How Do Search Engines Work? It’s Simpler Than You'd Think!

15 MIN READSEO
Written By Emir Bektic

Search engines are basically the magical wizards of the internet, guiding us to the stuff we’re looking for faster than you can say "I lost track of time watching cat videos."

 

But how do they actually work? Why should you care? And more importantly, how can you make sure your website stands out in this wild digital world?

Whether you’re running a blog, managing an online store, or just curious about the internet’s secret sauce, this guide will make you feel like a pro in no time (well, as much of a pro as one can feel when trying to understand algorithms).

I'm going to break things down in a way that’s simple, funny, and yes, a little bit nerdy—because, let’s face it, search engines are a tad geeky. But when you're dropping the knowledge you learn here onto your friends' heads as they're trying to break through on search engines, trust that you'll be the coolest person in the room!

So, buckle up as we dive into the world of search engines—trust me, it’s more exciting than it sounds.

Let’s get to the point—why should you care about search engines?

What even is a search engine?

Imagine you’re in a massive library—so big that if you wanted to find a single book, it could take years. Now, imagine that the librarian is not only super fast but also knows exactly where everything is.

That’s what search engines do for the internet. They're the ultimate digital librarians who index every page, image, video, and piece of content so that they can deliver the right info to you in milliseconds.

Google, Bing, Yahoo—these aren’t just websites. They're search engines, purpose-built to organize the chaos that is the internet and make it... well, a lot less chaotic.

All you have to do is type in a keyword or phrase, and they take care of the rest.

It’s kind of like magic, except there’s a ton of tech wizardry going on behind the scenes.

The role of search engines in the digital landscape

Search engines are the gatekeepers of the internet.

Whether you’re trying to rank your blog about artisanal bread-making or you’re shopping for the best noise-cancelling headphones, search engines control what you see.

If you own a website, you need search engines on your side, because they decide how much visibility you get. And visibility equals traffic, which equals money, or fame, or readers—depending on what you’re after.

In short: search engines are powerful, and if you’re not paying attention to how they work, you might just get lost in the digital void.

But, what makes search engines tick?

If you thought you wouldn't see a single Spider-Man gif or reference in this article...

 

Oh boy, were you wrong or what?! 😎

And just like your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man, we're here to be the superhero—well, if thoroughly explaining a super intricate topic can be described as a superhero-level act, that is!

Spiders on a mission: crawling, indexing & discovery

Web crawlers might sound like something from a horror movie, but don’t worry, these spiders are here to help!

Web crawlers (aka spiders or bots) are the little programs search engines use to scour the web for new content.

Their mission? To "crawl" through websites, analyze the content, and index it in the search engine’s giant database for use in search queries.

Think of it this way: when you publish a new page or post, the web crawler is like a detective, checking out the scene, gathering clues (aka your content), and storing everything it finds in its trusty notebook. Later, when someone searches for something related, the search engine already knows exactly where to find it.

Robots.txt: Gatekeepers or medics? (Maybe both)

Robots.txt is like the bouncer at a fancy club. It tells the web crawlers where they’re allowed to go and which areas are off-limits.

If there’s content on your site you don’t want those search engine bots poking around in—like a members-only page or a work-in-progress—you use the robots.txt file to set boundaries.

Without robots.txt, the crawling process could end up indexing stuff you don’t want the public to see. So, it’s kind of like a digital "Do Not Disturb" sign... or, depending on how you look at it, the medical staff keeping things in check!

Little-known facts about web crawlers: The nerdy details

  • Crawlers don’t visit every page all the time. They prioritize based on your site’s authority, freshness, and popularity. Key takeaway: high-quality content is of paramount importance.

  • Crawlers can miss pages if they’re not properly linked or if the robots.txt file is messed up.

  • Not all web crawlers are friendly. Some are rogue bots that scrape your content without permission.

So, you've got a sneak peek at the little mechanical bits that make up a search engine.

Now, imagine this scenario—your goal: Improve search engine position. You're not having any luck, but you know there has to be some way.

Well, maybe you're not focusing on the right stuff—take a look.

It's easy to read a few articles laying out your journey to the top of search engine rankings and think that just making your page (and blog posts) chock-full of SEO keywords will get your there in no time.

In reality, there are way more factors at play—thankfully, though, we're here to help you figure out the little intricacies of search engines that will help you on your way!

User experience (hint: it isn’t only about speed)

Sure, fast-loading pages are great, but search engines are looking for more than just speed.

They’re checking out how easy your site is to navigate, whether users stick around, and if your design makes sense.

