RankBrain is the AI system at the heart of Google’s search algorithm. It connects unfamiliar terms with familiar search queries so a website becomes more relevant to users and more visible on the internet. RankBrain has changed how people look for information and can play a central role in SEO work once you understand how these algorithms behave.
Why SEO matters across the customer journey
With a real investment in SEO, a business can show up at every step of the customer journey. High-quality content aligned with what users search for lets a company engage prospects at every stage of the marketing funnel. Without SEO, businesses leave a measurable amount of revenue on the table. SEO also boosts brand awareness, increases website traffic, and can capture traffic from TV ads.
Google’s market share and the rise of SEO firms
By 2003, Google held a 75% market share worldwide. By June 2008, Google held a nearly 90% share in the UK and an 85-90% share in Germany. In 2006, Google represented over 75% of all searches in the country, and its share is now close to 90%.
The SEO industry scaled fast alongside that dominance. In 2006, hundreds of SEO firms operated in the US, while only five SEO companies had offices in the UK at that contrast point. Today, there are over a thousand SEO firms in the UK, and the number keeps growing.
How to run an SEO strategy that holds up
A successful SEO strategy requires regular monitoring and updates to site performance, including the use of relevant keywords. Once the target market is identified, the next step is to confirm the SEO firm can hit that target. Techniques must be repeatable and work across all search engines, so results do not depend on any single engine.
Why algorithm changes force constant updates
Optimising for Google has become more difficult since the algorithm changes every day and continues to change every year, which makes regular updates to your SEO strategy necessary. If you want to rank on top of the results page, you need to know which keywords belong in the content.
What SEO delivers beyond rankings
Aside from visibility, SEO increases revenues, reduces risk, and improves brand reputation. It builds brand awareness, grows website traffic, generates leads, and lets businesses take advantage of TV ads. The more targeted a market is, the more potential it has for making money.
FAQ
What is RankBrain?
RankBrain is an artificial intelligence system that connects unfamiliar terms with familiar search queries, making a website more relevant to users. It sits at the heart of Google’s search algorithm.
How much of the search market did Google hold between 2003 and 2008?
Google had a 75% market share worldwide in 2003 and held over 75% of searches in the country by 2006. By June 2008, Google held a nearly 90% share in the UK and an 85-90% share in Germany, with overall market share now close to 90%.
How did the SEO industry grow alongside Google?
Hundreds of SEO firms were operating in the US in 2006, while only five had offices in the UK. The UK now has over a thousand SEO firms, and the number continues to grow.