100 Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Interview Questions and Answers for Beginners 2024

1. What is the Job of SEO?

Answer : The core responsibility of an SEO professional is to stay updated on the latest ranking factors, develop strategies accordingly, and implement effective optimization techniques. They collaborate closely with content creators and web development teams to ensure the website is both user-friendly and search engine optimized. The ultimate goal is to enhance user experience while driving more traffic and improving rankings for relevant search terms on Google.

2.  What is the importance of SEO?

Answer: SEO is crucial for boosting a website’s visibility on search engines, which directly impacts business growth. By improving search rankings, SEO helps drive more traffic to the site, attract potential customers, and increase online sales of products and services, ultimately contributing to business expansion.

Here’s a deeper look at the importance of SEO in digital marketing:

a) Build trust and credibility
SEO allows businesses and individuals to showcase their websites to a vast audience. As their online visibility grows, so does their authority and trustworthiness. For example, top results in searches related to digital marketing often include sites like neilpatel.com, backlinko.com, and hubspot.com. Their consistent presence builds brand recognition and credibility.

b) Reach a broad audience
SEO is one of the best ways to organically reach millions of users. By producing relevant and targeted content within a specific niche, websites can attract a large audience. Learning how to create such content can be achieved through reputable online content writing courses.

c) Improve user experience (UX)
While many businesses have websites, not all are optimized for SEO. Effective SEO strategies improve user experience, focusing on factors like site security, loading speed, and high-quality content. These enhancements not only improve SEO rankings but also create a more satisfying experience for users. Understanding UX is essential when preparing for SEO interviews, especially for beginners.

d) Lead generation and conversion
SEO helps attract the right audience to a website, creating more opportunities for lead generation and conversion. By targeting specific keywords and optimizing for relevant traffic, businesses can effectively convert visitors into customers. SEO courses often teach strategies to generate quality leads through organic search optimization.

e) Quantifiable results
SEO is measurable, offering insights through tools like Google Analytics. You can track metrics such as website traffic, user behavior, time spent on pages, and conversion rates, allowing businesses to quantify their SEO efforts and make data-driven decisions.

f) Long-term results
Unlike PPC advertising or other forms of digital marketing that offer immediate but short-term results, SEO is a sustainable strategy. It builds lasting visibility and organic traffic, providing long-term benefits for businesses looking to grow steadily over time.

3. What is SEO in digital marketing? 

Answer: SEO, or Search Engine Optimization, is a digital marketing technique focused on enhancing a website’s visibility on search engines like Google, Bing, Baidu, and DuckDuckGo. It enables businesses and individuals to reach their target audience by appearing in search results for relevant queries.

With most people relying on search engines to find information, products, or services, optimizing for these platforms is crucial. By targeting specific search terms, or keywords, SEO helps websites attract traffic, convert visitors into customers, and ultimately grow the business.

4. What is Google Autocomplete?

Answer: When we type into the Google search bar, it automatically provides suggestions through its autocomplete feature. This is designed to help users complete their searches more quickly and conveniently.

For SEO, this feature is incredibly valuable because it reflects what people are actively searching for on Google. By analyzing these suggestions, businesses can gain insights into the most relevant and popular search queries related to their topic, product, service, or industry, helping them better target their audience.

5. What is a domain name?

Answer: A domain name is the unique address by which a website or blog is identified online. For example, the domain name of the site you’re currently visiting is wscubetech.com, while Microsoft’s domain name is microsoft.com. Just like usernames, domain names are one-of-a-kind and cannot be registered if they are already taken by someone else.

6. What is the difference between a domain name and a domain name extension?

Answer:A domain name is the complete address of a website, such as:

• wscubetech.com
• yourstory.com
• bigrock.in
• upsc.gov.in

The extension of a domain name, also known as the top-level domain (TLD), is the suffix that follows the name. For example, the TLD of wscubetech.com is .com, and for bigrock.in, it is .in.

There are various types of domain name extensions available, including:

• .com
• .in
• .net
• .org
• .edu
• .co
• .shop
• .online
• .wiki
• .cab
• .academy
• .me
• .app

7. What are keywords in SEO?

Answer: Keywords are the specific search queries that users commonly enter when looking for products, services, or information online.

For example, if you’re writing an article on “Top 10 Laptops Under INR 50,000,” you need to identify the search terms people use related to this topic. Some relevant keywords might include:

• “best laptops under 50k”
• “laptops under 50000 in India”
• “best laptops below 50000”

These keywords are strategically incorporated into the content to align with user search queries, improving the chances of ranking higher on search engines. Understanding keyword research is crucial, as it is a common topic in SEO interviews, especially for freshers.

8. What is keyword density in SEO?

Answer: Keyword density refers to the percentage of times a keyword appears within the content of an article or web page compared to the total word count.

It is expressed as a percentage. For example, if a keyword is used 5 times in a 500-word article, the keyword density would be 1%.

9. Does keyword density matter?

Answer: Yes, keyword density matters in SEO. Overusing keywords, known as keyword stuffing, can harm a website’s search rankings. Search engines penalize content that appears unnatural or overly optimized. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate keyword density is important to avoid keyword stuffing while ensuring the content remains user-friendly and relevant.

10. What is keyword stuffing in SEO?

Answer: According to Google, keyword stuffing is the practice of overusing keywords on a web page in an attempt to rank higher for those terms. This involves inserting keywords without regard to content flow or context. While it was once a common SEO tactic, Google now prioritizes the relevance and natural use of keywords within content.

Today, keyword stuffing is considered a black hat SEO technique and negatively impacts search rankings. To avoid this, keywords should be integrated naturally into the content, ensuring they fit smoothly and are not forced.

