What to Know:
– Google uses a variety of factors to determine the ranking of search results.
– In 2020, Google made several changes to its ranking factors.
– Google uses both systems and signals to determine query ranks.
– Some of the key changes in Google’s ranking factors include the introduction of BERT, passage indexing, and the Core Web Vitals update.
– BERT helps Google better understand the context and meaning of search queries.
– Passage indexing allows Google to rank specific passages within a webpage.
– The Core Web Vitals update focuses on user experience metrics such as page loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability.
– Google also considers factors like mobile-friendliness, content relevance, and backlinks when determining search rankings.
The Full Story:
Google’s search algorithm is constantly evolving, and understanding the factors that influence search rankings is crucial for website owners and SEO professionals. In 2020, Google made several changes to its ranking factors, and this article will explain some of the key updates.
One of the major changes introduced by Google in 2020 is the use of BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers). BERT is a natural language processing model that helps Google better understand the context and meaning of search queries. It allows Google to interpret the nuances of language and provide more relevant search results. BERT is particularly useful for understanding longer, more conversational queries.
Another significant change is the introduction of passage indexing. Previously, Google would rank entire webpages based on their relevance to a search query. However, with passage indexing, Google can now rank specific passages within a webpage. This means that even if a webpage doesn’t fully match a search query, it can still rank if it contains a relevant passage. Passage indexing allows Google to provide more precise and targeted search results.
In addition to BERT and passage indexing, Google also made updates to its Core Web Vitals. The Core Web Vitals are a set of user experience metrics that focus on page loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability. These metrics are important for ensuring a positive user experience, and Google now considers them as ranking factors. Websites that provide a fast and smooth browsing experience are more likely to rank higher in search results.
Mobile-friendliness continues to be an important ranking factor for Google. With the increasing use of mobile devices for internet browsing, Google prioritizes websites that are optimized for mobile. Websites that are responsive and provide a seamless experience across different devices are more likely to rank higher in mobile search results.
Content relevance is another crucial factor in Google’s ranking algorithm. Google aims to provide the most relevant and useful content to its users, so websites that have high-quality, informative, and relevant content are more likely to rank higher. It’s important to create content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience and provides value.
Backlinks also play a significant role in Google’s ranking algorithm. Backlinks are links from other websites that point to your website. Google sees backlinks as a vote of confidence in your website’s authority and relevance. Websites with a strong and diverse backlink profile are more likely to rank higher in search results.
It’s important to note that while these are some of the key ranking factors, Google uses hundreds of factors to determine search rankings. The specific weight and importance of each factor may vary depending on the search query and other contextual factors.
In conclusion, understanding Google’s ranking factors is essential for optimizing your website for search. In 2020, Google introduced several changes to its ranking factors, including the use of BERT, passage indexing, and the Core Web Vitals update. These updates aim to provide more relevant and user-friendly search results. By focusing on factors like mobile-friendliness, content relevance, and backlinks, website owners and SEO professionals can improve their chances of ranking higher in Google’s search results.
Original article: https://www.searchenginejournal.com/ranking-factors/last-years-google-ranking-factors-changes-explained/