You may depend on the Internet for instant, reliable information, but you’ve probably had more than one bad search experience. You’ve had a simple, common question that you are certain has been answered millions of times before, and for some reason, you can’t get the answer. You try the obvious keywords, but you keep coming up with useless websites. Google is changing its approach to generating search results by making improvements to its formula. The hope is for search engines to think like people and get the right connotations of each keyword.
Blogging and Search Engines
As a blogger, you need search engines to place your blog near the top. The number of hits that you get determines the success of your blog whether you are trying to share your insights on topics of interest, make money from pay-per-click ads, make professional contacts or attract potential employers. Your content is important, and you also need to develop your blog to score well with Google’s new algorithms.
Changes in Google
Google is developing a new algorithm for searching through websites to deliver its top hits in response to searches. Company developers are seeking to master a semantic search approach. The search reduces emphasis on sites with a high keyword density and several backlinks; instead, the semantic search considers the content of the page as it relates to the intended meaning of the original words in the search. The algorithm first looks for core keywords, which are the ones you type into the search box, and their synonyms. Then it checks the page for supporting keywords, which are the ones that put the core keywords into context. Finally, stemming keywords are a little further removed, but they’re still necessary to let Google and the reader know that the page is on topic.
Tips for Bloggers
Bloggers need to stay current on the latest algorithms to make sure your blog gets to the top of the search results. Start with your core keywords, and think through the associated ideas as you work your way outward through the supporting and stemming keywords. Write down all of your keywords before you write each blog post. Instead of stuffing keywords repeatedly into meaningless content, focus on writing high-quality content that conveys useful ideas and explanations. A course or program in education technology can help you develop your understanding and skills.
Always write your content for your specific audience, since one term in a Google search box can mean different things in different fields. For example, if you’re an environmental blogger, core keywords of “sun radiation” should be accompanied by “solar power” and “alternative energy.” If you have a medical blog, “sun radiation” might refer to cancer, carcinogens and ways to protect yourself from the sun. Nutritionists might think of vitamin D and bone health when they use “sun radiation” as keywords.
Because people rely so much on quick Google searches, there is clearly a need for relevant searches.
Google is revising its search algorithm to address the problem of irrelevant results. The goal is to mimic how people think and to reward web pages that have relevant materials.
