What to Know:
– Google’s John Mueller recently answered a question about whether it is possible to stop banner ads from being indexed by Google as part of the main content.
– The question was asked during a Google Search Central SEO office-hours hangout.
– Mueller explained that Google’s algorithms are designed to understand the main content of a page and differentiate it from other elements such as ads.
– He stated that Google tries to understand the purpose of different elements on a page and determine which ones are part of the main content.
– Mueller also mentioned that Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving and improving, so it is possible that they may become better at understanding and handling different types of content in the future.
– He advised webmasters to focus on creating high-quality, unique, and valuable content for their users, rather than trying to manipulate search engine rankings by blocking certain elements from being indexed.
The Full Story:
During a recent Google Search Central SEO office-hours hangout, Google’s John Mueller answered a question about whether it is possible to stop banner ads from being indexed by Google as part of the main content.
The question was asked by a webmaster who was concerned that banner ads on their website were being indexed by Google and potentially affecting their search engine rankings. They wanted to know if there was a way to prevent these ads from being indexed as part of the main content.
In response, Mueller explained that Google’s algorithms are designed to understand the main content of a page and differentiate it from other elements such as ads. He stated that Google tries to understand the purpose of different elements on a page and determine which ones are part of the main content.
Mueller also mentioned that Google’s algorithms are constantly evolving and improving, so it is possible that they may become better at understanding and handling different types of content in the future. However, he did not provide any specific information about whether there are any plans to specifically address the indexing of banner ads.
Instead, Mueller advised webmasters to focus on creating high-quality, unique, and valuable content for their users. He emphasized that search engines like Google are focused on providing the best possible search results for users, and they prioritize content that is helpful and relevant.
Mueller’s advice aligns with Google’s overall approach to search engine optimization (SEO), which is to focus on creating great content and providing a good user experience. Google’s algorithms are designed to reward websites that provide valuable and relevant content, while penalizing those that engage in manipulative tactics to try to improve their search engine rankings.
In conclusion, while it may not be possible to specifically block banner ads from being indexed as part of the main content, webmasters can focus on creating high-quality content that provides value to their users. By doing so, they can improve their chances of ranking well in search engine results and attracting organic traffic to their websites.
Overall, the key takeaway from Mueller’s response is that webmasters should prioritize creating great content rather than trying to manipulate search engine rankings by blocking certain elements from being indexed. Google’s algorithms are designed to understand and differentiate different types of content, and they are constantly evolving to provide the best possible search results for users.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-on-blocking-banner-ads-from-getting-indexed-as-main-content/493271/