11. Can you share an example of keyword stuffing?

Answer: Here’s an example of keyword stuffing, as highlighted by Google:

“We sell custom cigar humidors. Our custom cigar humidors are handmade. If you’re thinking of buying a custom cigar humidor, please contact our custom cigar humidor specialists at custom.cigar.humidors@example.com.”

In this example, the keyword “custom cigar humidors” is repeated unnaturally throughout the paragraph to try to rank for multiple keywords. This excessive and forced repetition is an example of keyword stuffing, a poor SEO practice.

12. What is keyword difficulty in SEO?

Answer: Keyword difficulty refers to how challenging it is for a piece of content to rank on the first page of Google for a specific keyword.

A keyword with low difficulty requires less effort to achieve a higher ranking, while a keyword with high difficulty demands more time, optimization, and competition to rank effectively.

13. What are the different types of keywords in SEO?

Answer: Keywords in SEO can be categorized based on intent and length:

Types of SEO Keywords Based on Intent:

• Informational keywords: Users seek information (e.g., “how to fix a flat tire”).
• Navigational keywords: Users look for a specific website or page (e.g., “Facebook login”).
• Commercial keywords: Users are researching products or services (e.g., “best laptops 2024”).
• Transactional keywords: Users are ready to make a purchase (e.g., “buy iPhone 15”).

SEO Keyword Types Based on Length:

• Short-tail keywords: General and broad (e.g., “laptops”).
• Mid-tail keywords: More specific but not too long (e.g., “best laptops under 50k”).
• Long-tail keywords: Highly specific (e.g., “best gaming laptops under 50k for students”).

Other Types of Keywords:

• Geo-targeted keywords: Focused on location (e.g., “restaurants in New York”).
• LSI keywords: Latent semantic indexing keywords related to the main topic (e.g., “affordable laptops” for “budget laptops”).
• Long-term evergreen keywords: Consistently relevant over time (e.g., “how to lose weight”).
• Short-term fresh keywords: Trending or time-sensitive (e.g., “iPhone 15 launch”)

14.  Why is keyword research important in SEO?

Answer: Keyword research is crucial in SEO because it identifies what users are actually searching for on Google and other search engines.

For a website’s products, services, or content to rank, the first step is identifying the right target keywords. Using these relevant keywords allows for proper optimization, helping pages rank higher and attract more traffic. Without effective keyword research, even high-quality content and a well-structured website may struggle to rank.

15. Where do we use keywords?

Answer: One of the key SEO interview questions in 2024 focuses on knowing how to place keywords effectively for optimal on-page SEO. Keywords should be strategically used in the following areas:

• Meta title
• Meta description
• URL
• Page content
• Image alt tags
• Subheadings
• Anchor text

These placements help improve a page’s relevance and visibility in search engine rankings.

16. What are seed keywords in SEO?

Answer: Seed keywords are short, typically consisting of one or two words. These short-tail keywords usually have high search volumes and are more competitive in terms of SEO difficulty.

They serve as a foundation for generating ideas for related keywords, including mid-tail and long-tail variations. For example, the seed keyword “digital marketing” can lead to related keywords like “digital marketing course” or “digital marketing services.”

17. What are long-tail keywords?

Answer: Long-tail keywords are longer, more specific phrases that closely match a user’s search intent. These keywords are highly targeted and work well for voice search optimization.

For example, the keyword “online SEO course in India with certificate” is a long-tail keyword because it contains more than six words. Generally, keywords with more than three words are considered long-tail. While they may have lower search volumes, they also tend to have lower competition, making them easier to rank for in search results.

18. What is the difference between long-tail vs short-tail keywords?

Answer: Both long-tail and short-tail keywords are essential in search engine optimization.

The main difference between the two lies in their length: short-tail keywords consist of 1-2 words, while long-tail keywords are longer, typically containing 3 or more words.

In terms of search volume and competition, short-tail keywords tend to have higher search volumes and greater competition. In contrast, long-tail keywords usually have lower search volumes and competition.

Long-tail keywords are generally more targeted and easier to rank for than short-tail keywords. For new or low-authority websites looking to build traffic, focusing on long-tail keywords can be a more effective strategy.

19. Can you give me some examples of long-tail keywords?

Answer: Here are some effective examples of long-tail keywords:

• Best digital marketing course in India
• Learn content writing from scratch
• Make pizza at home without an oven
• Best laptops in India under 70,000
• What is local SEO and how does it work

20. What is the bounce rate in SEO?

Answer: The bounce rate of a website refers to the percentage of visitors who leave a page without taking any further action.

For example, if a blog post on your site attracts a lot of traffic, but most users exit the page without clicking on any other links, the bounce rate will be high.

For product and service pages, a high bounce rate indicates that users are leaving without making a purchase or completing a form.

In Google Analytics, the bounce rate is calculated by comparing the number of users who visit a web page to the number of those who leave without engaging in any action.

A user is considered to have bounced when they:

• Close the tab or window
• Click the back button in their browser
• Paste a new URL into the address bar or search for something else
• Remain inactive for an extended period, causing the browser session to time out.

21. What is a sitemap in SEO?

Answer: A sitemap is a file that informs Google’s crawlers about the URLs of your website that you want them to index. It acts as a link map for your site.

Search engines like Google read this file, which helps them understand the structure of your website more efficiently. In the sitemap, website owners or SEOs include all relevant URLs, including web pages, articles, and other content intended to attract traffic.

22. Why sitemap is important for SEO?

Answer: Sitemaps assist search engines in navigating a website and discovering all intended URLs for crawling and indexing, thereby enhancing the site’s crawlability and benefiting search engine optimization.

For smaller websites, where all links are accessible through the menu or footer, Google can easily crawl these links. However, for larger websites with hundreds of pages, a sitemap becomes essential; without one, Google may overlook some pages.

Having a solid understanding of how to use sitemaps is important, as questions about this topic often come up in SEO interviews for freshers.

