The below article/video probably best represents how SEO is changing in 2015. It emphasizes specific metrics Google uses not just for its ranking formula, but for retention of that ranking. Basically, the ranking of a site needs to match its brand popularity, existing visitors and user engagement. If you have pages in position 1-3 for a keyword and hundreds of links, suggesting high traffic and user retention, but you only have trickle traffic and high bounce rates, Google smells "artificial" and will de-rank you.
If you don't brand your site sufficiently, demonstrate visitor traffic comes to it apart from SE traffic, or indicate a user relationship that tends to make the site 'sticky' for the visitor, upon a review of your site Google may likely de-rank it, even if the backlinking and on page SEO otherwise looks sound or natural.
This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.