What is Hilltop Algorithm?
The Hilltop algorithm is a search ranking algorithm designed to identify the most authoritative documents and web pages on a given query topic. It operates on a special index of “expert documents,” which are non-affiliated lists of pages related to a specific topic. Links and anchor texts on the expert documents are then used to determine the authority of the target pages.
Unlike the PageRank algorithm, which only measured the “link authority” of a page, the Hilltop algorithm took into account the “topical authority” of the page.
The algorithm was developed by Krishna Bharat and George A. Mihăilă and was acquired by Google in 2003 for use in Google News results.
Why is the Hilltop Algorithm Important?
The Hilltop algorithm is important because it laid the foundation for modern ranking algorithms and thus defined modern SEO practices.
Hilltop may have introduced concepts such as link relevance, topical authority, expertise, and affiliation between websites.
Key Concepts Introduced by Hilltop Algorithm
Link Relevance
Hilltop emphasized the importance of relevant links. The algorithm evaluated links based on their relevance to the specific topic of the query.
Topical Authority
Hilltop introduced the idea of "topical authority," which means the authority of a page is determined by how well it covers the topic.
Expertise
By focusing on expert documents, Hilltop ensured that authoritative sources on specific topics were given higher importance.
Affiliation Between Websites
Hilltop also considered the affiliation between websites. It avoided giving undue weight to links from affiliated sites, which could skew the perceived authority.
Impact on Modern SEO Practices
The principles introduced by the Hilltop algorithm are still relevant today. Modern SEO practices emphasize the importance of creating high-quality, authoritative content that is well-linked within its topical domain. Understanding and applying these principles can help improve a website's ranking in search engine results.
FAQs
How Does Hilltop Differ from PageRank?
While PageRank focused on the overall link authority of a page, Hilltop focused on the topical authority and relevance of links. This made Hilltop more effective at determining the best results for specific topics.
Is Hilltop Still Used by Google?
The concepts of the Hilltop algorithm have been integrated into Google's core ranking algorithms. While Hilltop as a standalone algorithm may not be explicitly used, its principles continue to influence search engine ranking factors.
How Can I Apply Hilltop Principles to My Website?
To apply Hilltop principles, focus on creating authoritative content on specific topics. Build relevant links from non-affiliated, authoritative sources within your niche. Ensure that your content covers the topic comprehensively and is seen as a valuable resource by other expert documents.
By understanding and leveraging the concepts introduced by the Hilltop algorithm, you can enhance your website’s SEO strategy and improve its visibility in search engine results.