23.  How to find sitemap of any website?

Answer: The easiest way to locate a website’s sitemap is to enter the website’s URL and append sitemap.xml to it.

For instance, to check the sitemap of wscubetech.com, you would enter its URL (https://www.wscubetech.com/) and add sitemap.xml (https://www.wscubetech.com/sitemap.xml).

If this doesn’t work, you can try other common variations of the sitemap file name:

• /sitemap_index.xml
• /sitemap-index.xml
• /sitemap.txt
• /sitemap/sitemap.xml
• /sitemapindex.xml
• /sitemap/index.xml
• /sitemap1.xml

Another effective method to find a sitemap is to locate the website’s robots.txt file. Within this file, you can often find the link to the sitemap.

24. What is a robots.txt file?

Answer: Robots.txt is a file used to provide instructions to search engine bots on how to crawl and index a website and its pages.

This file is in plain text format, meaning it contains only text and no HTML code. Its primary purpose is to prevent unnecessary visits by search engine bots to certain parts of the site. Typically, this is the first file crawlers access when visiting a website.

25. What is anchor text in SEO?

Answer: Anchor text refers to the clickable text within a hyperlink on a webpage. In other words, if you write a paragraph and hyperlink one or more consecutive words, those hyperlinked words constitute the anchor text.

Typically, anchor text appears in a different color than the surrounding text, making it stand out. For example, if the phrase “content writing” is hyperlinked to a relevant page, that phrase serves as the anchor text.

The primary role of anchor text is to inform users about the intent of the link. For instance, linking “Content writing” indicates that users will be directed to a page related to that topic. Additionally, using descriptive anchor text is beneficial for SEO, as it provides search engines with context about the linked content.

26. What are meta tags in SEO? What are different types of meta tags?

Answer: Meta tags are snippets of HTML code used to structure the content on a webpage and communicate its details to Google and other search engines. For instance, a meta title helps specify the title that search engines display to users on search engine results pages (SERPs).

Every page on a website contains meta tags, which are part of the code and not visible to end users.

The primary meta tags utilized in SEO include:

• Meta title
• Meta description
• Meta robots
• Heading tags (H1 to H6)
• Image alt tags
• Canonical link tag
• Social media meta tags
• Meta viewport

27.  Do meta tags help in SEO?

Answer: Yes, meta tags are beneficial for search engine optimization because they inform Google about the title and description to display in search results, as well as how the content is structured.

However, it’s important to note that not all meta tags will consistently contribute to SEO. Some may have more impact than others, depending on various factors and the specific context of the webpage.

28.  What are meta keywords?

Answer: Meta keywords are a type of meta tag that is no longer used in modern SEO practices. In the past, meta keywords were intended to indicate the intent of a webpage to search engines.

However, this practice was often abused for ranking manipulation, leading Google and most other search engines to disregard this meta tag entirely. As a result, meta keywords no longer play a role in SEO strategies today.

29. What is meta title in SEO?

Answer: The meta title, also known as the title tag, is the title of a webpage displayed to users when the page appears in search engine results pages (SERPs). It is also visible on the browser tab. For instance, the meta title of our webpage about the online digital marketing course appears like this in the SERP:

30.What should be the meta title length? Is there any character limit?

Answer: The meta title, also known as the title tag, is the title of a webpage displayed to users when the page appears in search engine results pages (SERPs). It is also visible on the browser tab. For instance, the meta title of our webpage about the online digital marketing course appears like this in the SERP:

31. How to check the meta title length? Are there any tools?

Answer: Yes, there are several tools available to check the length of a meta title. I typically prefer these two tools:

• Higher Visibility
• To The Web

32.  What is meta description in SEO? Why is it used?

Answer: The meta description is a brief summary of a webpage’s content, displayed in the SERP below the meta title. It provides users with an overview of what to expect on the page and serves to entice them to click on the link. An effective meta description can significantly improve click-through rates by clearly communicating the page’s relevance and value.

33. What is the alt tag in SEO?

Answer: The alt tag, also known as alt text or alternative text, is an HTML tag used to describe the purpose or content of an image on a webpage. It provides context to both users and search engines, helping to enhance accessibility and improve SEO by giving search engines more information about the image.

34.  Why to use alt tag for images?

Answer: Using image alt tags offers several important benefits:

1. SEO Enhancement: Alt tags help search engines understand the content of the image, which can improve overall SEO.
2. Image Load Failures: If an image fails to load, the alt text will be displayed to users, providing context about what should have appeared.
3. Accessibility: For visually impaired users, screen readers read the alt text, helping them understand the image’s content and context. This makes the webpage more inclusive.

35.  What are the top ranking factors in SEO in 2024?

Answer: This is a common question in SEO interviews, whether you’re a fresher or an experienced professional.

Numerous SEO ranking factors play a crucial role in optimizing a website’s position on Google. Here are some of the major ranking factors for SEO in 2024:

• Use of targeted and relevant keywords
• High-quality content
• Website loading speed
• Website security (SSL Certificate)
• Mobile-friendliness
• Backlinks from authoritative niche-specific sites
• Optimized meta titles and descriptions
• Image optimization
• Proper use of heading tags
• Internal and external linking
• Fixing broken links
• SEO-friendly URLs
• Server location
• Website uptime
• Website usability
• Schema markup and structured data
• Low bounce rate
• Domain authority
• Sitemap
• Canonical tags
• Core Web Vitals

36. How does Google Autocomplete work?

Answer: When users enter queries into the Google search engine, the platform analyzes the language, location, and intent behind the query. Based on these factors, Google provides tailored suggestions to enhance the search experience for other users.

37. How to use Google Autocomplete for SEO?

Answer: Google Search’s autocomplete suggestions are generated based on real user queries, giving insight into what people are actively searching for. These suggestions can be a valuable resource for identifying long-tail keywords, which are more specific and often less competitive.

