Search engine optimisation (SEO) professionals have suspected this for years, and Google has recently verified it. A rare insight into the search engine’s evaluation of web pages and the determination of how to rank higher on Google Search was obtained through a recently surfaced deposition from one of its engineers.
Three primary factors are involved: Anchors, Body, and Clicks.
Currently, these are being referred to as the ABC ranking signals. They are indicative of the manner in which Google evaluates on-page content, link text, and user engagement to determine which pages to prioritise in the search results.
What the Deposition Revealed About Google’s Systems
Recent disclosures from a deposition in May provide insight into the operation of Google’s search systems. These findings substantiate the SEO community’s long-standing apprehensions and establish new priorities for content optimisation and an accurate Google ranking check.
One of the most significant insights is the substantiation of the “ABC” signals: Anchors, Body, and Clicks.
“The revelations were enlightening, but they were not unexpected.” According to Ron Villoria, Demand Generation Lead SEO Strategist at SVBY Internet Marketing Agency, Google has now confirmed what many of us have long suspected: that user signals such as interactions and engagement are more significant than Google publicly acknowledges.
“It emphasised that it is not optional to produce genuinely beneficial content and exceptional experiences.” Strategy is the issue.
Despite the fact that SEOs have harboured strong suspicions regarding this matter for years, the confirmation of this fact underscores the importance of prioritising user experience and informative content in order to enhance Google search rankings.
What Are Google’s ABC Ranking Signals?
The ABC signals are the fundamental component of the Google search ranking algorithm, which is responsible for determining the relevance of a page to a search query. The algorithm is composed of numerous moving elements. The three signals that comprise the basis of T*, or Topicality, as defined by Google.
Google’s initial score for the extent to which a page aligns with the intent and content of a search query is known as topicality. The ABC signals provide a more transparent view of how relevance is determined and how businesses can leverage this knowledge to enhance their Google ranking check results, despite the fact that they are merely a component of a much larger system.
Anchors
The “A” in ABC represents Anchors, which is the anchor text utilised in hyperlinks that direct to a specific page. These links assist Google in comprehending the context of the destination page.
For instance, Google interprets the presence of numerous reputable websites linking to a page that contains the phrase “SEO strategies for small businesses” as a strong indicator of the content of the page.
Relevance is also directly influenced by the anchor text. The topical alignment of a page with search terms is enhanced when the anchor text is descriptive and matches the search terms. This is particularly significant because these links frequently originate from external sources, which directly enhances the credibility of the target page and directly contributes to the performance of Google search rankings.
Body
The “B” in ABC denotes the body of the content, which is the actual text and terms that are present on a page. Here, Google assesses whether the content of the page is consistent with the searcher’s query.
The released documents indicate that the terms contained within the body of a document are essential for the determination of its topicality. The relevance of key terms to the query’s language and focus is assessed by Google’s systems. This implies that in order to achieve a high ranking in Google search results, your content must explicitly address search intent.
Nevertheless, this is not merely a superficial examination. In order to comprehensively evaluate the significance of a page, the algorithm employs deep analysis, which includes semantic understanding and annotation.
Clicks
Clicks, or the manner in which users engage with search results, are represented by the “C” in ABC.
Dwell time is one of the most informative signals, which refers to the duration of time an individual spends on a page before returning to the search results. Users’ retention and click-through rates indicate that the content is satisfactory. However, if they return to the search results almost immediately, it indicates that the page may not be relevant or useful.
The ranking of sites in Google search results is directly influenced by this engagement data. Leaked documents suggest that Google may utilise Chrome data to gain a more comprehensive understanding of user behaviour, thereby incorporating actual interaction into its ranking decisions.
This prompts critical enquiries regarding the collection and utilisation of data.
“If Google employs Chrome data to determine the ranking of websites, it raises significant privacy concerns.” Users do not anticipate that their perusing will influence search results. However, Villoria advised against drawing premature conclusions and disseminating inaccurate information due to the fact that the matter has not been verified.
Although the complete scope of Chrome’s role is still uncertain, user engagement continues to be significant. Pages that captivate the reader are considerably more likely to receive favourable search engine rankings.
4 Tips on How To Rank Higher on Google Search for the ABC Era
Businesses have a clear opportunity to revise their SEO strategies now that Google’s ABC signals have been confirmed as essential components in determining relevance.
How to modify your methodology to satisfy these criteria is as follows.
Optimize Anchor Text With Purpose
Anchor text assists Google in comprehending the subject matter of the linked page. This implies that employing ambiguous language will not be advantageous. Instead, strive to produce anchor text that is seamlessly integrated into the encompassing content. This is true regardless of whether you are establishing internal links or acquiring hyperlinks from other websites.
Internal links should provide valuable context, assisting both users and search engines. When generating hyperlinks or contributing guest content, it is possible to propose an anchor text that accurately represents the value of the linked page.
Anchor text has consistently been an essential component of search engine optimisation (SEO); however, marketers have evolved their tactical approach to it.
“Until the Penguin crackdown, exact match anchors were effective years ago.” Presently, the primary objective is to preserve its authenticity and relevance. Villoria stated, “You are doing it correctly if the link is helpful and logical in the context of the content.”
