Google has just unveiled the third edition of its SEO Starter Guide. Compared to the previous version, this one is about half the length and mainly targets individuals who are new to SEO.

The guide was initially published in 2008 as a downloadable PDF and received its last major update in 2017.

What’s new. Google described the latest edition as a “pocket-sized” version of the original guide, designed specifically for beginners. The company emphasized that it now places more emphasis on the topics most relevant to those just starting out in SEO and explains why these areas matter.

Sections removed:

• Glossary: Instead of a dedicated glossary, terms are now explained within context on the page.
• Structured data: This was cut because Google considers it an advanced topic not necessary for beginners. Additionally, if users are working with platforms like Wix or Squarespace, plugins can often handle structured data without needing manual coding.
• Mobile-friendliness: Since most modern websites and platforms already offer mobile-friendly features, Google felt this section was no longer essential.
• Site performance analysis: This content was removed to keep the guide focused on beginner-level tasks. Google labeled performance analysis as a “next step” and better suited for advanced users.

Sections added:

• Why do this: New explanations have been introduced to answer questions like “why should I do this?” and “why is something missing?”
• What is: The duplicate content section has been expanded to define what duplicate content is and how to resolve it. A short new segment on video SEO has also been added.
• SEO theories and ideas: A new part explores common misconceptions and outlines areas where beginners shouldn’t focus too much energy. Another addition explains how long it may take before seeing results from SEO efforts.

Content condensed or streamlined:

• “Are you on Google” sections: Merged into a single, simplified explanation on how to check whether your site appears in Google Search and what to do if it doesn’t.
• “Do I Need SEO” section: Now reduced to two sentences with a link to a separate, full-length document.
• Title links and snippets: Shortened significantly and instead refers readers to more detailed standalone resources.
• Images: Streamlined to emphasize the importance of alt text for beginners.
• “Opt out of Google Search”: While still important, Google decided it’s not the main reason someone would be reading this guide.
• Links: Condensed without changing the core message, emphasizing their value for both users and search engines.
• Promoting a site: Summarized and linked to the Google for Creators resource, which provides more in-depth coverage.
• Site structure: Most of this remained unchanged, though some subsections were removed:
  • Navigation: Replaced by a focus on aggressively linking key URLs internally.
  • 404 pages: Google stated they don’t place much importance on 404 pages and advised site owners to simply do what works best for their users.
  • Breadcrumb setup: Considered an advanced topic, so it was omitted.

Looking ahead. Although Google hopes this updated starter guide won’t need further changes, the company plans to continue improving its documentation to make it even clearer and easier to understand over time.

Why this matters. Many SEO professionals, both new and experienced, have read this guide at some point. With the update now live, it’s worth taking a few minutes to review the changes.

You can view the old version via the Wayback Machine and compare it with the current version available online.

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