Eli5 - How google search works? A simplified explanation for beginners

Understanding how Google Search operates is akin to peering into the intricate machinery behind one of the internet's most powerful tools. In essence, Google is like a giant library with almost infinite amount of books or data and its main job is to be a librarian, finding you the best book or webpage based on your inquiry. From crawling the web to serving up search results, Google's process involves several distinct stages, each crucial to delivering accurate and relevant information to users. Let's break down this complex system into digestible chunks, demystifying the inner workings of Google Search in simple terms.

Google Search goes through in three stages; however, not all pages make it through each stage:

• Crawling
• Indexing
• Matching

Stage 1: Crawling - Exploring the Web

Imagine Google as a very busy explorer, like a detective searching for clues all over the internet. This explorer, or "Googlebot," has a special job: it looks for new web pages and updates old ones to make sure they're all listed in its big book of internet pages.

Now, imagine the internet is like a giant treasure map with lots of hidden spots. Googlebot's first task is to find all these hidden spots. But here's the tricky part: there's no map showing where all the spots are! So, Googlebot has to wander around the internet, following paths and checking every nook and cranny to find new pages.

Sometimes, Googlebot finds a new page because it follows a path from a page it already knows, kind of like following breadcrumbs to find a hidden treasure. Other times, people give Google a list of pages to check, like giving the detective a list of places to investigate. Googlebot then visits each page on the list to see what's there.

Once Googlebot finds a new page, it takes a closer look. It reads the words, looks at the pictures, and watches any videos on the page. Imagine Googlebot as a very fast reader and watcher! It also checks if there are any special rules that say it can't look at certain pages.

But Googlebot doesn't stop there. It's like a detective with special tools that can see hidden messages. When it visits a page, it also looks at any special codes or instructions, just like finding secret messages on a treasure map. This helps Googlebot understand the page better, especially if the page uses fancy tricks like JavaScript to show things.

And just like how you might need a flashlight to see in the dark, Googlebot uses a special tool called rendering to make sure it can see everything on the page, even if it's hidden behind fancy JavaScript tricks.

So, in simple terms, Googlebot is like a busy explorer or detective that searches the internet for new pages, reads what's on them, and makes sure everything is in its right place in the big book of internet pages. And that's how Google knows about all the cool stuff on the internet!

Common Crawling Issues:

• Server malfunctions
• Network connectivity problems
• Robots.txt directives restricting access

Stage 2: Indexing - Understanding Page Content

After Googlebot finishes exploring a web page, it's like it brings back a book full of information about that page. Now, imagine Google has a big library where it keeps all these books about different web pages. This library helps Google understand what's on each page and decide which ones to show when you search for something.

When Google gets a new book from Googlebot, it's time for another job called indexing. This is like when you organize your toys or books on a shelf so you can find them easily later. Google looks at the words, pictures, and videos in the book to understand what the page is about. It's like Google is reading the book and making notes about what's inside.

But here's the thing: not every page gets a spot on the shelf. Some pages might be messy or hard to understand, like a book with scribbles all over the pages. Google wants to keep its library neat and tidy, so it only puts pages on the shelf if they meet certain standards. If a page is too messy or doesn't have enough information, Google might decide not to add it to the library, even if Googlebot already looked at it.

There are lots of reasons why a page might not make it onto the shelf. Maybe the words on the page are hard to read, or there's not enough information. Sometimes, the special codes or instructions on the page confuse Google, like trying to read a book written in a language it doesn't understand. And if the page looks too different from other pages, Google might have trouble figuring out where it belongs on the shelf.

So, indexing is like Google organizing its library of web pages, making sure each page is easy to find and understand. But not every page makes it onto the shelf, and it all depends on how well the page follows Google's rules and standards.

Common Indexing Issues:

• Low-quality content
• Meta directives preventing indexing
• Website design hindering indexation

Stage 3: Serving Search Results - Matching Intent with Relevance

When you type something into Google to find information, it's like asking a really smart friend to help you find what you're looking for. Google has a huge collection of information, like a giant library, and it knows where to look to find the best answers.

Imagine you're looking for a place to fix your bike. If you ask Google for "bicycle repair shops," it will check its library for all the places that can help you with that. But here's the cool part: Google doesn't just give everyone the same answer. It's like having a friend who knows you well and gives you personalized suggestions.

So, if you're in Paris and ask Google for bike repair shops, it'll show you ones in Paris. But if you're in Hong Kong and ask the same question, it'll show you ones in Hong Kong. Google even knows what language you speak and what kind of device you're using, so it can give you the best results that match what you need.

Sometimes, Google might show you other helpful things besides just a list of websites. It might show you maps with nearby bike shops, pictures of bikes being fixed, or even special features like reviews from other people who've been to those shops.

Even though Google tries its best to find the right answers, sometimes there might be a little mix-up. Maybe it couldn't find exactly what you were looking for, or maybe the information on a website changed after Google looked at it. But overall, Google always wants to make sure it gives you the most helpful and accurate information it can find.

Addressing Search Result Discrepancies:

• Irrelevant content
• Low-quality content
• Meta directives preventing serving

In essence, Google Search operates as a dynamic ecosystem, continuously evolving to meet the needs of users while upholding standards of relevance and quality. By understanding the intricacies of crawling, indexing, and serving search results, marketers can optimize their web presence and enhance visibility in the digital landscape. Remember, while Google's algorithms may seem complex, their ultimate goal remains simple: connecting users with the information they seek.