In summary, anchor text that is effective does not attempt to be overly ambitious. It is logical, and that is precisely what Google is seeking.
Strengthen the Body of Your Content
Today, the production of content that is highly effective necessitates a move beyond superficial optimisation. It pertains to the provision of substance.
“Strong on-page content is concentrated on two primary areas: semantic depth and natural language.” “It must be semantically structured, focused on context, and user intent in order to be effective for both humans and machines,” stated Brandon George, Director of Content at SVBY Internet Marketing Agency.
“Your content should be directed towards addressing the most significant pain points of your customers and should be beneficial to them.” Provide genuine, valuable information by conducting a thorough investigation.
However, this does not imply that keywords are irrelevant, as profundity and semantics have assumed a central role.
“Keyword usage remains substantial in 2025.” Google does not require exact-match repetition, as it can more effectively interpret semantic relevance through the use of natural language processing and machine learning.
However, it is still important to incorporate keywords and endeavour to include them within the first 100 words of the body content. Keyword strategy has been improved by semantic relevance; however, it has not been entirely supplanted.
In order to achieve consistent rankings in Google search results, enterprises must:
- Begin by determining whether users are in the process of researching, comparing, or preparing to take action.
- Utilise visual hierarchy, bullet points, and headings to facilitate the scanning and comprehension of content.
- Prioritise clarity and substance over superficial coverage or awkward keyword stuffing.
- Address the specific enquiries that your audience is likely to have. Avoid requiring them to search for the solution.
- Incorporate related phrases and entities in a natural manner to assist in the establishment of semantic relevance.
- To increase credibility and engagement, substantiate claims with examples, data, or visuals.
On-page content that is robust provides insightful responses and strategically integrates keywords. Strong search performance is the result of concentrating on being sincerely helpful.
Focus on Click Signals and User Engagement
It is no longer sufficient to achieve the highest ranking in search results. The actions that consumers take subsequent to clicking are equally, if not more, critical.
“User engagement signals, including content satisfaction, click-through rate, and time on site, should be prioritised by businesses,” Villoria stated. This entails a change in emphasis from an emphasis on ranking to an emphasis on earning and maintaining the click.
“Content must be more original, experience-driven, and composed by genuine individuals.” Performance and crawlability remain significant from a technical standpoint; however, they are insufficient to compensate for content that fails to resonate or convert.
In order to implement this:
- Compose meta descriptions and title tags that are both compelling and accurate. Clickbait should be avoided, as it will only serve to alienate users by promising something that cannot be fulfilled.
- Enhance clarity and efficiency. Users tend to remain more engaged and remain for an extended period of time when they encounter a rapid, seamless experience.
- Establish a compelling value proposition that is visible above the fold. Guarantee that the initial element that users encounter is directly related to their inquiry and motivates them to continue reading.
- Emphasise the importance of originality and realistic relevance. Content that appears to be generic or automated will not captivate the audience, and Google is aware of this.
Creating an experience that people desire to remain in is essential for achieving a high ranking. Your search performance will be enhanced as your page more effectively fulfils intent and attracts attention.
Audit and Improve Your Content Regularly
This is the opportune moment to reevaluate your existing content and guarantee that it continues to provide value as Google’s systems become increasingly sophisticated. This is due to the fact that consistent content assessments enable you to identify issues prior to their adverse effects on performance, and a periodic Google ranking check can indicate which pages require the most attention.
Question yourself:
- Is the information still relevant and beneficial?
- Is it possible to enhance the content’s profundity or clarity?
- Are all internal and external links still pertinent and functional?
However, in the context of ongoing algorithm updates and competitive adjustments, how frequently should businesses review their content?
“Monthly evaluations of high-traffic pages, including the homepage and service/product pages, are recommended for businesses.” It is sufficient to publish content on a quarterly or biannual basis for the majority of other types.
Additionally, Google’s algorithm is constantly changing, necessitating a review of your content to identify potential modifications that could affect your search rankings.
Finally, your rankings may have declined as a result of recent modifications and enhancements to your competitors’ content. Consequently, this could necessitate that you evaluate and revise your content in order to remain competitive, George stated.
The key point: In order to remain competitive in search and maintain visibility, it is imperative to conduct continuous evaluations and updates.
Ready To Rank Smarter in the ABC Era?
Understanding Google’s ABC signals provides businesses with a more direct approach to enhancing their visibility. Nevertheless, these insights necessitate more than mere surface-level modifications. It necessitates a comprehensive strategy that considers technical performance, user engagement, site structure, and content quality.
SVBY assists businesses in transforming search insights into action. Our SEO services enhance search visibility by employing strategies that are supported by actual data. Our content writing team generates content that addresses enquiries and aligns with your organization’s objectives in the event that your website necessitates more effective messaging or more practical on-page copy.
The indexing and ranking of your website are significantly influenced by its technical performance. Our technical SEO specialists manage a wide range of tasks, including mobile usability, crawl errors, and site speed. Our SEO audits identify voids and opportunities that can enhance results, providing a comprehensive understanding of your current situation.
And if your website requires a more robust foundation, our web design team creates custom websites that are both professional and load rapidly on all devices.
Therefore, let us collaborate to enhance your online presence. Reach out to us today.
