So we know Google has told us before that you cannot optimize for RankBrain, that there is no RankBrain score. RankBrain is more of a query thing where Google tries to better understand the searcher's intent with the query and brings back documents based on that. Optimizing for it, might be futile.
This morning, John Mueller of Google posted a PSA on Twitter saying "If optimizing for Rankbrain = make a great site, it seems like the Rankbrain part is irrelevant. Make great sites for your users, folks."
If optimizing for Rankbrain = make a great site, it seems like the Rankbrain part is irrelevant. Make great sites for your users, folks.
— John ☆.o(≧▽≦)o.☆ (@JohnMu) May 4, 2017
So he is saying, if you are optimizing your site for Google rankings, take out the RankBrain part because that is irrelevant to how Google ranks your site. Instead, if you optimize for the user, that will ultimately help your site rank better - in the long run.
Keep in mind, John also said recently that having a better site doesn't directly impact your Google rankings.
But yea, the RankBrain advice here is important. Don't let people sell you SEO RankBrain services. :)
Forum discussion at Twitter.