Incorporating these autocomplete suggestions into your content strategy allows you to target specific keywords that align with user search intent, helping to improve your visibility and relevance in search engine results.

38. What is ccTLD?

Answer: A ccTLD, or country code Top-Level Domain, is a domain extension assigned to a specific country or geographic region. These extensions are commonly used for websites targeting audiences within a particular country, making them ideal for businesses or individuals focusing on a localized market.

Examples of ccTLDs include:

• .in (India)
• .ae (United Arab Emirates)
• .au (Australia)
• .ca (Canada)
• .cn (China)
• .eu (European Union)
• .fr (France)
• .gr (Greece)
• .jp (Japan)
• .lk (Sri Lanka)
• .ru (Russia)

A complete list of ccTLDs is available online for reference.

39.  Does a ccTLD help in SEO?

Answer: Yes, ccTLDs can be highly beneficial for international SEO when used strategically. A ccTLD signals to Google and other search engines that your website is intended for a specific country or geographic region.

For example, if you run a business in India but your target audience is in the US, using the .us ccTLD can help indicate to search engines that your content is aimed at users in the United States. This approach helps optimize your site for country-specific searches, improving your visibility within that region.

40. What is International SEO?

Answer: International Search Engine Optimization (SEO) is focused on optimizing a website or blog to target specific countries or regions. This is crucial for businesses or individuals aiming to reach audiences in particular geographical locations.

For example, if the majority of your website traffic comes from India, you can optimize the site to enhance the user experience for Indian visitors. Some effective strategies include using the Hindi language, choosing a .in TLD, implementing language tags, and creating country-specific subdomains or subdirectories. Here are some examples:

• mydomain.in (ccTLD)
• in.mydomain.com (subdomain)
• mydomain.com/in (subdirectory)
• mydomain.com/?lang=en-in (language parameter)

If you’ve been working in SEO for around a year, you may encounter these types of questions in interviews, as they are common topics for professionals with some experience.

41. What is a good keyword density percentage?

Answer: Google has not set any specific guidelines for keyword density, meaning there’s no exact number of times a keyword should appear in content.

However, many SEO experts recommend keeping keyword density between 1% and 2%. This means for every 100 words, you can use the target keyword once or twice. This range helps ensure your content remains natural and relevant, avoiding the risk of keyword stuffing, which can negatively impact SEO.

A balanced keyword density of around 2% is generally considered optimal for maintaining readability while signaling relevance to search engines.

42.  How to check keyword density? 

Answer: To calculate keyword density, you can use a simple formula that determines the percentage of how often a keyword appears in your content.

The formula is: Keyword Density = (Number of times the keyword is used / Total word count) * 100

For example, if your article has 1,000 words and you use the keyword 15 times, the keyword density would be:

(15/1000) * 100 = 1.5%

This formula helps you measure how frequently a keyword appears in your content, ensuring it’s used effectively without overstuffing.

42.  Which is the best keyword density checker or calculator?

Answer: There are many online tools available for checking keyword density, but a few reliable options include:

• Small SEO Tools
• SEO Review Tools
• Copywritely
• WebFX

These tools help analyze the frequency of keywords in your content, ensuring that you’re maintaining a balanced keyword usage without overstuffing.

43. What does the keyword difficulty score tell you?

Answer: Keyword difficulty indicates how challenging it will be to rank for a specific keyword on Google. This score reflects the level of competition, considering factors such as how many websites are already targeting the keyword, the authority of those sites, and the quality of the content currently ranking at the top of Google’s search results.

A higher keyword difficulty score suggests tougher competition, requiring more effort in terms of SEO strategies and content optimization to achieve higher rankings.

44.  What is a good keyword difficulty score?

Answer: The ideal keyword difficulty score depends on the authority and strength of the website. For high-authority sites with quality content and substantial traffic, targeting keywords with higher difficulty can be effective.

However, for newer or lower-authority websites, it’s best to focus on low to medium-difficulty keywords. These are easier to rank for and can help build traffic and credibility over time. As the site’s authority grows, it becomes easier to target higher-difficulty keywords and compete for more competitive search terms.

45. Can you categorize keyword difficulty scores into low, medium, and high?

Answer: The keyword difficulty score typically ranges from 1 to 100, with the levels categorized as follows:

• Low keyword difficulty: 1 to 29
• Medium keyword difficulty: 30 to 70
• High keyword difficulty: 71 to 100

These ranges help assess how competitive a keyword is, with lower scores indicating easier opportunities for ranking and higher scores suggesting more competition.

46. What is keyword frequency in SEO?

Answer: Keyword frequency refers to the number of times a keyword is used within a piece of content. A higher frequency indicates that the keyword appears multiple times, while a lower frequency means it is used less often.

SEO keyword frequency is closely related to keyword density, as both metrics reflect how often a keyword appears in the content. While keyword frequency counts the total occurrences, keyword density calculates the percentage of the total word count that the keyword represents. Understanding both metrics can help optimize content for search engines without overstuffing keywords.

47.  How many keywords can you use in an article?

Answer: The number of keywords to use in an article depends on the total word count, as maintaining the right keyword density is essential. An optimal keyword density is generally between 1% and 2%.

For instance, if you’re writing a 1,000-word article, you can incorporate approximately 7 to 8 keywords. However, it’s crucial to ensure that each keyword is integrated naturally into the content to maintain readability and flow.

