Algorithm: what is this for?

Algorithm. Surely you have already heard the word, but do you know what it is? Do you know what is the algorithm for? The V3rtice digital marketing agency, from Barcelona and Madrid, tells you what the algorithm is, but not only in the context of mathematics, but also its importance and how it is applied in social networks and in web search engines like Google.

What is the algorithm

According to the Oxford Languages dictionary, the algorithm is an “ordered set of systematic operations that allows to make a calculation and find the solution of a type of problem”.

“Algorithm” has become a very used word lately, as well as in the virtual world of social networks and search engines. Every day we talk about the term, but perhaps we don’t know very well what an algorithm is about and how it works.

What does the algorithm contain?

Start (input): The first part of the algorithm contains the data or information with which it will be able to work.
Processing: in this second part, the data or information is applied to the instructions, with the aim of obtaining a solution.
End (exit): in this last part, the solution of the problem is generated.

The algorithm can be applied to a cooking recipe, for example. In the first part we have the ingredients, in the second part of the process those ingredients are used and some instructions are followed; and in the final part, the result is obtained, the ready-to-eat recipe.

What is the algorithm for?

The algorithm automates processes in the most efficient way possible to give the best possible results. This process, applied to social networks, will define what content it shows you, how it does it and when it presents it. On the other hand, in search engines (such as Google), it will choose, among all the indexed websites, what content it shows you based on your search intent.

But you ask yourself: what is the algorithm for? The algorithm is used to filter the content and give you the result you are looking for (in search engines), or the result adapted to your tastes (in social networks). Social networks and search engines are constantly updating their algorithms, increasingly refining the processes and trying to offer what the user is looking for or the most appropriate content for their interests

Algorithm in social networks

Social networks have evolved and revolutionized our virtual life. Data from the GWI agency (audience research) say that the common user spends two and a half hours per day using social networks. In other words, we can spend approximately 70 hours per month using these virtual platforms.

Have you seen the news on Twitter?
Did you get a little distracted by the Tik Tok videos?
Did you find the tutorial you were looking for on Youtube?
What was the best Instagram photo you saw today?
Did you catch up with what your family does on Facebook?
Did you already find this post on Google?

How not to give importance to social networks? Lately, any person or entity, if they want to be up-to-date, obtain relevance, views, achieve business goals, etc., cannot fail to have a presence in this social window.

Of course, the platforms do not reveal their algorithms, but we can reach some basic conclusions about how these algorithms work. Sometimes the key is not to discover a formula, but rather to discover what your audience wants to see and how they want to see it presented.

Algorithms work to offer what the user wants, so if you focus on your audience offering quality content, surely you will also meet the objectives of the algorithm.

What is the algorithm for in Google?

Google has kept evolving and has worked over the years to position quality content and show what the user really needs through the SERPS. This search tool is always constantly updated.

Before, this search engine had simple criteria, which, when discovered, were applied systematically and it was possible to position the web page by applying these “formulas”. However, now it is not a question of simply “hacking” the algorithm and putting the keywords x number of times. Well, “junk” or “poor” positioned content is already something that is seen less and less, and this technological leader has improved the search criteria adapted to offer the best possible content for the user.

From 2011 to 2023 Google has given names to its updates, from the “Panda” to Core Updates. Google seeks to combat the “black hat” or content that violates the platform’s policies, it goes against poor quality content.

Strategies to position

We do not know the formulas of Tik Tok, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or Google, but we can give you the basic tips that you must apply to increase your positioning and gain views. As an agency specialized in social networks and digital marketing, we give you some tips to adapt to the criteria of the algorithm, giving priority to the user, which is what the algorithm ultimately intends.

Quality Content: offers original and quality content. Write for your audience, not for the algorithms. Be natural, that algorithms are not interested in showing content to robots. Promote valuable information and think about whether your post will be useful to your target audience.
White Hat: Go on the right track. Do not try to apply shortcuts and call yourself a “hacker” to infiltrate the system, because you can end up being penalized by the platforms.
What your audience wants: think about what the user wants to see, don’t just focus on what you want to express. That your information matches the search intent of the receiver.
Quality images: If you are going to use images in your content, integrate original and excellent quality visual pieces. A clean, sharp image with good visual characteristics in general will generate impact and recognition from users and algorithms.
Be clear: go straight to the point and show your content in an entertaining, appealing, effective and succinct way.
Mobile version: all the contents must be adapted mainly in mobile or tablet format and not only be adapted to the computer format. Websites must be “responsive”, fitting any screen size.
Fast loading: your website cannot take a long time to load, this increases the bounce rate and makes users flee from your page.

There are many more tips that you could apply, but start by taking these points into account to improve your visibility through virtual platforms. We hope that from V3rtice you have learned a little more about this topic, what is the algorithm for and how to apply it to your business or objective. As a communication agency, we invite you to contact us if you want to know more about how to improve your projects.

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