Google Search Algorithm: A New Direction?
March 11, 2011
Content, content, content. There is a lot of bad information, some so-so information, and not much high value information available on the public Web. The challenge is to pinpoint the high value information. For Google, the challenge is to identify the high value information and keep the Adwords revenue flowing.
After reading “Google’s New Algorithm Puts Content in the Driver’s Seat“, that word content remained entrenched in my consciousness. The author made some compelling points as he discussed Google’s new algorithm and the role content plays in several aspects of the activities performed online. Citing a noticeable, though not complete improvement to the results of high value search requests, the article expressed both praise for the new formula and relief in what he sees as an overdue shift in the approach to commerce.
One passage I noted was:
“Give them valuable content. Free. Give them plenty of it.”
This certainly seems like sound advice. But I want the information that is germane to my query. Who wants to click through a laundry list of links to find what is needed to meet my information need. I don’t.
Google’s PageRank pivoted a decade ago on the importance of links and a site’s rank. Link popularity works for Lady Gaga. Other types of queries may require content that lack have high click or link scores.
Maybe I am sensitive to coincidences. Google’s change to its method comes on the heels of some legal issues related to indexing and results ranking. Is Google trying to improve relevance, manage some push back, or generate some positive public relations? I don’t have the answers to these questions.
Micheal Cory, March 11, 2011
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