48. How to find long-tail keywords? Please share some tips and tools.

Answer: There are several effective methods for finding long-tail keywords for search engine optimization. Here are some top tools and tips:

a) Leverage Google Autocomplete

When you enter a short-tail keyword in the Google Search bar, it automatically suggests related terms based on what people are searching for. This feature provides valuable insights into potential long-tail keywords.

b) Check the ‘Related Searches’ Section

At the bottom of the search results page (SERP), you’ll find the Related Searches section, which displays queries connected to your topic. While not all suggestions may be relevant, this is a useful way to discover additional long-tail keywords.

c) Utilize Keyword Research Tools

SEO tools like Ubersuggest, Ahrefs, and SEMrush can provide lists of long-tail keywords and questions related to your topic. Take full advantage of these resources for in-depth keyword analysis.

d) Use Answer The Public

Answer The Public is an excellent tool for finding questions and long-tail keywords associated with your phrase. It offers a wealth of long-tail keyword suggestions, making it a valuable resource.

e) Analyze Quora Questions

Quora is a platform where real users ask questions. By searching for your keyphrase on Quora, you can gather insights into how people are searching for information and identify relevant long-tail keywords.

f) Try Keyword Tool Dominator

Keyword Tool Dominator is a free resource that helps you research long-tail keywords with low competition. It leverages Google’s autocomplete feature to show popular search queries, acting as an advanced Google Suggest tool.

Using these strategies can help you effectively identify and incorporate long-tail keywords into your SEO strategy.

49.  What are geo-targeted keywords in SEO? Explain with an example.

Answer: Keywords that indicate a searcher’s intent to find a local business based on their location are referred to as geo-targeting keywords.

For instance, when someone searches for a “Digital Marketing Course in Jodhpur,” their intent is to find a course specifically available in Jodhpur.

Similarly, if a user searches for “Samsung showroom in Jaipur,” they are likely looking to locate and visit the nearest Samsung showroom in that city.

In essence, geo-targeted keywords include specific locations, helping businesses attract local customers by aligning with their search intent.

50. What are navigational keywords in SEO? Explain with an example.

Answer: Navigational keywords refer to search terms used by individuals who are looking for a specific webpage on a particular website directly from Google. In these cases, users are typically familiar with the product, service, or information they want and aim to find it quickly.

Examples of Navigational Keywords:

• WsCube Tech SEO course
• Boat Airdopes 141 Amazon
• GoDaddy VPS Windows Server
• BYJU’s Jaipur office

Navigational keywords often include the names of products, brands, services, or locations, making it easier for users to access the exact information they seek.

51. Does bounce rate affect the SEO of a website?

Answer: Yes, bounce rate can significantly affect a website’s SEO. A high bounce rate indicates that many visitors are leaving the site without taking any action, which may suggest dissatisfaction with the content, user experience, website speed, or other factors.

Since SEO focuses on providing a better experience for users, a high bounce rate signals that visitors are not finding what they’re looking for. This can negatively impact the rankings of specific pages, particularly when competing pages have lower bounce rates, as search engines may interpret this as a sign of higher quality or relevance.

52. What is the bounce rate formula? How to calculate the bounce rate for a website?

Answer: You can calculate the bounce rate of a webpage using the following formula:

Bounce Rate = (Number of visitors leaving without taking action / Total number of visitors) * 100

Example:

To illustrate the calculation, let’s consider a scenario where 1,000 people visit a webpage, and 600 of them leave without taking any action. The bounce rate would be calculated as follows:

Bounce Rate=(6001000)×100=60%\text{Bounce Rate} = \left(\frac{600}{1000}\right) \times 100 = 60\%Bounce Rate=(1000600​)×100=60%

This means that 60% of visitors left the page without engaging, highlighting potential issues with content or user experience.

53. What can be the reasons behind the high bounce rate of a website?

Answer: Understanding bounce rate is essential, making it a common topic in SEO interviews for experienced professionals. You should be familiar with the concept of bounce rate, its significance, and strategies for reducing it.

Several factors can contribute to an increased bounce rate on a page, including:

• Slow page load speed: Users are likely to leave if a website takes too long to load.
• Lack of strategic internal linking: Insufficient internal links can limit user navigation and engagement.
• Misleading meta title tags: If the title does not accurately represent the content, visitors may leave quickly.
• Clickbait techniques: Using misleading headlines can lead to high bounce rates when the content does not meet user expectations.
• Landing on a blank page: If users encounter a blank page, they are likely to exit immediately.

54.  What is a session in Google Analytics?

Answer: A session in Google Analytics (GA) refers to the duration during which a visitor is active on a webpage, website, or mobile app. If a user leaves the site and returns within 30 minutes, their activity will be counted as part of the same session.

Conversely, if a user remains inactive on the site for 30 minutes or more, a new session will begin once they return.

Interview Preparation

As you prepare for job interviews, consider reviewing common questions in various fields:

• SEO Interview Questions
• Power BI Interview Questions
• Digital Marketing Interview Questions
• JavaScript Interview Questions
• Email Marketing Interview Questions
• Flutter Interview Questions
• Content Writing Interview Questions
• NodeJS Interview Questions

Familiarizing yourself with these topics can help you feel more confident during your interviews.

55. What is the average session duration in Google Analytics?

Answer: The average session duration in Google Analytics typically ranges from 2 to 3 minutes. It is calculated by dividing the total duration of sessions (the time spent by all users) by the total number of sessions.

Average Session Duration Formula:

Average Session Duration=Total Session Durations by All UsersTotal Number of Sessions\text{Average Session Duration} = \frac{\text{Total Session Durations by All Users}}{\text{Total Number of Sessions}}Average Session Duration=Total Number of SessionsTotal Session Durations by All Users​

Example:

To illustrate, if the total time spent by all users is 800 seconds and the total number of sessions is 20, the average session duration would be calculated as follows:

Average Session Duration=80020=40 seconds\text{Average Session Duration} = \frac{800}{20} = 40 \text{ seconds}Average Session Duration=20800​=40 seconds

This means that, on average, users spend 40 seconds per session on the website.

