If I remember correctly, you mentioned at CAP, that google would be changing their ways in the future in that they would be focussing a bit less on back-links and more on the metrics, like number of pages viewed, time spent on the site and bounce rates, amongst others.
You said that we will all need to become “authority sites”
So, I wanted to ask you:
What, exactly, do you see an “authority site” as, in terms of what google wants to see?
and..
From your experience, what sort of figures should we be aiming for in terms of metrics – that is, metrics like pages/visit, bounce rate, average time on site and nay others that you think will be important?
I really appreciate any views you have on these questions
Cheers
Hi Dendrite,
Sorry for the delay in responding…its been quite hectic here lately.
Google says they look at several things, from the age of the URL and level content to the authority of the websites that link to you. Which is measure partially by the number of back link to the site linking to you and the same attributes as they look for in your site.
The jury is still out on the metrics that you mention because Google just recently admitted that they look at bounce rates and CTR’s. What I would try as a test is to put a doorway page between your landing page and your referrer link (if your an affiliate) so that at least one page registers. Also nofollow the affiliate link and if possible change the redirect from 0 to at least 1.
Both of these have proven successful but the testing is still in its early phase.
Cheers