Why do sites fluctuate in Google Search Ranking?

9 replies
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Why is it that some sites will be ranked second for a popular keyword one week and then the next be on fourth page and then back up? What causes these fluctuations? Is this Google just playing mind tricks or actual problem that can be fixed?
#fluctuate #google #ranking #search #sites
  • Profile picture of the author dynamyt100
    I am experiencing the same phenomenon. Personally I think it is crazy that Google can decide one day that your page is at #1, the next day #47 and the very next day #2. If I had enough money I would take them to task on this. Have you ever known a business deliver such inconsistent results?
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  • Profile picture of the author Clint Faber
    I've been in the SEO game messing around the search engines for over 10 years so when I say I'm a search engine man you would agree with me.

    There are two aspects to Google's algorithms based on my own reverse engineer, assessment, and other third-party evaluations. Of course all solidified through my own personal experience.

    There is one algorithm that ranks everything below the first page.

    When you hit the first page it goes through more of a picky process of evaluating your sites value.

    The fluctuation has a lot to do with the particular evaluation process that they place upon you primarily separated by the popularity of a keyword.

    The reason for the dramatic fluctuation is because you are now being evaluated by a different algorithm, which throws you into a odd place if it anywhere below the first page while they're running their evaluations.

    Of course, I can go on and on about the specifics, but it's a very simple thing and should not hang you up.

    If there's anything else I can do for you, please don't hesitate to ask.
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    • Profile picture of the author paulgl
      Simple. The internet is dynamic, changing constantly.

      Why on earth would they stay the same?

      The internet would turn stale.

      Why is this such a big secret?

      Paul
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      If you were disappointed in your results today, lower your standards tomorrow.

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      • Profile picture of the author Clint Faber
        Originally Posted by paulgl View Post

        Simple. The internet is dynamic, changing constantly.

        Why on earth would they stay the same?

        The internet would turn stale.

        Why is this such a big secret?

        Paul
        I don't think what you mention has ever been a secret has it although I think he was referring to more of a algorithmic explanation?
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  • Profile picture of the author yukon
    Banned
    Originally Posted by Samuel Adams View Post

    Why is it that some sites will be ranked second for a popular keyword one week and then the next be on fourth page and then back up? What causes these fluctuations? Is this Google just playing mind tricks or actual problem that can be fixed?
    Tough competition or lacking SEO.
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  • Profile picture of the author Moneymaker2012
    I don't think it's strange, it's very normal and week is not a short period, many sites change in serps in days, so week is just normal.
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  • Profile picture of the author seoace
    That's actually normal for 90% of the websites out there. The only type of websites that I see rarely fluctuating are authority websites.
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    Who else needs a SEO Client Dashboard for their SEO services ?
    Let your clients monitor their SEO campaigns (Rankings, Backlinks and Work Done)
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  • Profile picture of the author LiftMyRank
    Google maintains multiple data centers, when they're updating they're out of sync and hence the "dance" in your rankings, and depending on from where you search depends on what data center spits out the serps for you
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  • Profile picture of the author nik0
    Banned
    I think most of you don't really understand what OP is saying.

    I also see sites where it go's like this (tough kw's I'm talking about):

    - Today at #400
    - Tomorrow at #12
    - Day after at #380
    - Day after at #12
    - Day after at #420
    - Day after at #11

    And that sometimes keeps on going for months. Talking about a competitive lawyer keyword here btw. Sometimes I think it's a bug in the rank tracking software as it's way to odd that it can go on like that for ages.
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