Google's Gary Illyes On RankBrain Replacing Links & Other Ranking Factors

Mar 15, 2016 - 8:06 am 34 by

Algorithm Brain

So the folks at Distilled wrote a piece "Google to Announce that Links are no Longer a Major Ranking Factor," which is meant to catch attention but is not true. More of a "what if" story.

So @realSEyOda asked Gary Illyes of Google his thoughts on the article and the prospect of RankBrain replacing links as a ranking factor. Gary Illyes responded on Twitter saying "mmm, no."

The bigger issue is that it seems SEOs don't get RankBrain. Truth is, how can you blame them, Google doesn't fully understand RankBrain.

But truth is, RankBrain doesn't replace ranking signals, from what I understand. RankBrain uses the signals, and more, to better tailor the rankings. So RankBrain uses links, as one of it's signals, to try to optimize the rankings based on better understanding the search query.

I don't think RankBrain can replace links, because RankBrain may use links.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Google Core Update Rumbling, Manual Actions FAQs, Core Web Vitals Updates, AI, Bing, Ads & More - YouTube
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Google Updates

Google Urges Patience As The March 2024 Core Update Continues To Rollout

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google

Official: Google Replaces Perspective Filter With Forums Filter

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Maps

Google Business Profiles Now Offers Additional Review After Appeal Is Denied

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:31 am
Google Maps

EU Searchers Complaining About Google Maps Features Changes Related To DMA

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google

Google Showing Fewer Sitelinks Within Search

Mar 18, 2024 - 7:11 am
Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 15, 2024

Mar 15, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Previous Story: Google Opens Trial Run Ads To Search Ads With App Streaming