When it comes to getting your website noticed, you're essentially playing a game with Google and other search engines. And like any game, understanding the rules is key to winning.
That's where algorithms like the Hilltop algorithm come into play. You might not have heard of it in casual tech chatter, but it's been a silent force shaping the way we find information online.
Let’s explore the Hilltop algorithm and its impact on modern search engine optimization practices in this article.
Developed by Krishna Bharat and George A. Mihăilă, the Hilltop algorithm was an SEO game-changer acquired by Google in 2003. It aimed to identify authoritative web pages for ranking purposes.
Hilltop works by recognizing expert pages dedicated to specific topics and packed with outbound links pointing to numerous other sites. The idea was to find these expert pages first, and from there, Google could identify high-quality websites deserving of higher rankings.
Though it relied a lot on links like the PageRank algorithm, Hilltop didn't cast its net across the entire web. Instead, it focused on a select group of "expert" web pages, neatly organized by niche topics.
In its quest for determining authoritative website pages, Hilltop also had its radar tuned to spot websites with affiliations to each other, although it didn't count these links for ranking purposes.
The Hilltop algorithm holds a special place in the history of SEO because it sets the stage for the ranking algorithms we use today, shaping the very essence of modern SEO practices.
This algorithm wasn't just a passing trend; it brought some fundamental ideas into the SEO arena, such as link relevance, topical authority, expertise, and relationship between websites.
Back then, having links from prestigious sources like .edu websites, major directories (Yahoo, Zeal, DMOZ, and BOTW), and relevant sites with high PageRank (like About.com) could significantly boost your site's rankings.
Hilltop also hinted at the idea of hiding connections between websites. This led SEOs to start using unique IP addresses from unrelated IP blocks, obscuring domain ownership, and becoming meticulous about how sites were linked together.
Networks of sites owned by a single entity, often consisting of hundreds of sites, found themselves losing their coveted rankings.
Over time, PageRank transformed to incorporate notions like authoritative websites, akin to Hilltop's expert pages. Even before Hilltop, there were algorithms focused on hubs and authorities, and Hilltop essentially reinforced the concept of authority sites. This is why the SEO world still thinks in terms of authoritative web pages.
Furthermore, due to Hilltop's penalties for interconnected domains under the same ownership, SEO practices today emphasize caution when linking multiple domains. The implementation of the Hilltop Algorithm likely played a significant role in instilling this cautious approach.
PageRank focuses on the quantity and strength of incoming links to a website, making it the go-to tool for assessing a website's relevance.
But while it’s good at talking about how many websites were connected and how strong those connections were, PageRank said zilch about identifying authoritative digital pages on a specific topic. And that's a pretty big deal when you're trying to figure out highly relevant websites.
Enter the Hilltop algorithm, which takes a look at specific search terms within websites and decides if they deserve the title of "authority pages." Once a page earns that prestigious authority status, you'll see it proudly sitting at the top of your search results, often with extra info beyond the usual page description. Sometimes, it even links to relevant pages.
These two algorithms complement each other when it comes to determining a website’s authority and expertise.
But you don’t need to be always on the lookout for these algorithm changes, as SEOLeverage does that for you. SEOLeverage analyzes every algorithm update rolled out by Google, so your website can always maintain its rankings on the search engine ranking pages.
