Google Algorithm LEAK - (DON'T TRUST GOOGLE)

Summary

In this video, the host discusses a significant leak of Google's search algorithm, shared with SEO expert Rand Fishkin. The document confirms long-suspected SEO theories, such as the existence of a 'sandbox' for new websites, site authority's impact on rankings, and the use of click data to adjust rankings. It also reveals Google's use of Chrome's clickstream data and the prioritization of certain domains during critical events. The video highlights the importance of building site authority and credibility, and the potential challenges faced by small websites in ranking, urging viewers to download and analyze the leaked document for deeper insights.

Takeaways

• 📜 A massive Google search algorithm document was leaked, revealing internal operations that were previously undisclosed.
• 🔍 The existence of a 'sandbox' for new websites was confirmed, where they are treated differently until they gain credibility, contrary to Google's past denials.
• 🏆 The concept of 'site authority' is recognized internally at Google, indicating the overall authority of a site and its impact on search rankings.
• 👀 Click-through rate (CTR) and user interaction data are used to adjust rankings, a practice Google had previously denied.
• 🌐 Google Chrome's clickstream data is utilized in search rankings, despite Google's previous statements to the contrary.
• 🔗 The importance of links is detailed, including freshness, the tier of linking pages, and detection of link spam.
• 🛑 Google has the ability to manually adjust rankings for critical events, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic or elections, to prioritize credible information.
• 👤 Google tracks and measures authorships and entities, suggesting that building a reputation as an author can positively impact content ranking.
• 🏠 Small websites may struggle to rank despite SEO best practices, highlighting the need to build site authority and credibility.
• 📉 Various demotion factors were revealed, such as anchor mismatch, exact match domain devaluation, product review quality, and SERP demotion based on user dissatisfaction.

Q & A

What is the significance of the leaked Google search algorithm document?

The leaked document is significant because it confirms many aspects of Google's search engine operations that SEOs have long speculated about but were previously denied by Google. It provides insights into how Google treats new websites, evaluates links, uses click data, and more.

What is the 'sandbox' mentioned in the document?

The 'sandbox' is a term used to describe how Google treats new websites differently until they earn a specific amount of credibility. This means that results for new websites may not appear immediately in search rankings.

What does the document reveal about Google's stance on domain authority?

Contrary to Google's public statements, the document shows that they do measure an overall 'site authority' which impacts search rankings. This confirms what many SEOs have long believed.

How does click-through rate (CTR) influence search rankings according to the leaked document?

The document reveals that Google uses systems like 'nav boost' and 'glue' that utilize click data to adjust rankings. They analyze user behavior metrics like good clicks, bad clicks, and long clicks, which play a crucial role in the search algorithm.

What role does Google Chrome data play in search rankings?

Despite previous denials, the document shows that Google uses Chrome's clickstream data, including user interaction, site visits, views, and engagement duration, to influence the site quality score and the generation of site links in search results.

Why are links important in Google's search algorithm?

Links are crucial as Google evaluates their freshness and the specific tier of the linking page. They also detect link spam velocity, which can help them counteract negative SEO attacks.

What is special priority and whitelisting in the context of Google search?

Google prioritizes specific domains for certain searches, such as during critical events like COVID-19 or elections, to ensure that trustworthy sites appear at the top. This manual adjustment of rankings is aimed at ensuring the reliability of information.

How does Google track authorships and entities?

Google explicitly tracks and measures authorships and entities. Building a reputation as an author and ensuring proper markup can positively impact the ranking of content, as Google treats recognized authors as entities in their system.

What impact does the leaked document suggest Google might have on small websites?

The document suggests that small, personal sites may struggle to rank despite following SEO best practices. It is important for these sites to focus on building their site authority and credibility.

What are some specific demotions that can impact a site's ranking?

Demotions can occur due to factors like anchor mismatch (where the link doesn't match the target site), exact match domain issues, product review quality, and potential user dissatisfaction measured by click data.