56.  What is dwell time in SEO?

Answer:Dwell time refers to the duration a user spends on a webpage after clicking a result from the search engine results page (SERP) before returning to the SERP. This metric measures the time between the moment a user visits the page and when they navigate back to the SERP.

Dwell time often reflects how well a page meets user expectations. Users may take their time to evaluate whether the content fulfills their needs, or they might return to the SERP quickly if the page does not meet their expectations. Understanding dwell time can provide insights into user engagement and content effectiveness.

57.  Does dwell time affect SEO? Is it a ranking factor?

Answer: Google has not explicitly confirmed whether dwell time is a ranking factor, nor has it outright denied it. However, there are indications that Google may consider it in the ranking process. For instance, the RankBrain algorithm, which is part of Google’s search ranking system, takes into account the time users spend on a webpage.

This suggests that dwell time may play a role in how Google evaluates and ranks websites, as it can be an indicator of content relevance and user satisfaction. Therefore, while it may not be officially acknowledged as a ranking factor, its influence on SEO cannot be overlooked.

58. How to create a sitemap for a website?

Answer: There are both manual and automated methods to create a website sitemap. For smaller websites with few pages, you can create a sitemap manually using a text editor like Notepad.

However, the most efficient approach is to use online tools such as XML-sitemaps.com or My Sitemap Generator.

For WordPress websites, SEO plugins like Yoast SEO can automatically generate sitemaps, streamlining the process and ensuring that your sitemap is always up to date.

59. Which SEO metrics are the most important to measure?

Answer: The key metrics to measure in SEO include:

1. Ranking of Primary Keywords: Monitoring the positions of your targeted keywords in search engine results.
2. Total Website Traffic: Tracking the overall number of visitors to your website on a monthly basis.
3. Click-Through Rate (CTR): Analyzing the percentage of users who click on your links from search results compared to the total number of impressions.
4. Bounce Rate: Measuring the percentage of visitors who leave your site after viewing only one page.
5. Conversion Rate: Evaluating the percentage of visitors who complete a desired action, such as making a purchase or filling out a form.

These metrics provide valuable insights into your website’s performance and the effectiveness of your SEO strategies.

60. What does the term Sandbox mean in SEO?

Answer: The Google Sandbox is often described as a filter that prevents newly created websites from ranking in the top results of search engine results pages (SERPs). While Google has never officially acknowledged this concept, many experienced SEO professionals have noted its effects based on their observations.

Even when they diligently applied best SEO practices, these professionals found that their websites struggled to achieve top rankings for several months after launch. This phenomenon suggests that new sites may need time to establish credibility and authority before they can compete effectively in search rankings.

61. What SEO verticals have you worked on in your career?

When asked about your expertise in SEO during an interview, highlight your specific areas of focus and the industries you excel in. SEO and digital marketing strategies can vary significantly across niches, so it’s important to showcase your relevant experience.

For instance, if your primary expertise is in the EdTech sector, mention that clearly. Discuss notable projects within that niche where you achieved measurable results, such as increased traffic, improved search rankings, or successful campaigns. This not only demonstrates your knowledge of the industry but also showcases your ability to apply effective SEO strategies tailored to that particular vertical.

62. What is Google Suggest?

Google Suggest, also known as autocomplete suggestions, enhances the user experience for those searching on the platform. From an SEO perspective, it’s a valuable tool for identifying long-tail keywords and gaining insights into user search intent.

63. What is keyword proximity in SEO?

Keyword proximity refers to the distance between two words or phrases within a piece of content. When the words are closer together, the proximity is considered higher; conversely, if they are further apart, the proximity is lower.

64. What is keyword prominence in SEO?

Keyword prominence refers to the practice of placing the primary keyword early in a piece of content. For instance, if I’m writing an article titled “Top SEO Interview Questions for Freshers and Experienced,” my primary keyword is “SEO interview questions.” To enhance prominence, I should include this keyword within the first 100 words. This approach signals to search engines that my content is relevant to the topic, ultimately benefiting search engine optimization (SEO).

65. Why should we use long-tail keywords for SEO?

The main advantage of using long-tail keywords in SEO is that they help optimize content for specific, targeted search queries. Additionally, the competition for these keywords is usually lower than that for seed or mid-tail keywords, which increases your chances of ranking for those queries.

66. What are transactional keywords in SEO? Explain with an example.

The keywords that show the intent of the user or searcher to buy something or take some important action are called transactional keywords. 

What it means is that there are higher chances of the user purchasing something. So, if that user lands on our website, the probability of his conversion is more. Hence, it is recommended to use transactional keywords on product/service pages, as well as in ad campaigns.

Transactional keywords examples:

Such keywords usually include terms like buy, deal, cheap, discount, where to buy, etc.

• Where can I buy iPhone for cheap
• Buy shoes for men
• Web hosting deals
• Earphones sale

67. What is the difference between bounce rate vs exit rate?

The next topic in our SEO interview questions and answers is the distinction between exit rate and bounce rate.

Although there’s often confusion about the two, they are not the same. Bounce rate measures the percentage of visitors who leave a page without taking any action, calculated based on the number of users who arrive on a page and then exit immediately.

In contrast, exit rate is determined when a user navigates through multiple pages (Page A to Page B, for example) and then leaves the website from a specific page. The exit rate is counted on the last page the user visits before leaving.

To clarify, bounce rate is only calculated when a session begins and ends on the same page, while exit rate considers users who navigate away from a page after visiting other pages.

Let’s explore the differences between exit rate and bounce rate in SEO further with an example.

example:

a. Session A: Page 1 > Page 2 > Page 3 > Exit

b. Session B: Page 2 > Page 3 > Exit

c. Session C: Page 1 > Page 3 > Page 2 > Exit

In this example, two users exit the site from Page 3, while one exits from Page 2.

