Heads Up: Google May Change Its Ranking Algorithm

If your blog relies on organic, non-paid search engine traffic, you should take note of what I’m about tell you. A new report has emerged, suggesting that Google may alter is search ranking algorithm to focus on the truthfulness/accuracy of websites’ content.

Google currently uses a complex ranking algorithm consisting of hundreds of different signals. While the Mountain View company has yet to reveal the exact formula it uses to rank websites, some of the signals Google is believed to use include backlink quantity, backlinks quality, social shares, domain age, and brand name mentions. Webmasters and bloggers who focus their SEO efforts on these signals will typically achieve a higher search ranking, which subsequently means more traffic and more sales.

According to a report published by New Scientist, Google has developed a new ranking algorithm than focuses on content accuracy rather than backlinks. Using this new system, websites are given a Knowledge-Based Trust Score based on the accuracy and truthfulness of its content. Websites with a higher score will outrank similar websites with a lower score. So, how does Google determine a website’s Knowledge-Based Trust Score?

The report suggests that Google has a massive database of information, dubbed the Knowledge Vault, which it uses to determine a website’s Trust Score. When Google bots crawl webpages, they will automatically cross-reference its content with that of the Knowledge Vault to determine whether or not it’s accurate. Websites that publish erroneous content that’s riddled with mistakes will receive a lower Trust Score. Assuming Google proceeds with this change, there will be a greater need for double-checking your blog posts’ content before hitting the “Publish” button.

“A Google research team is adapting that model to measure the trustworthiness of a page, rather than its reputation across the web. Instead of counting incoming links, the system – which is not yet live – counts the number of incorrect facts within a page,” wrote the report.

While this report is certainly intriguing for webmasters and bloggers who rely on organic traffic, there’s still no official word regarding its implementation. In other words, Google may scrap the idea and continue to use its traditional ranking algorithm.

Do you think Google should use a Trust Rank-based search ranking algorithm? Let us know in the comments section below!