If you’ve checked your Google rankings at different times in the same day, you may have noticed that your rankings fluctuate.
In fact, your Google rankings might be see-sawing by more than a few positions. What does that mean?
It means you’re learning about the Google Data Centers factor – a big one in SEO. Contrary to what some believe, there isn’t 1 Google Ranking Algorithm. Let me explain.
Google has a number of what are called Data Centers. Basically, the Data Centers are what take in your search query after you hit that ‘Search’ button on Google.
Then, according to the Google algorithm, they find the listings they think match your query and then feed you the 1st 10 or so.
You don’t necessarily get the same Google Data Center each time you search, even if you do a search one after another. The ranking algorithm is varied to some extent in each Data Center.
Some more than others. It is believed that at least 1 Data Center at any time is using a more ‘experimental’ algorithm as Google tries to continually improve their ranking formula.
What does this mean for your search engine optimization (SEO)? It means you should continue to do the same crucial On and Off Site work.
That means links, targeted keywords, and quality, targeted content. You can’t game every algorithm variation, especially not as they continually change.
The solid foundations of SEO will serve you well, no matter what Data Center you’re being ranked in.