The Google algorithms that determine site rankings should be a guiding influence in the development of your franchise website.
As a user, however, how do they impact the search experience? Here is a basic guide to the rules Google follows in producing search results.
Browser History
Sites that a user visits repeatedly automatically receive a boost in ranking for that individual’s searches. Those who use Google Plus Circles can add sites or authors they enjoy to their accounts. Doing so gives these additions to the circle priority in future searches.
Google algorithms also consider searches. If a user types in “movie times,” and then enters the name of a film shortly thereafter, Google will suggest sites that show movie times for that film. This comes in handy when users plug in ambiguous search terms. The search engine pulls from recent themes and attempts to narrow down what the user is looking for.
Location Matters
Google tailors search results to the user’s location. This starts out in a broad sense with the country of origin. Someone surfing the internet in Edinburgh will be directed to Scottish sites before Australian ones. The algorithms further narrow results to reflect a user’s immediate vicinity. Local server IPs will get a boost in rankings.
Managing Questionable Material
Google takes its Safe Search function – the setting that keeps adult content away from children – seriously. It will block content with adult material, cursing, or other possibly harmful components. When creating material, know that what is questionable is not always offensive. Sometimes it’s plagiarism or inaccurate information. Google’s algorithms assess the quality of a site’s content before ranking it. Additionally, they demote any sites that receive Digital Millennium Copyright Act complaints.
Shopping Convenience and News Cycles
Google pays attention to users’ shopping searches, too, and responds with targeted ads. In some cases, the Google Shopping box will appear on top of the results page. Below this, a store’s sites appear, with large brands generally given priority over smaller ones. Likewise, Google news boxes appear to show the most recent articles get priority, which ensures individuals are able to see the most up-to-date information about subjects that interest them.
