How does Google display PDF files?
How does Google display PDF files?
When we perform a keyword search on Google, it adds PDF tags to the ranked PDF files. Through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, Google is able to convert the text images within the files into regular text for corresponding recognition. Additionally, images within the PDF can also be included in image search results.
Why are PDF files beneficial for improving SEO?
One advantage of using PDF files is their compatibility and consistency, as they can retain their original formatting across all devices. For industries that value visual resources, such as healthcare and machinery, high-quality PDF resources can even help websites gain exposure and higher rankings on the homepage. Taking the example of a project involving precision instruments conducted by Engine Power, after optimizing the PDF resources provided by their clients, the website gained 110,000 exposures and 2,562 clicks within the past year (May 2021 to May 2022).
From the keyword data, this project's PDF resources ranked for a total of 52 keywords, with some PDF resources even achieving first-page rankings.
How to optimize PDF files?
So, in the process of optimizing PDF resources on Google, how can we promote their optimization? Engine Power has summarized the following key points:
Optimization of PDF content orientation:
Select suitable content orientation and corresponding optimization keywords for PDF resources: Choosing appropriate optimization keywords is an important step in helping PDF resources compete with established web pages. For example, in the machinery and healthcare industries, many keywords like "product core word + catalog/PDF" have corresponding search volumes. PDF pages often achieve good rankings for such resource keywords. Therefore, before creating and uploading PDF resources, it is beneficial to have a rough estimation and understanding of the content based on actual industry keywords. You can also refer to competitors' official websites to grasp the overall PDF direction and content requirements of the industry, making your own PDF resources more aligned with the industry's tone and customers' actual needs.
Enhance the details of the PDF material itself: As mentioned earlier, Google can use OCR technology to convert text images into regular text for recognition. Therefore, similar to optimizing regular HTML web pages, professional and high-quality written content forms the foundation for achieving good rankings for PDF files. A comprehensive PDF doesn't necessarily have to be lengthy, but it must leave no doubts about the topic. High-quality PDF files should provide a comprehensive explanation of the information they offer or indicate resources that require further discussion. In addition to high-quality written content, PDF resources can incorporate SEO optimization elements at the detail level. For example, embedding optimized keywords/anchor texts can improve the cohesion between PDF resources and optimization keywords. Adding website information to the header and footer can provide customers with sufficient channels to contact the brand even after leaving the website. Compressing the PDF size can enhance the opening speed of PDF pages.
On-site optimization of PDF resources:
After creating the corresponding PDF resources, several points need to be considered for on-site optimization effectiveness:
Optimize the URL address and on-site title of the corresponding PDF page by incorporating relevant keywords.
Optimize the PDF list page by categorizing it effectively, helping customers find the PDF resources of their interest more quickly.
Enable password protection or email submission for PDF downloads to accurately identify and reach potential users.
Include a PDF download button on product detail pages to enrich the multimedia resources of the product page, improving the quality of the page and reducing the bounce rate.
Off-site optimization of PDF resources:
Apart from optimizing PDF resources on-site for page display, you can also gain more exposure and traffic by sending external links to the PDF resources. In addition to conventional PDF link libraries, you can further expand industry-related PDF external link platforms by researching competitors' external link data and conducting corresponding testing
When we perform a keyword search on Google, it adds PDF tags to the ranked PDF files. Through Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology, Google is able to convert the text images within the files into regular text for corresponding recognition. Additionally, images within the PDF can also be included in image search results.
Why are PDF files beneficial for improving SEO?
One advantage of using PDF files is their compatibility and consistency, as they can retain their original formatting across all devices. For industries that value visual resources, such as healthcare and machinery, high-quality PDF resources can even help websites gain exposure and higher rankings on the homepage. Taking the example of a project involving precision instruments conducted by Engine Power, after optimizing the PDF resources provided by their clients, the website gained 110,000 exposures and 2,562 clicks within the past year (May 2021 to May 2022).
From the keyword data, this project's PDF resources ranked for a total of 52 keywords, with some PDF resources even achieving first-page rankings.
How to optimize PDF files?
So, in the process of optimizing PDF resources on Google, how can we promote their optimization? Engine Power has summarized the following key points:
Optimization of PDF content orientation:
Select suitable content orientation and corresponding optimization keywords for PDF resources: Choosing appropriate optimization keywords is an important step in helping PDF resources compete with established web pages. For example, in the machinery and healthcare industries, many keywords like "product core word + catalog/PDF" have corresponding search volumes. PDF pages often achieve good rankings for such resource keywords. Therefore, before creating and uploading PDF resources, it is beneficial to have a rough estimation and understanding of the content based on actual industry keywords. You can also refer to competitors' official websites to grasp the overall PDF direction and content requirements of the industry, making your own PDF resources more aligned with the industry's tone and customers' actual needs.
Enhance the details of the PDF material itself: As mentioned earlier, Google can use OCR technology to convert text images into regular text for recognition. Therefore, similar to optimizing regular HTML web pages, professional and high-quality written content forms the foundation for achieving good rankings for PDF files. A comprehensive PDF doesn't necessarily have to be lengthy, but it must leave no doubts about the topic. High-quality PDF files should provide a comprehensive explanation of the information they offer or indicate resources that require further discussion. In addition to high-quality written content, PDF resources can incorporate SEO optimization elements at the detail level. For example, embedding optimized keywords/anchor texts can improve the cohesion between PDF resources and optimization keywords. Adding website information to the header and footer can provide customers with sufficient channels to contact the brand even after leaving the website. Compressing the PDF size can enhance the opening speed of PDF pages.
On-site optimization of PDF resources:
After creating the corresponding PDF resources, several points need to be considered for on-site optimization effectiveness:
Optimize the URL address and on-site title of the corresponding PDF page by incorporating relevant keywords.
Optimize the PDF list page by categorizing it effectively, helping customers find the PDF resources of their interest more quickly.
Enable password protection or email submission for PDF downloads to accurately identify and reach potential users.
Include a PDF download button on product detail pages to enrich the multimedia resources of the product page, improving the quality of the page and reducing the bounce rate.
Off-site optimization of PDF resources:
Apart from optimizing PDF resources on-site for page display, you can also gain more exposure and traffic by sending external links to the PDF resources. In addition to conventional PDF link libraries, you can further expand industry-related PDF external link platforms by researching competitors' external link data and conducting corresponding testing