Google’s Ranking System

Whenever you do a search of a term on Google, you get back results in a list of websites, usually spanning several pages. Google places those websites on the first page of its search outcome it deems to be the most helpful and relevant to the term searched. The majority of users put a lot of weight on the search results on the first page or the topmost few results. As a result, being ranked on the first page means you get more persons visiting your site, and this may translate to more sales or other actions, for instance, soliciting funds, creating awareness, and more. 

The process that deals with endeavoring to get your website rank high in search engine results is called search engine optimization (SEO). The process is complex and may call for the hiring of SEO experts like seo analytics. Experts will advise you on suitable changes to ensure that your site ranks high. So, how does Google decide how to rank the search results? This article is dedicated to looking at how Google’s ranking system works.

PageRank system

This is possibly the most important feature of Google’s algorithm (mathematical process), and it establishes where each search result is placed on Google's search engine return page. PageRank allocates a score to every page in the search result. The better the page's score, the higher it is placed in the search outcomes. Page Rank considers over 200 factors to rank a page. Google keeps it a top secret what those factors are, so nobody knows what they are exactly. However, SEO experts have deduced a few of the most important ones through extensive research, testing, and experience.

Important factors that influence page ranking

These include:

• Usage of keyword
• Site speed
• The structure of the site
• Number of inbound links
• Quality of inbound links
• The time spent on the site

The Algorithm Mechanism

The algorithm is designed by human beings, but the positions awarded to each website are determined by the working out of the algorithm. The ranking of each website by the algorithm is free of human intervention. The site that is ranked at the top (number one) of the search result page is the one that the algorithm has given the highest score after it factors in over 200 factors. 

Google keeps continuously assessing, amending, and updating the ranking so that a page that could have been positioned at the top last week may drop several positions a week later depending on sites’ improvement of their ranking factors. It might even get dropped out of page one.

The rise, drop, or retention of rank by a page is dependent on the overall comparison with other pages competing to rank for the same keyword. For example, if a website on page four improves the structure of its site, enhances the site speed, seeks new quality backlinks, and adds new relevant content, while those above it do nothing, it will go up several positions and displace them. 

The extent of the rise of the page is dependent on the existing authority and quality of the pages above it, and the value Google’s algorithm gives to the improvement done on the website.

Conclusion

No magic formula ensures that SEO will place your website on top. However, giving lots of attention to the factors that the algorithm places value on and constantly working to improve them can help improve your site’s position.