How Search Engines Work: Crawling, Indexing, Ranking, & More

Then repeat for the second result, and third, and on and on until you hit 50. While we’ll summarize the results below, if you want to check out the data for yourself you can download the entire result set here. This includes using clear language, short paragraphs, subheadings, bullet points, and visual elements like images and videos to break up the text. Refer to our dedicated tutorial on naming images for SEO to optimize your images.

  • By focusing on these 8 ranking factors, your content will easily increase in rank in the search engine results.
  • Start by brainstorming search terms that align with your products or services.
  • The specter looming over most SEO-related conversations in 2025 is AI.
  • So, in a way, EAT is the combination of multiple Google ranking factors working together.
  • Ever since Google prioritized mobile search in 2019, it’s key that your website be responsive on any size screen.

Link analysis systems and PageRank

We’ll create a local SEO strategy that’s tailored to your needs and goals and keep the focus on driving results that matter. Ideally, you’ll rank on the first page of results for your keywords. As you create your link building strategy, you can use backlink trackers to figure out who is linking to your website.

seo ranking factors

This disruption hinders seamless navigation and diminishes the user’s trust in your website’s relevancy and value. However, they influence the click-through rate (CTR), which is a ranking signal. As a result, Google will rank your pages higher for related search queries. For example, backlink relevance signals to Google your content is a relevant and trusted source.

Identify gaps, outdated information, or underperforming pieces that need improvement. Use this analysis to inform your future content creation and optimization efforts. This info will guide how you create content and help you speak in a way that connects with your audience. Create profiles of your ideal customers – their age, interests, problems, and what kind of content they like. Good, helpful, engaging content is vital for getting other sites to link to yours naturally. Search engines use automated “crawlers” to find and visit webpages by following links across the web.

seo ranking factors

How do search engines work?

seo ranking factors

A recent study by SEMrush found that backlinks were strongly correlated with higher Google rankings. But if you’re willing to publish amazing stuff, you have a good shot of ranking in Google for your target keywords. That said, you don’t just want to add a bunch of random internal links.

This is because Google has determined that this page is the most relevant based on its ranking factors. High-ranking pages in search engine results will always receive more clicks, making their search engine ranking a vital element for online success. Most Google Maps searches happen on mobile, so a slow or poorly designed website can drive potential customers away before they even step foot in your business. Google also prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search rankings, making mobile optimization essential for local SEO. Using local keywords strategically improves your relevance, increases visibility in search results, and helps customers find you when they’re searching for businesses in your area.

seo ranking factors

Domain Age

That means understanding what people are really looking for when they type in search keywords. It’s worth noting that as more people search by voice, content optimization includes optimizing for questions and natural language searches. That means some LSI keywords will be longer because people speak differently than they type.

seo ranking factors

But they also use User Experience Signals to see if people start interacting with your content differently (for example, they notice people start bouncing from the page right away). Well, unless you update that content on a regular basis, it’s going get out of date REALLY quickly. Specifically, Google wants to SEO Anomaly see that your content is still relevant and up to date. For example, if you click from the first results — and quickly bounces back to the search results — that’s a strong sign that the result didn’t make you happy.

When people conduct local searches, many of them are looking for this information. If potential customers can’t find it, they’ll seek out another business. An owner-verified listing is one of the factors that will help improve your GBP ranking. You want to claim ownership of your GBP listing so you can include all the information potential customers need.