Algorithm
Google's secret recipe for deciding what shows up in search results.
The Tradie Take
The algorithm is like the site foreman who decides which tradies get the work. He checks your reputation (reviews), your reliability (site speed), how well you explain what you do (content), and whether other people vouch for you (backlinks). Do all that right and he puts you at the top of the list.
Definition
An algorithm is a set of rules a computer follows to solve a problem. Google's algorithm decides which websites show up first when someone searches for a plumber, electrician, or builder near them. It looks at hundreds of signals like relevance, trustworthiness, page speed, and reviews to rank results. Google updates its algorithm regularly - so what worked last year might not work today.
How It Works
- 1 Google's bots crawl the web and collect information about every page
- 2 Its algorithm analyses hundreds of ranking signals for each search
- 3 It ranks pages based on relevance to the search + authority of the site + user experience
- 4 Algorithm updates can shake up rankings - sites that were #1 can drop overnight
Tips for Tradies
- Don't chase algorithm updates - build a solid site that serves customers well
- Focus on the fundamentals: fast site, good content, genuine reviews, local relevance
- If an update hits your rankings, check for technical issues first - often it's a fixable problem