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The ability to search the internet is a vast resource. Knowledge without the ability to use it has little meaning, so search functionality serves as the tool that helps connect the vastness of human curiosity with centuries of knowledge and human wisdom. Search giant Google has noted that search will never be a “solved problem.” Instead, it will continue to evolve and improve. Recently, Google introduced some improvements with the goal of helping searchers find the information that’s most helpful, no matter how unique or individual the question.
To help searchers connect to the topics they most care about, Google has introduced a new ability that allows people to keep track of precisely the information they’re seeking. The “hidden gems ranking” promotes authentic content that is located deep within forum posts, social media, and blog posts by people with unique knowledge and experiences of the searched topic.
Barry Schwartz, writing for Search Engine Roundtable, noted that functionality is a new ranking algorithm not related to Google’s most recent helpful content update.
“It is not explicitly classifying something as a ‘gem,’ but instead the idea is that this type of content can be perceived as especially helpful and in the past, might have been harder to appear in results,” wrote Schwartz.
As with all information on Google Search, the companies’ systems will continue to show the most helpful, relevant, and reliable information possible about a followed topic. The hidden gems search functionality will also source results based on factors such as expertise, experience, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. The new capability will be rolled out on the Google app and Chrome and Safari on mobile in English in the U.S. over the coming weeks. Users continue to be in control of what they follow: they can easily update or unfollow interests at any time.
“One of the best ways to get information that works for your specific needs is to find someone with firsthand experience,” said Google in the announcement of the new capabilities. “We’re introducing a few updates to make it easier for people to find and share their insights with others on Search.”
The goal, said the company, is to help people benefit from the experiences of other people with similar topics and interests. As part of the work, the company has also rolled out a series of ranking improvements to show more first-person perspectives in results, so it’s easier to find this content across Search.
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