How Are Search Engine Results Determined?

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Did you know that you do not see the same results on search engine pages as everyone else in the world? When you search for something on Google, Yahoo, Bing, or another search engine, more goes into the results you see than just which website is the most popular or has the best keywords. Alongside the index from the search engine itself, an algorithm is used to determine what is most relevant to you based on your personal search history, location, language, and the device you are using (a cell phone, desktop, laptop, et cetera). Each index and algorithm is unique to the search engine, so your first result in Google may not be the same one that shows up if you search on Yahoo. If the idea of an algorithm and index determining search results seems a little overwhelming, fear not! There are things you can do to help ensure that your site is performing well.

First, your website can be updated with content that is relevant to your location. You can do this through keywords, blog posts, location-specific branding (for example, selling products that are unique to an area), and targeted advertisements. When you create this content or start a marketing campaign, keep the location of your target audience in mind.

Second, think of what your target audience will have typically searched for in the past. If you are marketing your cleaning services, it is likely that the people you are trying to reach will have searched for cleaning products or other services similar to yours. Do not try to do too many things in one: narrow down your audience and stick with what you are marketing.

Finally, use keywords in your SEO and in your website that will allow search engine crawlers to not only pick up your website, but also will mark it as relevant to those you are trying to reach by location or interests (past search history.) These will not only help your site be ranked higher, but will also help bring in more potential customers who turn into genuine customers because they have found what they are looking for.