π What is Passage Ranking?
Passage Ranking is a Google algorithm that helps specific content sections rank higher for relevant queriesβeven if the entire page isnβt fully optimized for them. π
π‘ How does it work?
- β Section-Based Ranking: Instead of ranking a page as a whole, Google evaluates individual content sections. π§©
- β Boost for Relevant Sections: Specific sections get a ranking boost, while less relevant parts are ignored. πβ¨
π Why is this important?
- πΉ Rank for Niche Queries: Even long-form, broad-topic pages can rank for specific, niche queries. π―
- πΉ Improves Search Accuracy: Surfaces precise answers buried within content. π
- πΉ Visibility for Under-Optimized Pages: Helps pages that arenβt fully optimized still get noticed for valuable queries. π
π Passage Ranking in Action π
Imagine a webpage about "Running Shoes" πββοΈπ. It has multiple sections:
- β "Best Running Shoes for Beginners" π
- β "Running Shoes for Marathons" πββοΈπ
- β "How to Choose the Right Running Shoes" π
π‘ With Passage Ranking:
Even if the entire page isnβt fully optimized for "Running Shoes for Marathons", that specific section can still rank high for marathon-related queries. π―
π Why does this matter?
- πΉ Section-Based Ranking: Google now ranks relevant sections individually, instead of just whole pages. π
- πΉ Increased Visibility: Helps niche queries get noticed, even within broad-topic pages. π
- πΉ Faster Answers: Users find specific answers quickly without needing a perfectly optimized page. π