Strategies to Improve Ranking

Oct 13, 2025 by talynt.org 138 views

Introduction

The University of North Sumatra (USU) is one of the prominent institutions of higher learning in Indonesia, known for its academic excellence and research contributions. The university's institutional repository is a vital component of its research ecosystem, providing a platform for scholars to share their research outputs and collaborate with peers. However, the repository's ranking on the Webometrics list has been a subject of concern, with a significant decline in recent years. This study aims to evaluate the factors contributing to the USU repository's ranking on the Webometrics list and identify strategies to improve its visibility and ranking.

Methodology

This study employed a descriptive quantitative approach, using data collected from interviews with repository staff and online searches using indicators set by Webometrics. The data collection techniques involved observation, interviews, and documentation to obtain an accurate picture of the existing situation. The study focused on the USU repository's ranking on the Webometrics list in the July 2008 and July 2009 periods.

Results

The results showed that in the July 2008 period, the USU repository ranked 15th in Indonesia and 3,777 in the world. However, in the July 2009 period, the repository experienced a significant decline, ranking 31st in Indonesia and 4,884 in the world. This decrease indicates that the repository faced challenges that needed to be addressed. Further analysis revealed that the main indicator causing the decline in ranking was visibility.

Visibility Indicator

Visibility is the highest-weighted indicator in the Webometrics ranking, accounting for 50% of the total score. This indicator measures the number of external links (backlinks) to the USU repository website page, calculated using Majestic SEO. In other words, the more backlinks received, the higher the ranking to be obtained. The inadequate number of backlinks was a major cause of the decreased USU repository rating.

Strategies to Improve Ranking

To increase the ranking of the USU repository on the Webometrics list, several strategic steps can be taken:

1. Promotional Campaigns

A campaign to increase the visibility of the repository among users and researchers is essential. This can be achieved through promotional efforts on social media platforms and collaboration with other institutions. By increasing the repository's visibility, more users will be aware of its existence, and this will lead to an increase in backlinks and, subsequently, a higher ranking.

2. Development of Quality and Relevant Content

The development of quality and relevant content is a priority to attract more visitors and backlinks from external sources. This can be achieved by publishing high-quality research outputs, such as articles, theses, and dissertations, in the repository. By providing valuable content, the repository will become a go-to source for researchers and scholars, leading to an increase in backlinks and, ultimately, a higher ranking.

3. Regular Monitoring and Analysis

It is essential to monitor and analyze trends in the ranking regularly to identify areas for improvement. By doing so, the repository staff can take quick and effective steps to address any issues and improve the ranking.

Conclusion

The USU repository's ranking on the Webometrics list has been a subject of concern, with a significant decline in recent years. This study identified the visibility indicator as the main cause of the decline in ranking. To improve the ranking, several strategic steps can be taken, including promotional campaigns, development of quality and relevant content, and regular monitoring and analysis. By implementing these strategies, it is hoped that the USU repository can regain its good position in the ranking of webometrics and make a more significant contribution to the academic world, both at the national and international levels.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The USU repository staff should prioritize the development of quality and relevant content to attract more visitors and backlinks from external sources.
The repository staff should conduct promotional campaigns to increase the visibility of the repository among users and researchers.
Regular monitoring and analysis of trends in the ranking should be conducted to identify areas for improvement.
Collaboration with other institutions and researchers should be encouraged to increase the repository's visibility and attract more backlinks.

By implementing these recommendations, the USU repository can improve its ranking on the Webometrics list and become a more significant contributor to the academic world.

Q: What is the purpose of this study?

A: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the factors contributing to the University of North Sumatra (USU) repository's ranking on the Webometrics list and identify strategies to improve its visibility and ranking.

Q: What method was used in this study?

A: This study employed a descriptive quantitative approach, using data collected from interviews with repository staff and online searches using indicators set by Webometrics.

Q: What were the results of this study?

A: The results showed that in the July 2008 period, the USU repository ranked 15th in Indonesia and 3,777 in the world. However, in the July 2009 period, the repository experienced a significant decline, ranking 31st in Indonesia and 4,884 in the world.

Q: What is the main indicator causing the decline in ranking?

A: The main indicator causing the decline in ranking is visibility, which accounts for 50% of the total score in the Webometrics ranking.

Q: What is visibility in the context of Webometrics ranking?

A: Visibility in the context of Webometrics ranking refers to the number of external links (backlinks) to the USU repository website page, calculated using Majestic SEO.

Q: How can the USU repository improve its ranking on the Webometrics list?

A: Several strategic steps can be taken to improve the ranking, including:

Promotional campaigns to increase the visibility of the repository among users and researchers
Development of quality and relevant content to attract more visitors and backlinks from external sources
Regular monitoring and analysis of trends in the ranking to identify areas for improvement

Q: Why is it essential to develop quality and relevant content?

A: Developing quality and relevant content is essential to attract more visitors and backlinks from external sources, which will lead to an increase in the repository's ranking.

Q: How can the USU repository staff monitor and analyze trends in the ranking?

A: The USU repository staff can monitor and analyze trends in the ranking by regularly checking the Webometrics list and identifying areas for improvement.

Q: What is the significance of this study?

A: This study is significant because it provides insights into the factors contributing to the USU repository's ranking on the Webometrics list and identifies strategies to improve its visibility and ranking.

Q: What are the implications of this study?

A: The implications of this study are that the USU repository can improve its ranking on the Webometrics list by implementing the recommended strategies, which will lead to increased visibility and recognition of the repository's contributions to the academic world.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are that it is based on a descriptive quantitative approach and may not capture the complexities of the factors contributing to the USU repository's ranking on the Webometrics list.

Q: What are the future directions of this study?

A: Future directions of this study could include conducting a more in-depth analysis of the factors contributing to the USU repository's ranking on the Webometrics list and exploring the impact of the recommended strategies on the repository's visibility and ranking.