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Definition of the term, "search engine algorithm"

search engine algortihm

Also known as: "algo", "algorithm", "search engine ranking algorithm"

Each major search engine ranks webpages based on a set of criteria. While each search engine may assign different values to different ranking factors, they all basically consider the same factors overall.

The program which search engines use to judge these factors and subsequently rank webpages in their SERPs (Search Engine Results Pages) is called their ranking algorithm. The algo is basically the program that churns all the data and decides how webpages will rank.

Search engines regularly update their algorithms to combat spam. This may involve giving more or less "weight" to individual factors. For example, around 2002 / 2003 it was very easy to rank well on Google if you acquired lots of links to your site. This was because Google's algorithm gave too much weight to inbound links to any given site. The consequence of this was that Google changed how they view links to a site, giving them less importance.

This process of constant change means that any SEO must keep up to date with current search engine developments as certain techniques can change almost on a monthly basis. However, the basic principles of organic SEO remain reasonably constant over time and these are reflected in the webmaster guidelines major search engines publish on their sites.

SEOs will regularly refer to "algo updates" or specific search engine updates - these are the times when search engines are updating their algorithms and SEOs must take stock of the new changes to ensure that they have no negative impact on the techiques they use.

Related terms and definitions

• ban (from search engine index)
• ethical SEO
• Google
• inbound links
• indexing

eflaunt is a UK Internet Marketing and Search Engine Optimisation agency based in Edinburgh, Scotland. For industry news, please refer to the eflaunt SEO blog.