Is it mobile-friendly? Are users clicking around or bouncing off faster than you can say “404 error”?

If your site feels like a maze of confusing menus and cluttered buttons, search engines will take note—and not in a good way. Google and friends want to send people to sites that offer a smooth experience, like a well-oiled machine.

Dwell time: Why hanging around your site matters

Dwell time is like that awkward moment when you realize you’ve been scrolling through your favorite website for an hour.

It's how long users stay on your site after getting there from a search result. The longer they stick around, the more it tells search engines that your content quality is high and worth recommending.

Think of it like a restaurant review. If people come to your site, gobble up your content, and hang around for dessert (aka exploring more pages), search engines will reward you with better rankings.

But if they take one look and bolt? Not so much.

Pro tip: make sure to deal with any technical issues STAT—these will ruin dwell time.

Latent semantic indexing (LSI): The hidden connections

LSI sounds like a mouthful, but it’s really just search engines getting smarter at understanding context.

It’s not just about keywords anymore—it’s about related terms and concepts. So, if you’re writing an article about “cats,” search engines expect to see words like “felines,” “pets,” and “whiskers” popping up too.

This helps search engines figure out what your page is really about, opens you up to relevant searches, and it makes your content more available and appropriate for a broader range of searches. Sneaky, right?

Backlinks—The internet's recommendation system

Ah, backlinks. The holy grail of SEO.

A backlink is when another site links to your content, and it's basically the internet's version of a thumbs-up.

When a high-quality site links to your page, search engines see it as a vote of confidence, understanding and relaying that your content is valuable and trustworthy.

But not all backlinks are created equal! Getting a link from a reputable, high-authority site is like getting a Michelin star, while links from spammy or low-quality sites (or having dead links) might actually hurt your ranking.

It’s quality over quantity here—think of backlinks like recommendations from VIPs.

So, how can you make sure your backlinks are healthy?

If you're serious about improving your website's search engine ranking, Google Search Console is your new best friend.

Not only can it help you track how well your site is performing in search results, but it also gives you a detailed breakdown of your backlinks.

You’ll be able to see which sites are linking to you, the specific pages they’re linking to, and even catch any shady or spammy links that could hurt your ranking.

In short, Google Search Console makes sure your backlink strategy is working like a well-oiled machine.

 

The quick answer to the second question is: it'll get you ranking high in user queries—and that's what'll get you where you want to be.

The long-ish answer to question number one is below.

How have algorithms evolved? (This one's about machine learning)

In simple terms, an algorithm is a set of rules or instructions search engines use to decide which websites show up in your search results and in what order.

They evaluate things like keywords, site speed, and how user-friendly your website is to rank the most relevant content. Why care? Because understanding algorithms helps you optimize your site so it ranks higher and gets seen by more people!

If web crawlers are the detectives, then algorithms are the judges—they decide what ranks where.

In the early days, search engines were like toddlers: they’d rank pages based on simple things like keyword frequency. You could stuff your page with a hundred "banana bread recipes" and, boom, you’d be at the top of the search results. But that’s old news. (However, what are everyone's thoughts about a petition to have search engines do this type of ranking for one day every year?? Like a super weird play on The Purge.)

Today’s algorithms are like fully-grown adults with degrees in psychology (okay, not really, but it sometimes feels like it).

They use machine learning (so they've actually got a degree in computer science) to process data, understand user intent, and evaluate tons of ranking factors, including how long people stay on your page, how fast it loads, and yes, what kind of external and internal links point back to it.

These algorithms are always learning, always tweaking, and always aiming to serve up the best, most relevant content.

So yeah, they’re kind of a big deal.

Algorithms and ethics: Does Google have biases?

Short answer: Yep, algorithms aren’t perfect. They’re built by humans, and humans have biases.

Even the best algorithms can sometimes promote certain types of content over others, and that's not always fair.

For example, there’s been ongoing debate over whether Google's algorithms favor larger corporations and established websites, giving small businesses a tougher time breaking through.

And let’s not forget about the implications of things like fake news or harmful content. Search engines constantly walk a tightrope between delivering relevant results and avoiding harmful or misleading information. So, as much as we love algorithms for making our searches easier, they’re far from neutral.

But, I've been writing all of this through the prism of Google so far—and while it is synonymous with search engine, it's not the only option.

Yes, I know how inconceivable it may sometimes feel to switch from Google to alternate search engines—but sometimes, taking the leap is the most difficult part.

If you're looking for examples of search engines that are not called Google, here are some of your options.

