What is Algorithm?
TL;DR
The complex set of rules Google uses to rank websites. Google updates its algorithm thousands of times per year, with major updates getting names like "Helpful Content Update" or "Core Update." These changes can significantly impact rankings. Following E-E-A-T principles and avoiding Black Hat SEO tactics protects you from being hurt by algorithm updates.
On this page
Frequently Asked Questions About Algorithm
What is Google's algorithm?
Google's algorithm is the system that decides which pages rank for which searches. It evaluates hundreds of factors to determine the most relevant, authoritative results. The exact formula is secret, but SEO best practices are based on observed patterns.
How often does Google update its algorithm?
Google makes thousands of small changes yearly, plus several major 'core updates' announced publicly. Major updates can significantly shift rankings. Following Google's official announcements helps you understand changes.
How do I protect my site from algorithm updates?
Focus on genuine quality: helpful content, good user experience, honest practices, and real expertise. Sites following these principles generally survive updates; sites using tricks or thin content get hit. Don't chase shortcuts.
My rankings dropped after an update. What do I do?
First, confirm it was an update (check industry news). Analyze what changed, which pages lost traffic for which queries. Compare to pages that now rank better. Often the solution is improving content depth, expertise signals, or user experience.
Terms Related to Algorithm
E-E-A-T
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It is Google's framework for evaluatin...
Read definition Red FlagsGoogle Penalty
A punishment Google applies to websites violating its guidelines, either through manual review or Algorithm updates. Pen...
Read definition SEORanking Factors
The signals Google uses to determine where pages appear in search results. There are hundreds of factors, but the most i...
Read definition SEO301 Redirect
A permanent redirect that tells browsers and search engines "this page has moved forever, go here instead." When someone...
Read definition SEO302 Redirect
A temporary redirect that tells search engines "this page has moved for now, but it's coming back." Unlike a 301 Redirec...
Read definition SEOAlt Text
Descriptive text added to images that tells search engines (and screen readers) what an image shows. Good alt text is sp...
Read definitionFeatured SEO Case Study
Bot Image AI: Zero to 158 Keywords for FDA-Cleared Tech
Full website design for Bot Image, the company behind North America's first FDA-Cleared AI for prostate cancer screening. From zero web presence to 158 organic keywords with #1 positions for core product terms.
More SEO Case Studies
Ladies of Liberty: A Redesign That Matched the Mission's Energy
249 organic keywords and #1 rankings for core brand terms plus top-5 positions for high-search-volume speaker names
Website Design and Local SEO for Truck Repair in Sacramento, CA
0 to 31 organic keywords with multi-location visibility across Sacramento metro
Smarter Energy Services: Solar Design That Ranks #1 in Brooklyn
#1 for brand term, top 5 solar keyword positions, and $285/month organic traffic value
Website Design for Multifamily Renovation Contractor in Gardena
Professional B2B digital presence for a contractor with $1B+ in property acquisitions
Brand Identity for a San Antonio Art Marketplace
From zero brand to 250+ organic keywords and #1 rankings for San Antonio art searches
Safety Quest: How Design Drove 698 Keywords
698 organic keywords and #1 rankings for key security training terms
Struggling to rank? Let's fix that.
Let's talk about how seo can drive real growth for your business.
Get SEO HelpSEO Articles
View All Posts »
Mobile SEO Checklist: Fix Your Site Before Google Penalizes It
Google judges your website by its mobile version. If your site is slow, hard to read, or frustrating on a phone, you are being ranked on that experience. Here is how to fix it.
SEO Reporting Explained: What Your Reports Should (and Shouldn't) Show
Most SEO reports are designed to look impressive, not to tell you if SEO is making you money. Here is what a useful report actually includes, which metrics to ignore, and 5 questions to ask your agency.
SEO for Beginners: Where to Start When You Know Nothing
Starting from zero with SEO is overwhelming. There are hundreds of guides, tools, and opinions. Here is the actual order that works, from a 15-year practitioner who has helped businesses go from invisible to page one.
SEO Myths Debunked: 13 Things You've Been Told That Aren't True
I hear the same SEO myths every week on sales calls. Keyword stuffing, guaranteed rankings, SEO is dead. Here are 13 myths that cost small businesses real money, and the truth behind each one.
Best Freelance SEO Companies in Colorado: 2026 Clutch Rankings
Clutch ranks the top freelance SEO companies in Colorado based on verified client reviews. I reviewed the top agencies to help you pick the right one.
DMS Ranked #1 Across 4 Clutch Categories
Clutch, the leading B2B ratings platform, ranked Digital Marketing Services #1 in four freelance categories: Web Design, WordPress Design, Digital Strategy, and SEO in Colorado.