• The exit rate for Page 1 is 0% since no users left from this page.
• The exit rate for Page 2 is 33%, as one user left out of three sessions.
• The exit rate for Page 3 is 66%, since two users exited from this page out of three sessions.

Importantly, none of the users left the site from a single page, meaning the bounce rate for all three pages is 0%. This is because the bounce rate only applies when a user arrives at a page and exits without navigating to another page.

68. What bounce rate is good in SEO?

A good bounce rate can vary depending on the website’s niche and the type of page. On average, a bounce rate between 40% and 50% is considered acceptable. Here’s a quick overview of ideal bounce rates based on different niches:

• eCommerce sites: 20% to 45%
• Content-based sites and blogs: 35% to 60%
• Landing pages: 60% to 90%
• Web portals, news sites, event sites, and dictionaries: 65% to 90%
• B2B sites: 25% to 55%

In general, you can categorize bounce rates as follows:

• Poor: 70% or more
• Average: 55% to 70%
• Good: 41% to 70%
• Excellent: 25% to 40%

69. What steps can we take to reduce the bounce rate?

Tips to Reduce Website Bounce Rate:

1. Match Meta Titles with Content: Ensure titles reflect page content accurately.
2. Improve Readability: Use short paragraphs, bullet points, and a clear font.
3. Enhance UI: Keep design clean, intuitive, and user-friendly.
4. Limit Ads: Avoid excessive ads that disrupt user experience.
5. Add Media: Use relevant images and videos to make content engaging.
6. Boost Speed: Optimize images, use caching, and minimize load times.
7. Use Internal Links: Guide users to related content with strategic linking.
8. Fix Technical Issues: Regularly check for broken links and other glitches.

70. What is the difference between dwell time and bounce rate?

Difference Between Bounce Rate and Dwell Time:

Dwell Time refers to how long a user stays on a page before returning to the search engine results page (SERP). It only applies to visitors coming from a SERP and going back to it.

Bounce Rate measures the percentage of visitors who leave a page without interacting further. These users can come from any source (SERP, social media, direct links, etc.) and may exit by closing the tab, typing a new URL, or visiting another website.

71. Other than XML, which sitemap formats does Google support?

Here is the list of sitemap formats supported by Google:

• XML
• RSS
• mRSS
• Atom 1.0
• Txt

72. What is the maximum number of links a sitemap can have?

A sitemap can include up to 50,000 links. If a website has more than 50,000 URLs, you’ll need to create multiple sitemaps for proper indexing and crawling by Google.

73. What is the maximum file size a sitemap can have?

The maximum file size for a sitemap is 50 MB. If a sitemap exceeds this limit, it’s best to split it into multiple smaller sitemaps to ensure proper indexing.

74. Can you share some anchor text best practices?

Tips for Optimizing Anchor Text for SEO:

1. Keep it Precise: Avoid lengthy anchors; choose text that aligns with user intent and encourages clicks.
2. Ensure Relevance: Anchor text should match the topic or purpose of the linked page.
3. Avoid Over-Optimization: Don’t use the same keyword repeatedly; vary your anchors to look natural.
4. Avoid Generic Words: Refrain from using phrases like “click here” or “read more.” Use descriptive text instead.

75. What should be the meta description length? Is there any character limit?

The ideal meta description length is 155-160 characters. However, Google now measures it in pixels rather than characters, so aim for a length under 990 pixels. This is a key trend to know for SEO interviews and best practices.

76. What is SEO canonicalization?

Canonicalization in SEO helps prevent duplicate content issues by using canonical tags to tell Google which version of a page URL should be indexed. It’s useful when a page has multiple URL variations or parameters, ensuring Google focuses on the preferred URL.

77. What is the difference between the alt tag, title, and caption of an image?

Differences Between Image Title, Alt Tag, and Caption:

a) Image Alt Tag:

• Describes the intent of the image to search engines and improves accessibility for visually impaired users by providing a text alternative.

b) Image Title:

• Represents the name of the image. Google uses it to understand the image’s purpose, and it appears as a tooltip when users hover over the image.

c) Image Caption:

• Displays text beneath the image on a page or blog post, often used for crediting the image source or providing additional context.

78. What is a redirect meta tag?

The redirect meta tag in SEO automatically redirects visitors from one page to another. It’s commonly used when a page is temporarily or permanently moved, deleted, or its URL is changed. For instance, if you change your domain name, the redirect tag can send users from the old domain to the new one seamlessly.

79. Why is an SSL Certificate a ranking factor?

An SSL certificate secures and encrypts data submitted by users on a website, protecting it as it travels from the browser to the server. Without an SSL certificate, this data is vulnerable to interception by hackers. Because the lack of SSL can negatively impact user experience and lead to data breaches, Google considers it a ranking factor in search results.

80. What is mobile SEO?

Mobile SEO involves optimizing a website to enhance its performance and user experience on mobile devices. As Google primarily indexes the mobile version of sites, mobile SEO is essential. This focus arises from the fact that the majority of website traffic now comes from smartphones and tablets.

81. What is the difference between do-follow and no-follow backlinks?

There are two main types of backlinks:

1. Do-Follow Backlinks: These links allow PageRank signals, or “link juice,” to pass to the linked page because Google’s crawlers will follow them. By default, all links are do-follow.
2. Nofollow Backlinks: These links do not pass link juice because they include the rel=”nofollow” tag. Crawlers will not follow these links, meaning they won’t contribute to the linked page’s SEO authority.

Crawlers determine whether to follow a link based on these tags.

82. What is SEM? How is it different from SEO?

SEM stands for Search Engine Marketing, while SEO refers to Search Engine Optimization.

• SEO focuses on optimizing a website’s ranking and driving organic traffic from search engines.
• SEM encompasses both organic and paid strategies to drive traffic, such as running Google Search Ads alongside SEO efforts.

