GLOSSARY TERM
What is Ranking Factor?
Definition
Any signal a search engine uses to determine how to order results for a query. Google uses hundreds, with relevance, authority, freshness, and user experience among the most influential.
Why it Matters for AI Search
Google has confirmed only a handful of ranking factors directly (HTTPS, mobile-friendliness, Core Web Vitals, page experience). Most "ranking factors" SEO tools track are correlations or heuristics. Focus on user-aligned signals over chasing every rumored factor.
Related Terms
Page Experience SignalLCP (Largest Contentful Paint)Zero-Click SearchCore Web VitalsDomain Authority (DA)PageSpeed Insights (PSI)
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