Let’s first take a look at what an algorithm is, in general, to understand what a Google algorithm is. The standard definition is a formula that can be used to solve a problem in a finite amount of steps.

An algorithm is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to perform a specific task. The computer could be programmed to generate a number between 1 and 100 randomly. This is a task that begins and ends at a given point. This makes it a finite task.

It is also possible to think of an algorithm as a mathematical equation. You may be asked to count backward by 4s from 100 to 80. As a result, you might say, “100, 96, 92, 88, 84, 80.” On paper, you might explain how you reached each answer by subtracting the number 4. Even though this is a simplistic view of an algorithm, it can be helpful to understand more complex versions.

What Are Google Algorithms?

Algorithms are the rules by which Google ranks sites in search results. In Google’s complex system, data is collected from pages and analyzed to understand what searchers seek and rank the results accordingly.

We described the basic definition and rules of an algorithm that Google follows. Just think back to your last Google search. The search engine returned millions of results whether you typed “cute cat videos” or “shoe stores in Pennsylvania.” However, how did it decide which results to show you, and in what order? It used an algorithm.

What Factors Does Google Consider the Most Important?

Google assigns numerical values to each attribute it is seeking on a page as it “reads” it. After creating the result, Google adds that numerical value. Thus, the algorithm will rank the web page with the most desirable characteristics because it is deemed more important.

It is important to note that these calculations are made by the Google platform very quickly, and the rankings may fluctuate as web developers manipulate the attributes for page ranking across a website or on individual pages.

Rankings are fluid as determined by Google’s algorithms. It is not unusual for a third-placed page to climb to the top of the results for a keyword and fall to the tenth spot as the content on it and other pages changes. The top spots are usually occupied by businesses that use search engine optimization (SEO) on their websites.

What Is a Google Search Algorithm?

Each Google search is based on the basic algorithm, but the searcher personalizes it. When someone types “buy running shoes,” they want very different results than when they type “cat videos.”

Even the slightest changes in spelling or word order can alter the algorithm for each search. The results are then presented to the user, who can decide which site to visit.

The process occurs very quickly. Additionally, this shows that Google has designed its algorithm to provide a variety of personalization options. Google’s search is now responsive enough to offer suggestions when a user types in a term. It indicates that a different type of algorithm is being used to generate an individualized list of search suggestions based on the browser history and other factors.

What Is the Google Algorithm For SEO?

Keywords are one part of the Google algorithm that determines page ranking. Search engine optimization is the best method of ranking for specific keywords. The purpose of SEO is to inform Google that a website or page is about a particular topic.

Content that was “keyword stuffed” was common on many sites a few years ago. The assumption was that the more keywords a page had, the more important the page should be to the Google algorithm.

As soon as Google realized this, they altered their algorithm to penalize sites that stuffed their pages with keywords and other “black hat” SEO techniques. It would help if you avoided tactics designed to outsmart search engines. Google will eventually catch on to what you are doing, even if they don’t notice it right away.