Ben Crombie
- Oct 2, 2023
- 4 min read

WTF is the Google Algorithm and How Does it Impact My Business?

When you hear digital marketing gurus mention the "Google Algorithm," you might find yourself wondering, "WTF does that even mean?" We get it. The world of SEO can seem intimidating, especially when it sounds like people are talking about the formula for Coca-Cola.

In this post, we'll demystify the Google Algorithm for you. If you're running a service-based business, it's crucial to understand this concept because it profoundly impacts your online visibility.

Unravelling the Mystery: What is the Google Algorithm?
Why Should Service-Based Businesses Care?
Key Components of the Google Algorithm
Making Your Service-Based Business Website Algorithm-Friendly
Staying Updated: The Algorithm is Always Changing
Key Takeaways

1. Unravelling the Mystery: What is the Google Algorithm?

In simple terms, the Google Algorithm is a set of complex formulas and rules that Google uses to rank websites in its search results. Imagine you have a question, and you type it into Google. Within a fraction of a second, Google sifts through billions of web pages and delivers what it believes are the most relevant answers. How does it decide which answers (websites) come first? That's where the algorithm comes into play.

2. Why Should Service-Based Businesses Care?

You might be wondering, "Okay, but why does this matter to me?"

Visibility: As a service-based business, your website is your online storefront. When potential clients search for services you offer, you want to be at the top of those results. The higher you rank, the more likely they are to click on your site.

Credibility: Showing up on the first page of Google often correlates with credibility. It signals to users that Google trusts your content, and so should they.

Competitive Edge: If your competitors are optimizing their websites for the Google Algorithm and you're not, guess who's getting more online attention?

3. Key Components of the Google Algorithm

While the exact formula remains a secret, SEO experts have identified several critical factors that influence rankings:

a. Relevance: Does your content answer the user's query?

b. Quality of Content: Is your content well-researched, well-written, and original?

c. Mobile-Friendliness: Is your website easy to navigate on smartphones and tablets?

d. Page Load Speed: Does your site load quickly, or do users have to wait?

e. User Experience: Is your website user-friendly and engaging?

f. Backlinks: How many other reputable sites link back to your website?

g. Domain Authority: How credible and authoritative is your domain in its niche?

4. Making Your Service-Based Business Website Algorithm-Friendly

To ensure your website plays nicely with the Google Algorithm, consider these steps:

1. Prioritize Quality Content: Regularly publish well-researched, relevant content that addresses the questions and pain points of your target audience. For service-based businesses, this might mean blog posts on industry trends, how-to guides, or case studies.

2. Optimize for Mobile: Ensure your website looks and functions well on mobile devices. Google has moved to a mobile-first indexing approach, meaning it primarily uses the mobile version of content for indexing and ranking.

3. Increase Site Speed: A slow-loading site can be a ranking killer. Utilize tools like Google's PageSpeed Insights to check your site's speed and get recommendations for improvement.

4. Enhance User Experience (UX): Ensure that your website is user-friendly. This means easy navigation, clear calls to action, and a clean design.

5. Build Quality Backlinks: Instead of focusing on quantity, aim for high-quality backlinks from reputable sources. For service-based businesses, consider guest blogging on well-regarded industry websites or collaborating with non-competing businesses in your niche.

6. Secure Your Website: Google gives preference to secure websites (those starting with HTTPS). Ensure you have an SSL certificate installed.

5. Staying Updated: The Algorithm is Always Changing

Just when you think you've got it all figured out, Google might throw a curveball. The algorithm is continually evolving to deliver better search results and combat spammy or low-quality sites.

How to Stay Updated:

Follow Reputable SEO Blogs: Websites like Moz, Search Engine Journal, and Search Engine Land frequently publish updates on the latest in the SEO world.
Use Google's Resources: Google Webmasters Blog and the YouTube channel are excellent resources to hear directly from the source.
Regularly Audit Your Website: Make it a habit to review and refine your SEO strategy periodically.

6. Key Takeaways

Google's Algorithm is a Set of Rules: It determines how websites rank in search results.
Service-Based Businesses Can't Ignore It: Your online visibility and credibility are at stake.
Optimize Your Website: Prioritize quality content, mobile optimization, site speed, UX, backlinks, and security.
Stay Updated: The algorithm changes, so your strategies might need to as well.

Conclusion

In the grand scheme of things, "WTF is the Google Algorithm?" is less about understanding intricate formulas and more about recognizing its profound impact on your online presence. As a service-based business, it's not just about offering stellar services offline but ensuring that your online visibility reflects that excellence. By understanding and adapting to the Google Algorithm, you're setting your business up for digital success.