What is Algorithm?

In SEO, an algorithm is a set of rules and calculations used by search engines like Google to rank websites. Algorithms determine the relevance and quality of a website in response to a user's search query. Google's algorithm, for example, assesses factors like content quality, keyword relevance, backlinks, and user experience. It includes components like PageRank, which evaluates the quantity and quality of backlinks, and RankBrain, an AI-driven component that helps understand search intent. Regular updates, such as Google Panda, Penguin, and BERT, have refined how search engines evaluate websites, focusing on penalizing spammy tactics and rewarding high-quality content.

Understanding these algorithms is crucial for SEO as they dictate the strategies needed to optimize content, improve site structure, and build credible backlinks to achieve higher rankings. However, since algorithms are proprietary and frequently updated, staying informed about changes and best practices is essential for maintaining or improving search engine rankings.