I do not understand!

Google ranking

[troi21]

I monitor the top sites for my keywords quite closely. Today, I noticed a site that is number nine on google for the keywords. The content of the page mentions the keywords once. The content is very sparse (about four or five lines). The pr for the site is 5 and there are no backlinks. I have never seen this site before and they are number nine and I am nowhere to be seen! I am working hard on content, quality links etc and I am disheartened to see a site doing well and breaking the rules! Is it all more random than we think?

[digitalghost]

>>see a site doing well and breaking the rules

What rules are being broken? How are you determining backlinks? Must have some links coming from somewhere...

[troi21]

maybe all the backlinks were below pr 4...
{i meant the content, quality links rule...}

[chiyo]

Ive noticed that new sites (but probably with at least one good incoming link for a high Pr external page) appear relatively high in rankings on their first entry into the index. This disappers on the next update. If this site is new, that may be the explanation.

[digitalghost]

Content is for the user, and the users are the kings, (and queens to be politically correct) but chances are that the site has presented a page that seems to be about just what it says it is about. I've seen numerous instances in which content padding isn't effective. In fact, adding content just for the sake of adding content defeats the purpose.

I am also quite sick of seeing the phrase, "Content is King" which is rubbish. (I paid Nick a nickel for use of the word rubbish);)

Useful content is king

[martinibuster]

In the Google serp, there is the option of viewing the cached page. Google will highlight the keywords, and if the keywords are in incoming links, will state as much.

Do you mean to say that the keywords are not in the title or the meta description either?

[troi21]

The keywords are in the URL and the meta description (but they are in mine too!)

And about content... I find it very difficult creating content for a commercial site. I just read another post and fresh content was emphasised. Sometimes it is just impossible to do that!

[BigDave]

And about content... I find it very difficult creating content for a commercial site. I just read another post and fresh content was emphasised. Sometimes it is just impossible to do that!

Then the webmaster who finds it possible will knock you out of the running with both the search engines and the users.

If my statement sounds harsh, that is because it is a harsh fact. If you are unable to do it, get someone who can. Look at your competitor's sites, I bet some of them are able to create something that at least looks like original content.

[troi21]

Actually, my competitors don't have much content at all. That's why I am making the effort in the hopes that I can gain the advantage.