In the context of digital marketing, an algorithm is a complex computer program used by search engines (like Google, Bing) and social media platforms (like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) to process queries and determine which content to display to users, and in what order.
Google's search algorithm evaluates hundreds of ranking factors—such as content quality, mobile-friendliness, page speed, backlinks, and local proximity—to deliver the most relevant results for a user's search query. Understanding and adapting to these algorithmic rules is the foundation of Search Engine Optimization (SEO). Major algorithm updates (like Google's Core Updates, Panda, or Penguin) can drastically shift website rankings overnight.