Search Engine Optimization News Blog

There was a rush to the Google Webmaster Blog last week as rumors were flying that Google was discussing its algorithms.

With over 450 tweaks last year and a multitude of adjustments so far in 2008, we have seen quite a bit of activity indicating changes in the search engine giant’s inner computations.

The Page Rank has bounced, the SERPs have gone wild. New penalties have sprung up and inexplicable ‘manual’ visits from Googlers have spooked several up and coming web entrepreneurs.

No wonder people want answers! Alas, the secrets seem as locked away as ever.

Udi Manber, Google VP of engineering in the Search Quality division posted a lengthy announcement that touched on the various facets of Google’s attempts to improve search results, broaden international markets and provide new avenues for search as well as better results for all searches.

However, he admitted that Google has been reluctant to disclose its Ranking procedure and algorithm secrets. He said, “…if we make our ranking formulas too accessible, we make it easier for people to game the system.”

Manber went on to assure everyone that Google was constantly working to eliminate spam, fine tune their requirements, and provide the best experience for consumers and webmasters alike.

Nothing was mentioned of the rumored Google Backup Tool, but hopes are still high that an announcement will be made soon.

In the meantime, the secrets of the tweaks remain a mystery!