The Yandex data leak revealed the secrets of the Google algorithm!

If you work in SEO, you know that Google keeps the details of its algorithm strictly confidential. That’s why the massive Yandex data leak was a major event for SEO professionals. Although the stolen data came from the Russian search engine Yandex, it revealed ranking factors that appear to closely align with Google's approach.

Here are the key takeaways.

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Backlinks still matter

Backlinks remain a key factor in improving your website’s ranking. Both Google and Yandex recognize their importance. The leaked Yandex data showed that links from high-authority domains have a strong impact on search performance.

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Keywords matter, but not too much

While keywords are still important, overusing them can be considered spammy and may harm your rankings. It’s more effective to focus on creating high-quality, relevant content that meets the needs of your audience.

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Content relevance is critical

Google’s algorithm prioritizes content that is useful and relevant to users. The Yandex data confirmed the same principle. Pages that offer targeted, informative content tend to rank higher in search results.

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Social signals can influence rankings

Social signals, such as shares on social media, may also influence your search rankings. The leaked Yandex data indicated that pages with a high number of shares often performed better. While the impact of social signals on Google’s algorithm is still debated, this finding suggests they should not be ignored.

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Site speed is a big deal

The loading speed of your website can directly affect its ranking. According to the Yandex data, faster pages ranked higher. This aligns with what we already know from Google, which consistently emphasizes performance and user experience.

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Final thoughts

In conclusion, the Yandex data leak highlighted meaningful similarities with Google’s search algorithm. By applying the SEO insights it revealed, you can improve your website’s ranking and increase organic traffic. Still, never forget that the foundation of successful SEO remains the same: creating high-quality, relevant content that serves your users' needs.