Google has recently acknowledged the leak of 2500 internal documents relating to data it collects as authentic. Until today, Google had refused to comment on the materials or the source behind the leak.
The leaked documents have naturally sent shockwaves through the SEO community. Google is pretty secretive when it comes to how its search algorithm works, but this leak, along with the recent testimony of the US Department of Justice Case, has provided some clarity surrounding the signals Google uses when it comes to ranking websites.
While Google has indeed acknowledged the leak’s authenticity, they have so far downplayed its significance. They claim the information might be outdated or incomplete, urging users not to draw definitive conclusions or act upon it. However, SEO experts like Rand Fishkin and Mike King believe the documents provide unprecedented insight, offering a glimpse into the previously guarded world of Google’s search ranking algorithm, albeit not the complete picture.
Where did the leak come from?
Renowned SEO expert Rand Fishkin claims that the 2500-page document was leaked to him via email from a source inside Google’s search division. Within the email, claims were also made that other former Google employees had indeed confirmed the validity of the leak and that those ex-employees had also shared confidential information about Google’s search operations.
Fishkin in turn, proceeded to make these documents public across his own multimedia and social channels, quickly gaining the interest of the SEO community before becoming mainstream news.
What the Leak Reveals
First off, let’s be clear. The Google search algorithm has not been leaked and SEO experts don’t suddenly have the secret sauce to ranking websites. However, the information that has leaked this week is still a big deal, and gives great insight into the closely guarded inner workings of Google search.
The leaked material primarily focuses on Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), which act as messengers between different software programs. In this case, the APIs seem to connect various data sources within Google’s Search apparatus.
By analysing these API details, experts were able to gather valuable information about:
Data Collection
The documents reveal a vast array of data Google gathers on websites and users. This includes website content, structure, backlinks, user engagement metrics (clicks, time spent), and potentially even information extracted from user accounts (though this isn’t definitively confirmed).
One thing that was noted with significant importance is that Google may well be using Chrome data in its search rankings, something they have persistently denied in the past. This has been interpreted by experts as Google actually using the number of clicks on pages within Chrome browsers. In turn they then use this data to determine the URL’s that are most popular within a site. This then gets used during the calculation of which URL’s to include within the sitelinks feature.
Potential Ranking Factors
While not a comprehensive blueprint, the documents hint at over 14,000 attributes that might influence search rankings, and experts will be deciphering these for weeks to come. Among them include elements traditionally valued by SEO professionals, like website content quality, mobile-friendliness, and user experience. However, some previously unknown factors might also be at play, raising questions about how Google prioritises different data points.
There’s no indication if more “weight” is placed on one attribute over another or whether some attributes might have been deployed some time ago and are no longer used. Truth is, we may not ever know how all these factors are being used, but there is a lot of information for us to take away that could significantly help with the future of our SEO campaigns.
Transparency vs. Deception
A key debate sparked by the leak revolves around Google’s transparency regarding its search algorithm. The documents suggest a far more complex ranking system which shows Google representatives appear to have mislead the public in the past when discussing how they rank content.
The mere suggestion that the worlds largest search engine doesn’t some how take user engagement into account when ranking content is absurd. Yet they have denied this time and time again. Some now believe Google might downplay, or flat out deny certain factors highlighted in the leak in order to prevent manipulation by SEO specialists.
It is, however, important to remember that the leaked information might not reflect Google’s current algorithm. Search algorithms constantly evolve, and the documents might represent an older version or elements that are no longer used. Additionally, Google emphasises that the ranking process involves far more than just the data points mentioned in the leak. Based on what we now know, I’m not sure of the reliability, or truth, to what Google “says” in the future.
Impact on SEO
Despite Google downplaying the leak’s significance, the SEO community is obviously buzzing. The documents offer valuable clues about what Google might prioritise, even if they don’t provide a magic formula for ranking success. While we look deeper into the findings of the leak, we can take light in the fact we have already been doing many of the core SEO concepts highlighted and will continue to do so here at Digivark:
- Focus on User Experience: The documents seem to emphasise user-centric factors like website usability and content quality. This reinforces the ongoing shift in SEO towards creating valuable and engaging experiences for visitors.
- Prioritise Mobile Friendliness: Mobile friendliness has been a confirmed ranking factor for years, and the leak underscores its continued importance. Modern websites should be mobile friendly and work seamlessly across multiple devices.
- Stay Updated on Evolving Trends: The leak highlights the dynamic nature of Google’s search algorithm. As a leading digital agency, its our job to stay informed about the latest trends and updates so we can adapt our strategies accordingly.
The Road Ahead
The Google Search leak of May 2024 is undoubtedly a significant event in the SEO world. While the information might not provide the complete blueprint to ranking dominance, it does offer a rare glimpse into Google’s search ranking process.
However, it’s crucial to remember that SEO is just one aspect of a successful online presence. Creating high-quality content, building a strong brand reputation, and providing exceptional user experiences will always be paramount factors in achieving online visibility.
The leak also raises questions about transparency in the tech industry. While Google has its reasons for keeping its algorithm details closely guarded, the SEO community might benefit from clearer communication.
Ultimately, this leak serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of search engines. SEOs and website owners must stay adaptable, prioritise user experience, and focus on creating genuine value to navigate the ever-changing digital landscape.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss any of the information above and how it might effect your current or future campaigns, get in touch with the team at Digivark today. We love to talk SEO.
