Billions of people rely on Google Search to find what they want online. But what really happens when you click "search"? Let's describe how the Google Search engine works to give you a behind-the-scenes look.
Crawling the Web
First, Google Search "crawls" the Internet using automated programs called bots to discover new and updated pages. These bots start with a list of known URLs and follow links on those pages to find more content. This continuous process allows Google to update its index with the latest information.
Indexing Sites
Once a new page is found, Google indexes it, meaning it stores the page's content, images, and media in its database. Google analyzes this information to determine how the page should be ranked and classified.
Ranking for Priority
When you enter a query, Google's algorithms rank the indexed pages. While the exact workings of these algorithms are complex and proprietary, some key factors include:
- Content - How well does the content match the query?
- Page and domain quality - How authoritative and trustworthy is the page?
- User experience - How user-friendly is the page, considering aspects like load speed and mobile compatibility?
- Context and settings - Personalized factors such as location, search history, and preferences.
If you're interested in learning more, recent leaks of Google's algorithm provide insights for professionals on optimizing for the search engine.
Serving Results
After ranking the pages, Google displays the results on the Search Engine Results Page (SERP). This page presents the most relevant information in an easy-to-read format, including organic links, ads, snippets, and direct answers or knowledge panels based on your query.
Evolution of Search
Google Search continuously evolves, incorporating user feedback to improve accuracy and usefulness. Advances in technology, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, along with regular updates to the algorithm, enhance its functionality and make it a powerful tool for any user.
While Google is excellent for online searches, what about technology queries? Data Net can help your business manage its technology more effectively. Contact us today at (760) 466-1200 to learn more.
