SEO Testing: Exploring the Use of Hidden Test Keywords

Hidden test keywords in SEO are unique, non-competitive strings added inconspicuously to a webpage. They serve as markers to understand how search engines index and interpret site content. By monitoring when and how these keywords appear in search results, SEO professionals can gauge the indexing speed and efficiency of their website. This technique aids in identifying indexing patterns, testing the impact of various SEO strategies, and optimizing the site’s overall search performance.

Use a Hidden Test Keyword

This is a unique, non-competitive phrase that you add to your page, but in a way that visitors can’t see. You can place this keyword in a hidden span tag at the bottom of an article. For example, use a basic password generator (eg 1Password) to make a random string like “uem9xqd0bth6txk7JCP”, or a random more memorable sentence like “needle-shirt-hebraic-talisman-gaslight-moneyed”.

Monitor Google/Bing/etc’s Response

After adding this hidden keyword, observe how long it takes for Google to index this change. Check when this keyword starts appearing in Google’s search results. This will give you insights into how quickly Google processes changes on your site.

Identify Problem Pages

Use the hidden keyword to find pages that might be having issues. See how this keyword behaves differently on these pages compared to others.

Experiment with Placement

Try putting the hidden keyword in different places on your page, like in a data attribute, a title attribute, or a class attribute. This helps you understand how different parts of your page are crawled and indexed by Google.

Simple Testing

These tests are straightforward – they either work or they don’t. You don’t need complicated methodologies to start with.

Replicate and Analyze

Don’t rely on single instances. If you’re testing a theory (e.g., more images improve rankings), apply this change (like adding images) to multiple pages. Analyze these pages as a group to see the overall effect.

Look for Patterns and Averages

Instead of drawing conclusions from a single page, look at how your changes affect multiple pages. This gives you a more reliable data set to work with.

Remember, in SEO testing, consistency and observation are key. It’s about making controlled changes, monitoring the results, and using those insights to optimize your site more effectively. As you grow in experience, you can delve into more complex testing methodologies.