83. What is keyword stemming?

Keyword stemming refers to Google’s ability to understand the context of text on a page and match it with relevant search queries. For example, if a page includes the phrase “buy web hosting,” Google’s algorithm can recognize variations like “buying web hosting” or “purchase web hosting” and display the page in relevant search results.

84. What are link penalties and how to recover from them?

• Meaning of Link Penalty: A link penalty occurs when Google penalizes a website for having an excessive number of spammy or low-quality backlinks, leading to potential removal from indexing. This is considered a violation of Google’s webmaster guidelines.
• Ways to Recover from Link Penalties: a) Create a list of all backlinks: Use tools like Ubersuggest or SEMrush.
  b) Identify bad backlinks: Look for links from spammy sites, duplicate content, or irrelevant niches.
  c) Remove or request removal: Eliminate links you can control and email site owners to request removal of others.
  d) Disavow: Create a disavow report for bad links and submit it via webmaster tools.

85. What is a link audit and its importance?

A link audit is the process of reviewing a website’s backlink profile to assess link quality. It is essential for SEO to identify unhealthy backlinks that could harm rankings. Regular audits help prevent link penalties due to a high volume of bad links.

86. What is eCommerce SEO?

eCommerce SEO involves optimizing an online store or eCommerce website for search engines. Given the complexity of eCommerce sites, which often have numerous products, categories, and images, every product page must be optimized to attract traffic.

87. What is redirection and its types?

Redirection is the technique of automatically sending users from one page to another, commonly used when a page has been moved, deleted, or changed. Without redirection, users may encounter 404 errors, which can negatively impact SEO.

Types of redirections include:

• 301 Redirection
• 302 Redirection
• 303 Redirection
• 307 Redirection
• 308 Redirection
• Meta refresh redirect

88. What is the difference between 301 and 302 redirection?

• 301 Redirection: This indicates a permanent redirection, informing Google that the page or resource has been permanently moved. Google will index the new page.
• 302 Redirection: This indicates a temporary redirection. It’s used when the redirection is set for a specific time period, and Google retains the original URL in indexing.

89. What is the role of schema?

Schema is a form of microdata that provides context to a webpage, helping Google understand its content. It can define the type of page, such as a product, event, person, organization, recipe, video, or review. Utilizing schema enhances the chances of appearing in featured snippets on SERPs.

90. What is Google AMP?

AMP stands for Accelerated Mobile Pages. It is an open-source web framework developed by Google to optimize website performance, ensuring fast loading times and a smooth user experience, even with ads present. Implementing Google AMP makes pages lightweight and enhances performance across all devices and browsers.

91. Tell me about the biggest mistakes you have made in SEO?

This is a common interview question for SEO specialists. Be prepared to discuss mistakes such as publishing duplicate content, unintentionally creating spammy links that harmed rankings, or keyword stuffing early in your career. Focus on mistakes that negatively impacted website rankings and monthly traffic.

92. What are contextual links in SEO?

Contextual links are backlinks derived from relevant content that provides context for the link. These links hold more value than those placed in sidebars, footers, or irrelevant content. For example, if you write an article about “how to learn SEO” and link it from another article on “how to become a digital marketer,” that link is contextually relevant.

93. What is the RankBrain algorithm in SEO? Why is it important?

Google RankBrain is a machine learning-based algorithm that plays a critical role in Google’s core search engine algorithm. It understands the context or intent behind search queries, enabling Google to deliver the most relevant results. For instance, searching for “backlink checker” will yield tools for checking backlinks, while “top backlink checkers” will lead to a list of recommended tools or articles.

94. How to develop a solid SEO strategy?

For a senior role, this question is frequently asked. Research the company’s industry and identify the best SEO strategies for that niche. Common steps for creating an effective SEO strategy include:

• Identifying relevant keywords.
• Conducting competitor research.
• Finding opportunities to outperform competitors.
• Addressing on-page SEO gaps.
• Optimizing content for search intent.
• Building high-quality backlinks from niche sites.
• Enhancing existing content and developing fresh content.

95. What is disavow in SEO?

The disavow tool is used to inform Google that you do not want certain spammy backlinks to be counted against your website’s ranking. This is typically done after a link audit or when rankings have declined due to problematic backlinks.

96. What is the difference between Google Analytics and Google Analytics 4?

Key differences between Universal Analytics and Google Analytics 4 include:

• Measurement Model: Universal Analytics uses sessions and pageviews, while GA4 uses events and parameters, treating everything as an event.
• No Categories in GA4: Unlike previous versions, GA4 does not use categories, actions, or labels for events.
• Free BigQuery Connection: GA4 offers free access to BigQuery, previously a premium feature in Google Analytics 360.

Comparison Table:

97. Does Google Analytics have a premium plan?

Yes, the premium version is called Google Analytics 360, which offers additional features and benefits, making it ideal for large websites with high traffic and businesses seeking to maximize their data and analytics.

98. What are the features and benefits of Google Analytics 360?

Key features of Google Analytics 360 include:

• Data capacity of up to 20 billion hits.
• Salesforce integration.
• Ability to add 400 views per web property.
• Dedicated GA account manager.
• Implementation support from Google analytics experts.
• Data integration services.
• Integration with Google Drive and BigQuery.
• Custom funnel reporting.
• Data-driven attribution model.
• Digital measurement strategy.

99. What is the cost of Google Analytics 360?

Google Analytics 360 starts at $150K per year, billed monthly at $12,500. The total cost may vary based on the required features and the size of the website.

100. Tell me about your greatest SEO success story?

Prepare to share an honest account of a project where you successfully improved a website’s rankings for high-volume keywords or generated significant monthly traffic. As an SEO Manager, your experience should include notable achievements that highlight your expertise in the field