Creating relevant and high-quality content increases your chances of achieving a better SEO score.
Achieving consistent top rankings on Google isn’t just about “great content” or a “great user experience.” As a result, an SEO specialist’s job often resembles that of a detective investigating a crime scene—trying to make sense of clues and anticipate patterns. Semrush, a global leader in digital marketing and SEO tools, sheds light on the latest developments in Google’s algorithm.
In its report, “Google Ranking Factors”, Semrush, known for its expertise in SEO data analysis, analyzed more than 300,000 Google results to study the ranking factors that determine positioning on the world’s leading search engine. The study reveals a major shift. While ranking on results pages has traditionally relied heavily on SEO, Google now prioritizes relevant content. This is a game-changing development: content creators will now be able to focus more on meeting reader expectations and less on the algorithm.
SEO Ranking in 2025: The Importance of Content and URLs
For this study, Semrush analyzed a sample of 16,298 filtered keywords (to exclude navigational, branded, adult, and misspelled queries). For each keyword, the top 20 results were analyzed, resulting in over 300,000 organic positions analyzed for this ranking.
Among the many factors analyzed, those that most strongly influence SERP (Search Engine Results Page) ranking are the relevance of the text and organic traffic from the URL and domain. Content quality not only attracts readers but also contributes to a positive user experience, a factor that search engines increasingly value.
“By creating relevant, high-quality content, you not only increase your chances of achieving higher rankings, but you also build a strong reputation and trust among internet users, which are essential elements for long-term online success,” explains Julie Farley, EMEA Marketing Director at Semrush, a recognized authority in the field of digital marketing and SEO.
What is Effective SEO Content?
The two most important factors in the “content” category are text relevance and content quality, with a correlation rate of 0.47 and 0.17 respectively. (This correlation rate represents the strength of the link between the value of a factor and its position on the SERPs). The curve below shows the link between text relevance and the page’s position in queries, highlighting how important text relevance is to rank well in Google’s results.
Google determines relevance not just by keyword matching but through understanding user intent, semantic search, and topical authority. The more closely the content aligns with the user’s query and their intent, the higher the page will rank. Therefore, writing with the audience in mind—focusing on their specific needs and concerns—is critical.
Likewise, top-ranking pages feature quality content, as defined by Google’s content guidelines. These guidelines emphasize the importance of providing comprehensive information, insightful analysis, and unique perspectives. Content should not just address real issues, but also offer original value that enhances the user experience.
In addition to focusing on the quality of internal content, it’s also essential to build a solid external presence through a well-selected network of backlinks that align with your target audience’s interests.
“These links not only signal to search engines that your content is reliable and valuable, but they also expand your site’s exposure to a wider audience,” explains Julie Farley. “Links from other sites to your project are like positive references that convey authority. Transparency about the author and credentials, as well as references to reliable sources, are important indicators of credibility in any online context.”
Trust Signals
When we talk about trust signals, it’s important to highlight what these might include in practice: an author bio with qualifications, a clear “About Us” page, contact information, and references to trusted sources. These elements demonstrate that the content is credible and written by an expert in the field.
SEO: False Good Ideas
The study also highlights factors that negatively impact ranking, such as the number of tables (-0.02 correlation), age of content in days (-0.02), number of words in the title (-0.05), bounce rate (-0.06), and server response time (0.06). These are linked to user experience, which favors clear, readable text and pages that load quickly.
Key Takeaways for Content Creators and SEO Specialists
Based on these insights, here are some actionable recommendations to enhance content and improve rankings:
Focus on Relevance: Conduct thorough audience research to understand their search intent. Create content that addresses their exact needs and provides meaningful answers to their questions.
Enhance Content Quality: Aim for comprehensive, in-depth content that presents unique insights, avoiding generic or duplicate information. Prioritize a clear, readable structure and high-quality analysis.
Improve Trust Signals: Make sure your content is credible. Provide author bios, include contact information, and ensure your content references authoritative sources.
Build a Strong External Presence: Develop a strategic approach to backlinks, seeking links from authoritative sites within your niche to improve both visibility and trustworthiness.
For more in-depth insights, you can access the full Google Ranking Factors study here
Transparency and Source Attribution
The findings shared in this article come directly from Semrush, a recognized leader in SEO analysis tools, and represent the study’s insights at a specific point in time. Google’s algorithm is continually evolving, so these insights offer valuable guidance but may not apply indefinitely.
Final Thoughts
To align with Google’s Helpful Content guidelines, focus on creating content that is genuinely useful, relevant, and of high quality. Keep in mind that user experience remains paramount in SEO, and staying current with the latest insights from studies like Semrush’s will give you an edge in achieving lasting online success.
If you’re looking to apply these SEO insights to a specific niche, whether it’s for a Google block breaker game or other content, understanding the relevance and quality factors outlined here will be crucial in improving your rankings
FAQs
1. How can I improve my Google search rankings?
To improve your Google search rankings, focus on creating relevant, high-quality content, optimizing for user intent, improving site speed, and building authoritative backlinks.
2. What is content relevance in SEO?
Content relevance refers to how closely your content matches the user’s search intent and query. Google rewards content that answers user questions accurately and comprehensively.
3. How important are backlinks for SEO?
Backlinks are crucial for SEO as they signal to Google that other websites trust and value your content, which can improve your site’s authority and ranking.
4. How does user experience affect SEO?
Google considers user experience factors like page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and easy navigation when ranking content. A positive user experience leads to higher rankings.
5. How often should I update my content for SEO?
Regularly updating your content with fresh, relevant information helps maintain its relevance and ranking. Aim to update high-performing content periodically to stay current.
Saad Raza is an SEO specialist with 7+ years of experience in driving organic growth and improving search rankings. Skilled in data-driven strategies, keyword research, content optimization, and technical SEO, he helps businesses boost online visibility and achieve sustainable results. Passionate about staying ahead of industry trends, Saad delivers measurable success for his clients.