Understanding Different Types of Searches to Create Better Content
Over the past year as Google changes it’s algorithms and processes, we have learned something very important about searches and the individual Internet viewer: the user experience actually influences search engine rankings. Contrary to what it might seem, Internet searches are not made for robots, nor is there a mechanical logic to learn about high ranking. In fact, all of the algorithm logic that we now know stems from what human users have been thinking all along.
Search engines are organized the way they are because we, the people, wanted it that way. We wanted relevant content over SPAM and so they implemented changes. We wanted higher quality writing instead of content mills producing the same old clichés. That’s precisely what the search engines gave us. The search engines are in a never-ending quest to improve their search results quality because this is what keeps users coming back.
Of course, human-made machines are not perfect at creating the human experience, and so search engine logic is not always perfect. Sometimes returned search results are very subjective, and as we’re sure you personally have experienced, not at all what you were looking for.
Nevertheless, virtually all search algorithms run on good intentions, and with the goal of bringing the most relevant text from the most authoritative source. Thus, you can assume that the search results returned to you all have a degree of:
- Easy navigation structure;
- Relevant and “to the point” information to the search query;
- Professional formatting compatible with modern Internet browsers; and
- High quality and credible subject matter.
Of course, the user experiences goes beyond this. Now, technology has reached the point where search engines can detect link structures, and how these links reflect popularity. They can also detect “higher quality sites” and superior sources, based on link clicks and other information. Other factors considered, by the user and the search bots, include anchor text wording and placement and timing, as in date created and modified.
Linking is particularly important, and it’s not just a game of numbers. Statistically speaking, search engines have discovered that the sites with the most external links are usually the highest quality sites. Indeed, no one wants to link to a low quality website or web page. So when creating your own site and optimizing the text and links, consider whether or not a human user would find the page appealing, and this in turn, will predict how successful it is with the search rankings.
