The Google algorithm is a set of rules that determine what appears in a Google search and in what order.
SEMrush studied over 2 million keywords to understand how different factors affect Topnotch SEO.
The study aimed to help digital marketers better understand how the Google algorithm works and how they can improve their SEO.
Google’s algorithm is constantly changing and evolving, which makes it difficult for digital marketers to keep up.
However, understanding how the algorithm works are essential for anyone who wants to improve their Topnotch SEO.
This blog post will deeply dive into the Google algorithm and explain how it affects SEO.
How the Google Algorithm Works
The Google algorithm comprises a series of ranking factors that determine what appears in a Google search and in what order.
These ranking factors are constantly changing, which makes it difficult for digital marketers to keep up with the latest trends.
However, some common ranking factors tend to have a significant impact on SEO.
Some of the Google algorithms are :
- Penguin
The Penguin algorithm is a Google search algorithm that was first introduced in 2012. The purpose of the algorithm is to demote websites that are engaging in spammy or manipulative link-building tactics.
The Penguin algorithm is updated periodically, with the most recent update happening in September 2016.
Penguin is just one of many algorithms that Google uses to determine the ranking of websites in its search results.
However, it is one of the more well-known algorithms due to its significant impact on the visibility of websites that engage in black-hat SEO tactics.
- Hummingbird
The Hummingbird algorithm is a computer algorithm designed to match better the user’s query with the most relevant content.
The algorithm gets its name because hummingbirds can hover in place and consume nectar from flowers.
Similarly, the Hummingbird algorithm is designed to be more precise and efficient, providing users with the most relevant results even if they use different phrasing for their query.
The algorithm is also designed to understand the user’s intent better, making it more likely that they will find what they are looking for.
While still relatively new, the Hummingbird algorithm significantly impacts search results and is likely to continue to do so in the future.
- Pigeon
Pigeon is the code name for a Google Search algorithm update that was first rolled out in 2014.
The update has been designed to provide searchers with more localized results.
It relies on traditional ranking signals like keyword usage and backlinks and newer factors like location and distance.
The Pigeon update aims to create a better experience for searchers by delivering results that are more relevant to their location and search intent.
For businesses, the Pigeon update presents an opportunity to improve their local SEO efforts and attract more qualified leads.
By ensuring that their website and online listings are optimized for local search, businesses can improve their chances of appearing in the top results for relevant queries.
- Mobile-Friendly
With more and more people using smartphones and other mobile devices to access the internet, website owners need to ensure their site is “mobile friendly.”
Google’s mobile-friendly algorithm is designed to do just that – help mobile users find websites that are easy to use on their devices.
The algorithm looks at several factors, including the website’s layout, the font size, and whether the site is responsive (able to adjust to different screen sizes).
If your website passes Google’s mobile-friendly test, mobile users will likely have a good experience visiting your site.
As a result, you may see an increase in traffic and conversions. So if you’re not already thinking about how to make your site mobile-friendly, now is the time to start.
- RankBrain
Google’s RankBrain is the search engine giant’s machine-learning artificial intelligence system that is used to help process and sort through the billions of search queries that Google receives every day.
Search Engine Land’s Barry Schwartz gave an excellent overview of RankBrain’s work in October 2015.
In short, Google takes all the search queries it sees daily, runs them through RankBrain, and then ranks the pages accordingly.
The thinking is that by using an AI system like RankBrain, Google can better understand the searcher’s intent when they type in a query and then provide them with the most relevant results.
While RankBrain is just one of more than 200 signals that Google looks at when ranking pages, it has quickly become one of the most critical factors in determining a page’s position in the search results.
And as Google continues to refine and improve its AI capabilities, likely, that the brain will only become more critical in the years to come.
One of the most important ranking factors is keywords.
Keywords are the words or phrases people use when searching for something on Google. If you want your website to appear in a Google search, you need to make sure that your website contains those keywords.
Another important ranking factor is backlinks.
Backlinks are links from other websites that lead back to your website. Backlinks act as a vote of confidence from other websites and can help improve your website’s authority and credibility.
Finally, another ranking factor that is often discussed is content quality.
Content quality refers to how well-written and informative your website’s content is. When you create high-quality content, people are more likely to share and link to it, which can help improve your website’s SEO.
Conclusion
The Google algorithm is a set of rules that determine what appears in a Google search and in what order. The goal of this blog post was to help digital marketers better understand how the algorithm works and how they can improve their SEO. By understanding how the algorithm works and what important ranking factors are, you can ensure that your website shows up in a Google search.
