Top SEO Ranking Factors 2023

Key Changes Overview

In the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization, staying updated with the latest changes is essential for SEO experts, especially if you work in the medical field. Google’s recent Q3 2023 algorithm update has redefined the significance of various ranking factors in the SERP. Understanding the recalibrated weight of each factor is pivotal for medical professionals looking to optimize their digital visibility—whether your focus is plastic surgery, ENT procedures, or dental operations.

1. Consistent Publication of Engaging Content: 21%
2. Keywords in Meta Title Tags: 15%
3. Backlinks: 14%
4. Niche Expertise: 14%
5. User Engagement: 11%
6. Content Freshness: 6%
7. Trustworthiness: 5%
8. Mobile-Friendly / Mobile-First Website: 4%
9. Internal Links: 3%
10. Page Speed: 3%
11. Site Security / SSL Certificate: 2%
12. Schema Markup / Structured Data: 1%
13. Other SEO Factors (e.g., Keywords in Meta Description Tags): 1%

This information provides a roadmap for medical practitioners to strategically allocate resources and efforts in their SEO initiatives.

Most Important Google Ranking Factors in 2023

Navigating the intricacies of these new ranking signals is vital for any medical practice aiming to gain an edge in today’s competitive digital landscape. The Q3 2023 update to Google’s ranking algorithm has pinpointed key factors that are now more influential than ever. Grasping these critical elements allows physicians and clinics to optimize their online presence effectively, ensuring better visibility and higher patient engagement.

1 – Content Consistency is Key

In 2023, the consistent publication of high-quality content has emerged as the most significant ranking factor, accounting for a substantial 21% influence in SERPs. For any physician or medical clinic, this translates into the need to regularly update your website with valuable content that addresses patient queries and needs. This doesn’t mean making the same content over and over again, as a matter of fact, you should always keep your site free of duplicate content to ensure it’s health.

However, creating a consistent posting schedule not only helps with SEO but also builds trust among your patient base. It shows that you are an active participant in the medical community, always ready to provide updated and relevant information, whether it’s new advancements in procedures or FAQs on common medical conditions.

Content Quality and Content Recency

One of the critical elements defining “high quality” is the ability of the content to meet the search intent of users and write comprehensive content that is meant to be read by real people (avoiding keyword stuffing). High-quality and helpful content does not mean relying solely on human editors while ditching artificial intelligence on your long-form content. It means that even when using AI-generated content or just any type of content, make sure that it is not just tailored for search engine visibility with X or Y target keywords but also for user readability from an original point of view that actually answers one of their queries.

For a medical practice, this could mean producing articles that answer common patient questions, explain procedures, or discuss recent developments in the field. Google places significant emphasis on fresh content, so it’s crucial to keep your information up-to-date. Outdated content can quickly lose its SEO value. Regularly revisiting and updating your existing articles—at least quarterly or monthly—is recommended. By maintaining both the quality and the freshness of your content, you stand a better chance of being recognized as a trusted, authoritative source in the medical field.

2 – Keywords in the Meta Title

Securing the second spot in the latest algorithm update, Keywords in Meta Title Tags make up 15% of the ranking factors. Incorporating the target keyword into the meta title (as well as the headers) is a straightforward yet impactful step. While the target keyword should ideally be present, it’s also essential to maintain readability and context. Google’s SERP appreciates well-crafted titles that serve what the user intends to look for in their search queries. Therefore, for medical practices and clinics, a well-optimized title tag could be the difference between ranking on the first page for a procedure or medical condition and being overlooked.

3 – Get More Backlinks

Backlinks continue to be a significant player in Google’s ranking algorithm, constituting 14% of the overall weight. While this is one of the older metrics, its importance cannot be underestimated. For a medical practice or a specialized clinic, generating organic high-quality backlinks can signify credibility and authority in the field. The strategy here is to focus on creating high-quality, informative content that other reputable websites want to link to in the form of guest post links and editorial links. All of this while disavowing unnatural links from shady sites.

Whether you’re sharing breakthroughs in treatments, tips for patient care, or in-depth articles on specific conditions, providing value will naturally attract backlinks. Remember, quality over quantity is the rule; a few backlinks from high-authority medical websites can be more beneficial than numerous links from less credible sources.

Good Internal Link Anchor Texts

Don’t just focus on links from external sites. Holding 3% weightage in Google’s 2023 algorithm, internal linking still plays a crucial role in SEO. For medical professionals, this means creating a cohesive and interconnected web of content on your site made of keyword-rich anchor texts. For instance, if you have multiple articles discussing different aspects of a specific treatment, linking them back to a comprehensive pillar page (passing link juice in the process) can significantly boost that page’s SEO value. Internal links not only help Google understand the structure and importance of your content but also enhance user navigation, guiding visitors to related and valuable information within your site.

4 – Establish Yourself as an Expert in Your Niche

Claiming 14% influence in Google’s current ranking algorithm, establishing yourself as a niche expert has never been more critical. For a physician or specialized medical clinic, this means creating authoritative pillar pages that center around key areas of expertise. For example, if your practice focuses on cardiac care, having pillar pages for “coronary artery disease,” “heart failure,” and “arrhythmias,” each supported by interlinked articles or blog posts, can demonstrate a strong and focused domain of expertise. Google recognizes such consistency around hub keywords as a signal of your authority in the cardiac care niche, improving your ranking prospects.

