SEO: the top ranking factors for Google and other search engines [2025]

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Table of contents

Google is constantly developing its business model and therefore also the search engine itself. The same applies to alternative search engines. Not to mention the triumphant advance of social media platforms and their influence on online marketing as a whole. Accordingly, the Ranking factors for organic search results change over time or at least in the Weighting be assessed differently.

What is meant by ranking factors?

Ranking factors are the criteria used by Google and other search engines to determine which websites appear higher up in the organic search results. They evaluate therelevance, quality and user-friendliness on one side. Factors such as content quality, backlinks, technical optimisation and user experiencealmost always play a central role. 

The aim of search engines is to provide users with the best and most suitable results to deliver. Remember: If you focus too much on one ranking factor, this will not necessarily mean that you will generate a particularly good search result. Think about it: a page loads ultra-fast and looks great, but offers really poor content or a product that simply doesn't appeal to you or, in the worst case, that you weren't even looking for. Would you then rate the page as a good search result?

Tip: Try theoptimisation always from the user's perspectiveinstead of just from the perspective of your favourite discipline.

branding

A strong brand is essential for SEO in the coming years. Google evaluates the importance of a brand among other things based on the frequency of brand-related search queries. If users often search for your brand in connection with certain keywords (e.g. "web analysis tool Trackboxx", "white sneakers men Zara" or mini SUV electric brand XYZ), this signals trust and familiarity to Google, which has a positive effect on your ranking.

Study results: Google loves brands.

A relatively recent study by British SEO expert Michael Sandford shows that websites with high brand-related traffic are favoured by Google, while sites with many generic (non-branded) search queries tend to perform worse. It also appears that high Google Ads traffic can have a positive influence on the ranking.

unique content

Unique and high-quality content is a key factor for a good, sustainable ranking. However, it is no longer enough to simply create relevant content for the main theme of a website or to serve the target group accordingly; your content must stand out from the crowd - especially in times of ChatGPT. You can achieve this bycontributing your own data, personal experiences or unique perspectivesin other words, you really create individual added value.

technical aspects

A technically flawless website is the basis for successful SEO. This includes the following aspects:

  • a fast loading time
  • mobile optimisation 
  • a clear page structure 

Google legt großen Wert auf die Benutzererfahrung, weshalb technische Mängel fast immer zu schlechteren Rankings führen, selbst wenn der Inhalt nicht schlecht ist.

EEAT criteria

Google legt großen Wert auf die sogenannte EEAT-Formel: Erfahrung, Fachwissen, Autorität und Vertrauenswürdigkeit. These factors help Google to assess whether a website provides trustworthy and high-quality content. Especially in sensitive areas such as health, finance or law, EEAT is crucial for good rankings.

Um diese Kriterien zu erfüllen, sollte der Inhalt von echten Experten stammen, regelmäßig aktualisiert werden und durch glaubwürdige Quellen untermauert sein. Auch positive Nutzerbewertungen, Erwähnungen(Markenerwähnungen, Co-Zitationen) in renommierten Medien oder Backlinks von autoritativen Seiten können das EEAT-Profil stärken. 

user signals

Nutzersignale zeigen Google, wie Besucher mit einer Website interagieren und ob die technischen Aspekte und die Benutzererfahrung tatsächlich gut sind, d.h. ob viele der oben genannten Punkte erfüllt sind. Faktoren wie Click-through rate (CTR), Verweildauer und Absprungrate give an indication of whether a page Relevant and appealing contentoffers. The more positive these signals are, the more likely Google is to classify the page as valuable - which can have a positive effect on the ranking.

All data at a glance

In the Trackboxx, our cookie-free and GDPR-compliant tracking toolyou can see the most important user signals directly at a glance. This allows you to collect valuable information that you can then use to optimise your website. If you want, you can test Trackboxx free of charge for 30 days - without any risk, as this does not automatically result in a paid subscription. 

Christian

Expert in web development & online marketing with over 15 years of experience.
Developer & CEO of Trackboxx - the Google Analytics alternative.

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