Search Engine Optimization (SEO) has become a very important element for attracting traffic to web sites. With Google’s domination of the search world, most SEO has been built around the algorithm developed by Google. But with Bing’s introduction and the potential for growth, how might this affect SEO as we know it?
One thing is clear: search results from Bing are different than those delivered by Google. See for yourself in a side-by-side comparison. SEO experts are still working to uncover more details of the Bing algorithm. In the meantime, here are some factors that are strongly believed to be of importance when considering SEO and website ranking with Bing:
1) Bing prefers quality of backlinks to quantity. With Bing, it is more important that the backlinks are relevant to the page or linked back to your domain.
2) Even though the quantity of inbound links may be of less importance, evidence shows that Bing is keen on anchor text. Anchor text should utilize keywords and phrases pertinent to your company, while also suitably reflecting the content that a user is about to view.
3) Established sites and larger, dependable organizations are thought to receive better rankings, which could prove difficult for bloggers and smaller websites.
4) Age of domain is important. An extended ownership shows a commitment to the domain and helps confirm that your site is not a temporary spam site.
5) Fresh and original content is weighed heavily in Google; experts believe it isn’t as vital with Bing.
6) And, of course, standard search engine optimization rules still apply. Incorporate unique HTML title tags and meta tags for each page of your website. Use H1 tags and text navigation links, and incorporate keywords into URL strings whenever possible.
It may still be too early to determine what specific steps (if any) are necessary to properly optimize your website for placement in Bing. We’ll wait to see how users respond and whether or not the Microsoft search engine will, in fact, hold on and continue to cut Google’s market share.
Mikaela is a search engine specialist and digital communications trends watchdog for The Flint Group.
