Inbound Marketing Blog

Keeping up with Google can sometimes be tricky—the search engine giant is constantly updating in an effort to improve searcher experience. They are not always forthcoming about what sorts of changes are in the works, nor do they give away any behind-the-scenes info that illuminates why or how they evaluate any one specific thing. Instead, we get the occasional blog post about core updates or changes to Ads, in addition to Q&A sessions with people like John Mueller, Google's Search Advocate, or Danny Sullivan, Search Liaison. Rarely is anything concrete, and sometimes info feels contradictory to best practices or what SEOs actually see in their work. 

With more than 2 billion websites in the world and 2 trillion searches a year, Google has its work cut out for them when it comes to connecting users to the information they need. How does it manage all of that? With a complex set of algorithms, of course. 

Here's what you need to know about Google's search algorithms and how they impact SEO. 

Google Search Console (GSC) is one of the best free tools out there for SEO. In fact, if you only use one tool, let it be this one. That's because Google Search Console is all about organic search. GSC offers insights into impressions and traffic, and it's where you'll see issues Google has identified regarding page speed, AMP, or indexing. And, if you've received a manual penalty, you'll find that out here.

If anyone can write on any topic and post it on the internet, how can readers be assured that what they're reading is true, correct, and/or safe? If someone finds the post via a Google search, there's a good chance the search engine has made sure it's quality content. 

The tools you use for web marketing and website management are important, and there are so many of them out there for you to use. Most people find a few that become favorites and typically end up paying for at least one. However, Google offers a variety of tools for free that you should absolutely check out. 

SEO used to be a lot easier to do before Google’s search algorithm became as sophisticated as it is today. Couple of keywords here, a few links there, and you were sure to start ranking for some pretty competitive terms.

All that has changed. The problem, however, is that some SEO companies and “professionals” will still practice these tactics in order to see quick results. You know the type: the ones that can “guarantee” you top rankings on Google in 3 months. While these black hat tactics may still work to some degree, the risk of being penalized or de-indexed is a far greater threat to your business than taking a little extra time to rank on Google.

You know what’s a big deal?

Google.

We're all at the mercy of Google. You know this by now.

As internet users, the results we get when we search for keywords on the web is determined by Google, and as businesses with websites, the words we choose to use in our site content are influenced by what Google tells us that internet users are looking for. Basically, Google dominates the way we use the internet.

You and Google have something in common: you both love fresh, quality content that is full of substance, easily digestible, and relevant. Google wants content that speaks to the reader, not at the reader; and believe me when I say they know the difference. Google's algorithms are so much more advanced than they were even a couple of years ago. 

Yes.

Way back in the ’80s, if you wanted to go check out a new restaurant or hair salon, you had to pull out the phone book and look up the business’ address. If you were lucky, you knew the general area where the business was. If not, you had to get out a map or call and get street by street directions to write down. Then, of course, if the business was closed for renovations or due to a holiday, there was no way you would know until you drove up to the location. I lived it, and yes, it was rough.