Social Integration: Buttons and profile links increase reach.

RankBrain Assessment: Google AI tracks user behavior.

Comments: Indicate a lively and engaging community.

FAQs

How fast can I see SEO results?
SEO is long-term. Typically, 3–6 months for noticeable progress.

Can I rank without backlinks?
Difficult. Content matters, but backlinks remain a major trust signal.

What is “mobile-first index”?
Google ranks based on the mobile version of your site.

Should I do SEO on every page?
Yes. Every page has potential to rank independently.

Which SEO techniques should I avoid?
Avoid keyword stuffing, spammy links, hidden content, and unnecessary redirects. Google penalizes these.