DuckDuckGo: The privacy-first option

Tired of being stalked by ads for that blender you looked at once? DuckDuckGo’s got your back.

This popular search engine is all about privacy, and it doesn’t keep track of your search history or build creepy profiles on you. It also doesn’t shove personalized ads in your face, which is a refreshing change.

In terms of how it works, DuckDuckGo crawls the web like other search engines but pulls its results from a variety of sources, including Bing, Yahoo, and its own web crawler—in other words, it's a fundamentally different search engine algorithm.

So, it offers a different (and often less biased) look at the internet. Plus, it has a cute mascot. Talk about a bonus!

Bing: Different search, different rules

Bing is like Google’s quirky cousin. It’s not as popular, but it has its own fanbase.

One big difference is that Bing puts a little more emphasis on multimedia content like images and videos. It also integrates more tightly with Microsoft products (which makes sense), so if you’re big on using Office or Outlook, Bing could feel more intuitive for you.

While Bing’s search engine algorithms share some similarities with Google’s, they prioritize slightly different factors in ranking, which can sometimes lead to surprising results.

Ever wonder why some sites show up on Bing but are nowhere to be found on Google? Now you know!

Niche search engines you’ve never heard of (but should know)

If you're feeling adventurous, there are a bunch of niche search engines that cater to specific needs.

For example, there's Ecosia, a search engine that plants trees with its ad revenue, so you can save the planet while you search. Or Wolfram Alpha, a "computational" search engine that’s more like a fact-checking, number-crunching wizard. Or a unicorn that's really good at knowing facts, if you don't believe in wizards!

And then there's Yippy, which specializes in filtering out the clutter, making it a solid choice if you want to sift through information without the noise.

Basically, if Google’s not cutting it for you, there are plenty of other fish in the digital sea.

AI-powered search: Beyond keywords to intent

AI is already making waves in search engines, but the future is all about search intent.

Instead of simply looking at the words you type, AI-driven search engines are getting better at understanding what you’re really looking for. It's like that one friend you don't really need to use words with—they just seem to KNOW what you mean, as if by magic!

Maybe you search for “best tacos near me,” but what you actually want is a food truck open after 10 PM that serves vegan tacos.

AI-powered search engines will be able to figure that out without you even asking.

Creepy? Maybe. Cool? Definitely.

Visual search: Search with images rather than typing?

Why type when you can snap a pic?

Visual search is already here with tools like Google Lens, and it’s set to grow.

Let’s say you see a cool pair of sneakers but have no clue what they’re called. Instead of typing “blue sneakers with funky pattern,” you just take a picture, and visual search engines can identify the product and even suggest places to buy it.

Now your uncle can just snap a photo of his neighbor's superior lawnmower and look it up without needing to go through the degrading experience of asking about it!

Voice search: search by speaking rather than images (or typing)?

Thanks to smart speakers like Alexa and Google Home, voice search is becoming huge.

Instead of typing into a search bar, you can just ask, “Hey Google, what’s the weather?” or “What’s the best pizza place in town?”

Voice search is all about convenience, and as AI improves, it’s going to get even more accurate at figuring out what we really want.

Plus, it’s hands-free, which is perfect for multitaskers.

Now, that's the future—but we're in the present, and what if you're a business owner wondering how to utilize the complex algorithms of search engines to your own advantage?

Sure, you might have heard the basics—toss in some keywords, sprinkle a few backlinks, and voilà!

But making search engines really work for you? That’s a whole other level of SEO sorcery.

Thankfully, there are companies out there that deal in exactly that kinda thing. And as it happens, we have got the hang of this at Worth The Journey.

In fact, we LOVE working with search engines!

Here’s how a search engine marketing agency like ours can save you from fumbling through it solo.

Website SEO audit

Having fun, fancy content on your page is good—but having fun, fancy content that's also SEO friendly? Now that's great!

We can help you do exactly that by giving your website a thorough analysis and letting you know just how much search engines like your content—and how to make them like it more!

Crafting a keyword strategy that speaks your customers’ language

Great keywords are like breadcrumbs for your ideal customers. And search engine optimization (SEO) is the bread-maker!

If you want to outsource search engine optimization, a digital marketing company knows which breadcrumbs to lay down (not just popular ones, but niche ones that actually matter).

They’ll help you rank for terms that bring in real leads, not just random internet wanderers.

Think local SEO, long-tail keywords, and other search phrases that only SEO wizards know.

Optimizing on-page elements that make Google go “oooh”

Title tags, meta descriptions, headers—oh my!

