In case you missed our ‘What is an Algorithm’ post, an algorithm is a code that tells a computer what to do and how to do it. Algorithms have an effect on the work that Your Goodguys do, as we constantly need to be aware of the factors which will impact on our clients’ rankings in search engine results. Technology never stands still, and so these factors are ever-changing.
Content is key!
Every time Google introduces a new algorithm, our online marketing strategies need to be reconsidered. The only thing we can be sure of, that will probably never change, is this: Content Is Key. We’ve always known that the use of specific keywords, and the relevance and freshness of our content, has a big impact on search result rankings. SEO is no secret, but these always-evolving algorithms emphasise the strong need for quality content.
The long and short of it
Hummingbird is an example of a Google algorithm that really responds to content. Google recognises that a lot of searches being made are full-length questions, as opposed to shorter statements or phrases. This is most likely to do with the popularity of mobile phones, and the common use of the phrase “Google it” when someone is unsure of something. As a result, Hummingbird places the emphasis on conversational searches, meaning for us that content should now be optimised for entire sentences rather than short keywords.
User-friendly results
Algorithms exist to deliver better search results and not particularly to one-up a business. The key is to keep the user in mind at all times, and create the content that they’re searching for.
If you have any questions regarding the effect of algorithms, please get in touch with one of the goodguys, and we’ll be happy to help.