Domain Authority

Domain age and authority contribute to how Google perceives your expertise, though it isn’t a direct ranking factor by itself. External links citing high-authority sources such as research studies, government sites, or respected industry publications can enhance your website’s domain authority over time. For medical professionals, this can translate into better search rankings and more trust from both search engines and patients. A high authority site is often seen as a credible resource, so for clinics aiming to improve their online presence, leveraging authoritative sources can provide a considerable SEO advantage.

5 – Keep Your Audience Engaged

Similarly, high levels of audience engagement often correlate with return visits and better conversions. When patients find your content reliable and engaging, they are more likely to book an appointment or share your articles, thereby increasing the credibility and reach of your medical practice. In essence, high user engagement doesn’t just influence SEO; it’s a valuable measure of the effectiveness of your content strategy as a whole.

User Experience

In the realm of SEO, user experience extends beyond the content to include the website’s design and navigation. Google’s algorithm takes into account factors like mobile-friendliness, layout, and visual design when determining your site’s rank. For a medical clinic or practice, ensuring that your website is visually appealing, easy to navigate, and quick to load can significantly improve user experience. A well-designed site can make it easier for potential patients to find the information they’re seeking, whether it’s clinic hours, treatment options, or patient reviews.

Moreover, good user experience is intricately connected with the engagement metrics discussed earlier. A user-friendly site that’s easy to read and navigate naturally encourages longer visits and deeper engagement. By focusing on both content and user experience, medical practices can offer a holistic online presence that meets patient needs and aligns with Google’s ranking criteria. This dual focus not only improves your chances of ranking higher but also fosters trust and credibility among potential patients.

Don’t Forget About These Either

While the aforementioned ranking factors take center stage in influencing your website’s SEO performance, it’s essential not to overlook several other elements. These may not hold as much weight in the algorithm, but failing to meet a minimum threshold can result in significant penalties from Google. For a medical practice aiming for a robust online presence, ignoring these “supporting” factors is not an option. In the following sections, we’ll delve into the importance of Trustworthiness, Mobile-Friendliness, and Page Speed for your SEO strategy.

Trustworthiness

Trustworthiness has become increasingly crucial in the medical field, where misinformation can have dire consequences. With a 5% influence on Google’s 2023 algorithm, this ranking factor emphasizes the need for accurate, reliable, authoritative content supported by authoritative sites. For medical practices, this could mean referencing peer-reviewed studies, statistics from healthcare organizations, industry experts, or information from government health departments.

These citations not only elevate your content’s credibility but also align with Google’s “Your Money, Your Life” (YMYL) guidelines. Websites that fail to meet these standards of trustworthiness risk not only reduced rankings but also a loss of credibility among potential patients. Therefore, maintaining a high level of trustworthiness in your online content is non-negotiable for any medical practice aiming to establish a strong digital footprint.

Mobile Usability

Page Speed (Load Time)

While load speed may account for just 3% of Google’s 2023 ranking algorithm, its impact is significant. A Slow-loading speed not only frustrates users but also risks penalization from Google. For a medical practice, a website that takes too long to load can result in losing potential patients to competitors with faster sites. With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, users have little patience for slow page loading times. Studies have shown that even a one-second delay in page load time can result in decreased user engagement and conversion rates. Optimizing your website for speed should therefore be a top priority, even if it doesn’t carry the same weight as content or backlinks in the ranking algorithm. Leveraging techniques like browser caching, image optimization, and content delivery networks can go a long way in reducing your website’s load time, thus enhancing its ranking potential and user experience.

Core Web Vitals

Core Web Vitals serve as a subset of factors within the realm of page speed and user experience. For a medical practice keen on maximizing online visibility, it’s essential to pay attention to these metrics. They encompass elements like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP), which measures loading performance, First Input Delay (FID), evaluating interactivity, and Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS), assessing visual stability. Monitoring Core Web Vitals can provide valuable insights into the technical health of your website. Utilize tools like Google PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and Google Search Console to assess and improve these metrics. By optimizing for Core Web Vitals, you not only elevate your website’s ranking potential but also significantly improve the user experience, thereby retaining potential patients and encouraging them to engage more deeply with your content.

Prepare Your Search Engine Optimization Strategy Today

When creating a successful SEO strategy, it’s crucial for medical practices to stay ahead of the curve. Understanding the multifaceted aspects of Google’s ranking algorithm equips you with the tools to make informed decisions. The key ranking factors for 2023 that we’ve discussed are your blueprint for success. These are not mere suggestions; they’re necessities for any physician or medical clinic aiming for high SERP rankings and robust online visibility.

Given the complexities involved in SEO, especially in the healthcare sector, partnering with industry experts can make all the difference. Outsourcing to professionals allows you to focus on what truly matters—your patients. A seasoned SEO agency understands the nuances of medical marketing and can create a tailored strategy that aligns with your goals.

For those in the medical field looking for a reliable partner in digital marketing, Surgeon’s Advisor is an exceptional choice. With 20 years of specialized experience in medical marketing, we’ve worked with numerous physicians across various specialties. Our expertise in SEO for healthcare providers positions us as a leader in the industry, committed to delivering results that matter.