Google expert compares performance between old and new websites

Luke Meredith

A recent discussion in the search engine optimisation (SEO) community has sparked fresh debate about whether a brand new website can outrank one that has been online for several years.

The conversation began on Reddit, where a user wanted to know if a site that is one-year old could realistically beat a competitor website that is four years old in Google Search. Google’s John Mueller stepped in to answer, offering his familiar but honest view: it depends.

Mueller explained that age alone doesn’t guarantee strong search performance. What matters is how each site has used its time online. An older website that has spent years improving content, building trust with users and developing useful features will naturally have an advantage. But if that older website has done very little, a newer site that works hard to offer real value can absolutely catch up and even move ahead. Mueller stated:

“Some older websites have done amazing things over the years, and you can’t just jump in with a site that has two links more and is three points closer to 100, and expect to be considered more relevant.”

He encouraged site owners to look beyond SEO tricks and think more about what makes their website genuinely helpful. This includes understanding what users need, improving marketing and offering strong functionality. Mueller also noted that many new sites are built on modern technology, which means they often start with a solid technical foundation. Still, he warned that having a few extra links or slightly better metrics won’t magically make a site more relevant than a well-established competitor.

If you have a brand-new website, or one that hasn’t performed too well in search since it’s been live, you’ll be glad to know it’s never too late to be successful online. At Engage Web, we can help you make a splash on search engines, so speak to our team today.

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Luke Meredith

Content Editor at Engage Web

At home in both the digital sector and the world of communications, Luke thrives on deadlines and has held roles in healthcare, retail and digital marketing, gaining a sound knowledge of a wide range of sectors. He’s a massive swot as well, holding a first-class degree in BA Communication and Media, and now uses his writing skills and keen editorial eye in his role as Content Editor here. Luke helps to oversee our clients’ content requirements, while also looking after a pool of freelance writers across three continents.

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