How can stale, poor quality sites rank above fresh, high quality sites?

[chichesterdesign]

Dear Community,

How is it that a Google search for temperature sensors shows the second result as site **A **(http://goo.gl/zRS1L) in a higher positionthan site B (http://goo.gl/3Xy2O) which is on the 2nd page of the SERPs.

Site A blatantly does not follow Google's webmaster guidelines and recommendations for design, content or code.

Site B scores an 'A' for on page analysis using SEOmoz, it also has a much higher number of root domains in and Moz rank, we have checked that site B has only quality inbound links, and anchor text is natural, it follows Google's guidelines for content and code diligently, and it is on an older domain.

We are satisfied that site B has not been penalised by Google, e.g Penguin algorithm updates. We have also done a website verification with Google.

Site B has fresher content compared to site A. Site B also has a sitemap yet site A doesn't.

We're satisfied that we can rule out the following Algorithm Factors:

• Penguin algorithm updates
• Google Notified penalties
• Dodgy Inbound links
• Dodgy Anchor text
• Website verification with Google
• Fresh vs. static content
• Sitemap present
• Server Speed
• Server location
• Domain age
• and about 170 other algorithm factors

Does anyone have any ideas as to why site A is ranking higher than site B in Google.co.uk?

Thanks in advance.

CD.

[UnderRugSwept]

I agree with Oleg. Lately, people have been so concerned with "modern" SEO techniques that sometimes they forget some of the classic stuff that still does work, such as title tags, and of course, the keyword actually appearing on the page. Obviously, one shouldn't keyword stuff, but if the keyword isn't on the page at all, how will Google know that's what they page is about?

[OlegKorneitchouk]

Add the word "temperature sensors" more often on site B (only has it once vs site A's 5 or 6 times)

• Add it to the title
• Add it to an H1 tag
• Add it twice to the body

B should rank higher, but the page content should be even more related to the term "temperature sensors"

Let me know in 1-2 weeks if your rankings change!

-Oleg