The versatility of online platforms comes with a downside incorporated in websites and apps that seemingly offer value but, in reality, these locations supply spam, outdated information, or straightforward cause damage to the integrity of your private and business data.
Every search engine has its formula or a set of signals according to which websites are being ranked, and since Google is the most popular and advanced search engine available, we're going to examine how you can use Google's trust signals to improve the authenticity and credibility of your web page so it would not be neglected in search results.
To separate the wheat from the chaff, search engine developers came up with a solution that includes an algorithm tasked with keeping track of certain signals that show whether or not a website is trustworthy. Combining the results of the website monitoring process creates what we callsearch results ranking based on trust. If your website supplies useful, original, and well-created content, you should hope for a high-ranking position, otherwise, you could have your domain flagged as spam or worse and never appear in search results.
This algorithm scans your website to its full extent, including backlinks, content quality, both on and off-page settings, third-party information regarding your website… and the list goes on and keeps growing by the day. While many software solutions could help you understand the value of your content in the eyes of Google, there's no official software that could give you the exact numbers, as these results change extremely fast. However, knowing how the Google TrustRank algorithm works, allows us to build a high-ranking, trustworthy content and avoid being flagged as spam, scam, or low-quality platform.
So let's take a look at what you can do to use the TrustRank algorithm as a guideline for an authority website.
Apart from being one of the most important SEO strategies, using links to high-quality sources is also a positive signal for Google TrustRank. If you’re supplying certain information such as statistics, scientific information, or any other sort of data, it's best if you add a link to the source of information. Some content creators use shortcuts and link their statements to pages that only quote the source, which is not the same as providing your audience with the source link, where they can confirm the authenticity of your data and get even more information on the topic.
Privacy notes and Terms of Service are an essential part of your website because they provide guidelines to your visitors and allow each user a clear image of what you’re all about, what’s expected of them, and what everyone can expect from your content. Google TrustRank algorithm keeps this information in high regard.
As we already mentioned, user interaction is also of interest to your overall rank, the good thing is that you can keep track of your bounce rate, the number of sessions, share rate, and all other metrics that pinpoint the user interaction with your content. Needless to say, the more people interact with your brand online, the more trust you build with Google.
Another way to utilize the TrustRank algorithm to your advantage is to build a strong brand footprint online. This doesn't mean spending billions of dollars on marketing and making your name famous across the world to get noticed, rather put your brand name and insignia out there.
This includes:
Keep your contact information available on your website but also make sure to set your WHOIS information public. Transparency is of vital importance for the audience and search engines, as well. Furthermore, registering your domain name for a period longer than two years shows that you’re planning to stay and build a future online. These are all clear signs that online users can trust your intentions and rest assured they are safe in case of any liability issues.
These are some of the most important guidelines you should know about if you wish to have a positive trust rating with Google or any other search engine for that matter. It’s also very important to keep your affairs clean and provide a positive user experience. Keep in mind that Google often changes its algorithms so stay in touch with updates as much as you can.
John Peterson is a journalist with 4 years of experience working in college assignment writing and the London magazine “Shop&buy”. He is a professional mini-tennis player and he has written the novel “His heart”. You can find him onFacebook.
