In this episode of The SEO 101 Podcast, hosts Ross Dunn and Scott Van Achte delve into a major leak of Google’s search algorithms, revealing insights into over 14,000 potential ranking attributes, including the role of clicks, dwell time, link velocity, and the use of Google Chrome data. They also discuss the diminishing effectiveness of the disavow tool, the declining usefulness of Google Search Console links report, and bizarre errors in Google’s AI overview answers, closing with practical tips for link relevance, page structuring, and content originality.
Show Notes:
Google Search Algorithm Leak
- Reveals intricate workings of ranking algorithm
- Confirmed by Google with Barry Schwartz
- Contains 14,014 ranking attributes across 2596 modules
- Excludes Google’s scoring functions details
Dixon Jones
- Made all variables searchable
Google Ranking Algorithm Insights
- Uses clicks, sandbox for new sites, Chrome data, link velocity
- Disavow not documented
Other Confirmations & Notes
- Various demotion factors like SERP, Nav, Exact match, and others
- Importance of location, font size, document truncation, originality
Michael King’s Takeaways
- Length flexibility for Page Title
- Emphasize fewer authors with subject expertise
- Prioritize link relevance, originality, consistent dates
- Exercise caution with old domains, focus on creating high-quality content.
Google Testing Blue Visit Button
- Testing a large blue “Visit” button in search result snippets
- Button links directly to the listed website
- Potential for significant increase in click-through rates
- Likely mobile-only for now
Barry’s Perspective
- Barry skeptical about its integration into mainstream results
- Emphasizes uncertainty with a “big if” statement
Google Testing Special Snippet Treatment for Reddit
- Special treatment for Reddit search results observed
- Shows upvote counts, comment counts, snippets from comments for more details
- Potential connection to a content deal allowing Google deeper access to Reddit content, yet uncertain
Reputation & Expired Domains Abuse Reporting
- Google introduces new options in SPAM reporting tool
- Expired Domain Abuse
- Site Reputation Abuse
- Previous categories include Cloaking, Hidden text, Doorway pages, and Others
- Link to the SPAM reporting tool
Decline In Links Reported in Google Search Console
- Google Search Console shows a 40% drop in reported links compared to recent data
- Decline in reported links has been ongoing over the years
- Third-party tools may provide a more accurate view of a site’s linking profile
Google AI Overviews Criticized
- Google AI Overviews facing criticism for providing dangerous and inaccurate responses
- Notable responses highlighted in the Search Engine Land post
Google’s Response
- Google states examples are based on “extremely rare queries” and do not reflect typical user experiences
- Emphasizes that the majority of AI Overviews offer high-quality information
- Mention of extensive pre-launch testing and ongoing system refinement based on isolated examples
Sources:
HUGE Google Search document leak reveals inner workings of ranking algorithm
API Reference
Dixon Jones has made ALL variables searchable
Secrets from the Algorithm: Google Search’s Internal Engineering Documentation Has Leaked
Google releases April 2023 reviews update
How SEO moves forward with the Google Content Warehouse API leak
Google testing blue visit button for search result snippets
Google is testing special snippet treatment for Reddit search results
Google Report Spam Tool Adds Site Reputation & Expired Domains Abuse – Tool
Huge Decline In Links Reported In Google Search Console Links Report
Google AI Overviews under fire for giving dangerous and wrong answers
Directory Of Embarrassing Google AI Overviews