What is the Google Algorithm?

The Google algorithm is a set of mathematical formulas, updated regularly, which makes it possible to rank the pages of global websites each time an Internet user performs a search. For each query made on the Google search engine, the latter offers results ranked according to their relevance. The first result indicated is the one considered by Google to be the most relevant, that is to say the one providing the best information in relation to the established query. The Google algorithm is based on hundreds of different criteria to prioritize this set of results and for a given query.

Natural referencing will, therefore, be optimal if it comes as close as possible to these criteria. The Google algorithm is constantly evolving, it is necessary to always be on the lookout to follow the modifications and changes to its index.

How do Google algorithm changes look?

Algorithmic changes can come in different forms:

  • Algorithm “update”: search engines change a number of signals existing in their algorithms (e.g. Google’s “Core update”)
  • Algorithm refresh: Search engines relaunch an existing algorithm with the same signals as in the previous update.
  • New algorithms that are integrated by search engines to improve the quality of results and integrate deeper changes in operation (for example Google Panda, or Google Penguin for the best known)

Google's Great Algorithms

Whether it's an e-commerce site or a showcase, ensuring its notoriety and positioning itself on Google's first page is essential. The content and incoming links on your website are pillars of SEO, provided that your editorial and netlinking approach is in line with  Google algorithms.

Algorithms aim to statistically sort content and links on targeted questions based on all the data collected by the different bots that crawl the different pages of your website. Some “algos” aim to classify information. In contrast, others are intended to detect SEO methods that are not acceptable by the search engine and apply one or more Google penalties to them. Here, you will discover the main algorithms to consider to optimize a site and avoid penalization. You can also talk to our SEO consultants.

What is Google Penguin?

Initially, it was a Google Penguin filter that aimed to combat certain spam techniques known as black hat SEO. More specifically, abuses in terms of the use of keyword stuffing, cloaking (presenting different content depending on whether the visitor is a GoogleBot or a real user) or netlinking (too many superficial incoming links and exact anchors) and deliberately duplicated content (content theft, plagiarism).

How do I know if I have a Penguin penalty? 
This is particularly tricky because this penalty applies to a page and not a site as Google Panda did. The penalized page is still indexed but loses visibility and traffic. It is by frequently monitoring the positions of your expressions and URLs that you can easily detect this type of problem. You will also need to monitor your backlinks carefully. The minimum tool is the Search Console integrated into Google Analytics, and the use of a link tracking tool (expensive), or specific tools developed by SEO experts in natural referencing agencies.

What is Google Panda?

The recommendations related to Google Panda are among the most important and focus mainly on the quality of the content. Duplicate content (voluntary duplication), plagiarism or spinning content (text automatically generated by paraphrasing a source text), are all techniques aimed at multiplying the quantity of web pages indexed artificially.

These are the kinds of practices that Panda has been tracking since 2011. Panda, originally just a filter, has been integrated into Google's algorithm, and is frequently updated, at least once a week on average over the last 3 years. The answer to Panda: intelligible content without unnecessary repetitions, unique content, and semantic and lexical richness...

Am I affected by Panda?

Panda affects all or only one part of a site. If you have implemented a section based on duplicate content, all these pages are no longer visible in Google… Here again, you will need to arm yourself with Search Console, Google Analytics and some SEO expertise.

What is Google Pigeon?

Google Pigeon is an update to the Google algorithm that targets the quality of local SEO, on Google Maps but also in classic results. The goal: to make Google search and the first results more relevant. For example, for a query like "natural SEO agency Lyon". Many SEO specialists have had to change their local SEO strategy accordingly. Domain names, business addresses (which must be accessible and micro-formatted on the pages), as well as the reputation and power of local backlinks, weigh in the balance.

What is Google Hummingbird?

Google Colibri, not to be confused with Rank Brain (machine learning embedded in Colibri), is an algorithm that aims to interpret the user's query better in order to increase the relevance of the results on the SERP thanks to the learning of artificial intelligence (the meaning of words, expressions, synonyms, among others). For better SEO, user experience represents a real qualitative factor as does the choice of keywords. This algorithm introduced the notion of an “answer” engine.

FAQs:

What is Google Algorithm?

Ans: Google Algorithm is a set of rules that Google uses to rank websites. It determines what content will be shown in search results and how often.

What is the current Google Algorithm?

Ans: The current Google algorithm is a set of rules that determine which websites and search results are shown to the user. It determines whether a website or an individual page is found more relevant than another.

What is Google's SEO Algorithm?

Ans: The search engine optimization algorithm is a set of rules that Google uses to rank websites. It is the part of the search engine that determines what you will get shown on the search results page.

Is Google Algorithm patented?

Ans: The answer to this question counts on your viewpoint. If you think that Google may be using algorithms to generate content, you might be right. However, if we take a different view on the matter, we will have to agree that there are some algorithms in Google’s core product that makes their search engine better than any other search engine in the world.