These may sound like technical jargon, but they’re the key to impressing search engines.

A search engine marketing consultant can polish up every page, making sure each bit of text and data screams, “Look here, Google!”

And yes, they’ll toss in those fancy extras like structured data for all the eye-catching snippets, because why settle for ordinary search results?

Building a backlink strategy to boost your online “street cred”

In SEO, backlinks are basically your site’s hype squad. But getting good links? It’s like earning gold stars from trusted websites.

With a digital marketing company, you’ll have a team working on guest content, networking, and link-building campaigns that boost your credibility—and they’ll even spot-check for shady links that could harm your ranking.

Because in SEO, not all backlinks are your friends.

Keeping tabs on your progress (and tweaking as needed)

So your site is optimized, but here’s the kicker: search algorithms are as moody as a reality show contestant.

A digital marketing company keeps up with every little shift, tracking your rankings, traffic, and engagement so they can tweak your strategy at a moment’s notice. It’s like having a personal trainer for your SEO, making sure your site stays at the top and doesn’t just fizzle out.

You can also request search engine ranking reports to keep up with any movement!

We'll also keep an eye on dead links, server errors, and other technical issues—in other words, all the little goblins that search engines are scared of!

But these agencies don't have to be all about business—sometimes, you can read about cool little factoids and features in their blogs. 😎

Yes, popular search engines are all about functionality and investing the least amount of time and effort to get you the info you need—but sometimes, they too like to take it easy.

Here are a few examples!

Hidden games in Google: Play a round while you search

Google is full of surprises. For example, if you search “Google dinosaur game,” you’ll be whisked away to an offline game featuring a pixelated T-Rex that jumps over cacti.

 

You must've seen it. But if you're score is higher than 1237, please don't let me know—I toiled for hours to get it that high!

If you're waiting for your Wi-Fi to come back, this game can save your sanity.

But if that's no fun, you can also play classics like Solitaire or Tic-Tac-Toe right in your browser by typing them into Google. And they say that network issues are all doom and gloom!

Easter Eggs in other search engines: Bing’s surprises

Bing also gets in on the fun with its own easter eggs.

For instance, try searching for "Bing Pong" (YES, you can actually play a game of Pong in the search results).

And if you’re feeling nostalgic, search for "Atari Breakout" on Bing Images for a throwback to the classic arcade game.

Fun hacks & online searches you didn’t know existed

Search engines also have some hidden tricks.

Want to flip a coin or roll dice? Just search “flip a coin” or “roll dice” in Google, and it’ll do it for you.

Need a quick timer? Type “set timer for 5 minutes.” Search engines aren’t just tools—they’re your digital Swiss army knife! Hundreds of billions in R&D dollars spent tend to get you that sort of utility. 🤓

So, what have we learned today? Search engines are more than just a black box where you type stuff and hope for the best. Way more!

They’re complex, evolving, and essential to how we navigate the internet. From crawlers to algorithms to the wild future of AI, understanding how they work is like getting the keys to the digital kingdom.

And if nothing else, you now know there’s a dinosaur game waiting for you the next time your internet goes out. 🦖

In short: whether you’re trying to rank your site or just curious about the magic behind your search bar, you’re now equipped with the knowledge to make search engines your friend (and maybe even crack a smile while you’re at it).

But if the whole algorithm jam ever gets a bit too much as you're trying to get your business to the top of search rankings, don't forget you can book a free 30-minute consultation with us where we can give you the ins and outs and show you some of our search engine optimization packages—while also letting you know the team's Dinosaur high score! 🚀

How often do search engines update their algorithms?

Constantly! Google, for instance, makes hundreds of updates a year—most are minor, but occasionally, they roll out massive changes that shake things up (looking at you, Panda and Penguin).

How can I improve my site’s ranking on search engines?

Focus on quality content, strong backlinks, fast load times, and user experience. Oh, and don’t forget mobile-friendliness—your site needs to look sharp on every device. Look for search engine monitoring (such as Google Search Console) to have a tangible feeling of what's going on.

Do I need to care about SEO if I’m using social media to drive traffic?

Yep! Social media can drive traffic, but search engines offer long-term, sustainable visibility that social media can’t. You’re missing out if you ignore SEO. A search engine optimization consultant can tell you all about this in A LOT of detail!

Will AI replace search engines as we know them?

Not entirely, but AI is definitely changing the way search engines function. Instead of just delivering answers, AI-powered search engines will be better at predicting your needs and serving up hyper-relevant results.

 
Emir Bektic
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