SEM Test 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: The mathematical formula used by the Google Algorithm, which determines which results are displayed for a given search query or phrase, is _______.
- Unknown and Ever-changing (Correct answer)
- Known and Static
- Unknown and Static
- Known and Ever-changing
Correct answer: Unknown and Ever-changing
Google's search algorithm is a proprietary and highly complex system, meaning its exact mathematical formula is kept secret. Furthermore, Google constantly updates and refines this algorithm, often multiple times a day, to improve search relevance and combat spam. This makes it both unknown and ever-changing, requiring SEO professionals to adapt continuously.
Question 2: Which of the following is used by many search engines as the name of a website in a list of search results, is displayed at the top of a web browser, and defines a web page?
- Meta Description Tag
- Meta Keyword Tag
- HTML Title Tag (Correct answer)
Correct answer: HTML Title Tag
The HTML Title Tag (`<title>`) is a critical element that defines the title of a web page. This title is prominently displayed at the top of a web browser tab, used as the clickable headline in search engine results, and often appears when the page is shared. It helps both users and search engines understand the page's main topic and relevance.
Question 3: Why is it crucial to have the customer identify their top 5 rivals when creating an SEO strategy and having a thorough understanding of the client?
- To compare them to the top 5 keyword competitors (Correct answer)
- To find strategies that work to copy for their own
- To have a set list of companies to match for marketing strategies
- To get the client to face the reality that they do not operate in a void
Correct answer: To compare them to the top 5 keyword competitors
Identifying a client's top rivals is crucial for an SEO strategy because it enables a direct comparison with their keyword competitors. By analyzing what keywords their rivals rank for, their content strategies, and backlink profiles, an SEO specialist can uncover opportunities and develop a more effective, competitive strategy for the client.
Question 4: Which of the following text is NOT readable by search engine spiders:
- Flash
- Ajax
- Java script
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Search engine spiders primarily crawl and index HTML text content. Technologies like Flash, Ajax, and JavaScript often present content in ways that are difficult for traditional crawlers to fully interpret or access. While search engines have improved, relying heavily on these for critical content can still hinder a page's visibility and indexability.
Question 5: Creating or improving website content so that it is pertinent to chosen keyword phrases and offers users genuine value and information is known as:
- Site-Wide Optimization
- On-Page Optimization (Correct answer)
- Information Architechture
Correct answer: On-Page Optimization
On-Page Optimization refers to all the actions taken directly within a website's pages to improve its search engine ranking. This includes optimizing content, HTML source code (like title tags and meta descriptions), and images to be highly relevant to target keyword phrases. The goal is to make the page more appealing and understandable to both search engines and human visitors.
Question 6: A website page that can be reached via several different URLs is problematic for SEO. What sort of issue is it?
- A duplicate content issue (Correct answer)
- A coding issue
- An indexing problem
- A usability issue
Correct answer: A duplicate content issue
When a single web page can be accessed through multiple different URLs, search engines perceive these as separate, identical pieces of content. This creates a 'duplicate content issue,' which can dilute ranking signals, confuse search engines about which version to index, and potentially lead to lower overall search visibility for that content.
Question 7: Over the past few years, the effect of social media on SEO rankings has ________.
- Decreased considerably
- Increased considerably (Correct answer)
- Increased slightly
- Stayed the same
Correct answer: Increased considerably
Over the past few years, the indirect effect of social media on SEO rankings has increased considerably. While social signals aren't direct ranking factors, they drive traffic, increase brand visibility, and can lead to more organic mentions and backlinks. This enhanced exposure and engagement contribute significantly to better overall search performance.
Question 8: Which issue is resolved with 301 redirects?
- Multiple URL Paths (Correct answer)
- Sessions IDs
- Tracking Codes
- Print Pages
Correct answer: Multiple URL Paths
A 301 redirect is a permanent redirect that passes most of the link equity (ranking power) from the old URL to the new one. It is primarily used to resolve issues like multiple URL paths pointing to the same content, ensuring that search engines consolidate ranking signals to a single, preferred URL. This prevents duplicate content and preserves SEO value.
Question 9: In terms of information architecture, mean:
- The manner in which content is divided into thematic sections within a Web site (Correct answer)
- The HTML code and the particular organization used to build the site
- Research and analytics supporting the information presented to the users of a Web site
- An artistic design of the site
Correct answer: The manner in which content is divided into thematic sections within a Web site
In terms of information architecture, it refers to the structural design of shared information environments, specifically how content is organized and divided into logical, thematic sections within a website. Good information architecture helps users find information easily and helps search engines understand the site's hierarchy and content relationships.
Question 10: Search engines use the following tag to discover the intended URL for each given web page:
- < meta name=”robots”content=”NOODP,NOYDIR”/>
- REL=Canonical (Correct answer)
- Robots.txt
- ALT+F4
Correct answer: REL=Canonical
The `rel="canonical"` tag is used by search engines to identify the preferred or 'canonical' URL for a given web page, especially when multiple URLs exist for identical or very similar content. It tells search engines which version of a page is the master version, helping to prevent duplicate content issues and consolidate ranking signals.
Question 11: Which of the following DOES NOT affect how valuable links are?
- Age of the domain that the link is on
- Whether the page is indexed
- Page Rank of the page the link is on
- The number of images and flash content on the linked page (Correct answer)
Correct answer: The number of images and flash content on the linked page
The value of a link for SEO is primarily influenced by factors like the authority and relevance of the linking domain and page, and whether the page is indexed. The number of images or flash content on the linked page itself does not directly affect the SEO value or 'link juice' passed by an incoming link from another site.
SEM Test 2
The mathematical formula used by the Google Algorithm, which determines which results are displayed for a given search query or phrase, is _______.