SEO North Brisbane

What is Topical Authority? Google determines topical authority by evaluating a website’s relevance, expertise, and trustworthiness for a specific topic or keyword. The exact mechanisms behind Google’s algorithm are not publicly disclosed, but several factors have been proven to contribute to establishing topical authority:

1. Content depth and quality: Websites that consistently produce high-quality, comprehensive, and well-researched content related to a specific topic are more likely to be considered authoritative. Google’s algorithm can analyse the depth and relevance of the content on a website, as well as its overall structure and organisation.
2. Backlink profile: The number and quality of backlinks pointing to a website are strong indicators of its authority. If a site receives backlinks from other authoritative and relevant websites within the same topical niche, it’s more likely to be considered a topical authority.
3. Internal linking structure: A well-organised internal linking structure that connects related content within a website can help Google understand the topical focus and authority of a site.
4. User engagement: High user engagement, such as click-through rates, time spent on a page, and low bounce rates, indicates that users find the content valuable and relevant. Google takes user behavior signals into account when evaluating topical authority.
5. Social signals: Although not a direct ranking factor, social media engagement (likes, shares, comments) can indirectly influence topical authority. A website that generates significant social media activity related to a specific topic can be seen as more authoritative and relevant.
6. Brand mentions: Unlinked brand mentions or citations can also contribute to topical authority. If a website is frequently mentioned and cited as a source of information for a specific topic, it can be perceived as an authority in that area.
7. E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): Google uses E-E-A-T as a measure of a website’s credibility. A site that demonstrates expertise (authors with relevant credentials), authoritativeness (recognised by peers and industry publications), and trustworthiness (a safe and secure website with accurate information) is more likely to be considered a topical authority. (Read more about E-E-A-T from Google).

To increase your website’s topical authority for a specific keyword, we focus on creating high-quality, in-depth content related to that topic, building a diverse backlink profile from authoritative sources within your niche, and optimising your site for user experience and engagement. Additionally, ensure that your website demonstrates expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness to build credibility and improve its chances of being recognised as a topical authority.