Think of search engine algorithms as super-picky nightclub bouncers – they decide who gets in (ranks) and who doesn’t. Google’s algorithm, in particular, is like a complex recipe with over 200 ingredients (ranking factors) that’s constantly being tweaked.
The main algorithms you should know about:
- Google Panda: Targets low-quality content
- Google Penguin: Focuses on spammy links
- Google Hummingbird: Understands search intent
- BERT: Processes natural language better
- Core Web Vitals: Measures page experience
What makes this important for SEO? The algorithm determines whether your content shows up on page 1 or page 101 of search results. It’s watching factors like:
- Content quality and relevance
- User experience signals
- Site speed and mobile-friendliness
- Backlink profile
- Technical SEO elements
Here’s the kicker: Google makes thousands of algorithm updates yearly, with major updates dropping a few times annually. Stay informed but don’t panic over every tiny change – focus on creating quality content and a solid user experience.