Google Algorithm

Definition

Google's search algorithm is a complex system of ranking signals and machine learning models that evaluates web pages to determine their relevance and quality for any given search query. The algorithm considers hundreds of factors including: content relevance and quality, backlink profile, page experience (Core Web Vitals), mobile-friendliness, HTTPS, E-E-A-T signals, structured data, search intent match, content freshness, and user engagement metrics. Google makes thousands of algorithm changes per year, including major 'core updates' (broad changes affecting many sites) and specific updates targeting spam, helpful content, reviews, and link quality. Monitoring your rankings after core updates and following Google's Search Central blog helps you stay ahead of algorithmic changes.