Search Queries
A search query is the word or string of words a user types into a search engine and will be used to determine the most relevant and useful results for what they are looking for. Our Hangout Notes cover insights from Google around how they use and understand search queries, along with recommendations for optimising your site for searcher intent.
Info Query to Find Canonical URLs
Search for a URL with an Info: query to see if a different URL has been indexed instead.
Google Replaces Duplicate and Long Titles on a Per Query Basis
Google will change titles, if they are too long, or include duplication, on a per query basis. It might be a sign that you should improve your titles.
Duplicate Content Filtering is Query Dependent
Duplicate content may still be indexed but filtered out of search results for queries where it would results in an identical snippet.
Ranking Boost from Geographic Targeting is Query Specific
The ranking boost for geographic targeting is specific to the query.
Relevancy and Quality Varies by Search Query
Google varies the importance of relevancy versus quality depending on the search query.
Algorithm Weighting Changes Per Query and Over Time
The weighting of Google’s algorithms on search results varies per query, and will change over time. For example, during an election, fresher content might be prioritised for election based search queries.
Use Site: to Test Rich Snippets
The Rich Snippet testing tool only checks the syntax is valid. Use Site: to check how your rich snippets will be displayed and confirm they conform to the policy requirements and meet the quality criteria.
Identical Synonyms Rank Equally
Synonyms are given the same weight, although there are types of synomyms which are not considered identical. E.g. Plurals and variations are likely to be the same, whereas some synomyms are used differently in search.
Google Might Show Redirected Domains
Google might display a redirected domain in search results for geo-specific queries.
Separate Mobile Pages May Appear for Site: Queries
Sometimes you may see your mobile URLs appear for site: queries, but they might not be indexed. Check the cached version of the pages to see what content has been indexed for those URLs.