Does Google Use the Same Algorithms in Latin America?

Content is a major search signal for Google, but what if it isn’t in English? Does Google treat content in all languages in every country the same?

This was the exact type of questioning that Google Webmaster Trends Analyst John Mueller addressed in a recent Webmaster Central hangout. In the past there has been discussion over how Google handles languages that use characters rather than letters, but every language is unique.

And Internet access is growing worldwide. In some areas, like Latin America, there’s an emerging base of users, particularly in the developing countries. For all those websites that are made for users in Latin America, the question of whether Google’s algorithms work differently is something to consider.

The Global Aspect of Google

Creating a unique algorithm for every language, region or country would be an enormous task for Google. Especially when you consider that Google has to continuously update algorithms to produce the most relevant results and keep up with changing technology. There’s just no feasible way to make unique algorithms for every language or region.

Instead Google has taken a global approach with their algorithms. During the hangout session John stated, “We try to make our algorithms work as globally as possible.” John also pointed out there are some languages that they know very little about, which can make it very difficult to create a unique algorithm for each one.

But . . .

John did note that sometimes algorithm updates and changes are rolled out in one region before being applied across the board. This may be the reason why webmasters notice a difference in performance in one country or region compared to another. The AMP initiative is a perfect example. AMP was initiated and tested in a select handful of countries before Google made the decision to start expanding the roll out globally.

Ranking algorithms may take affect a little later in Latin American countries, but the markup and metrics will be the same across the board.

No matter what language is used on your website or what region you’re in, you have to follow the rules of the web, create high quality content and build everything on a strong technical foundation. These are the essential SEO cornerstones that SearchRPM uses on a daily basis to boost a website’s visibility in the search engines.

Does your website speak to Google? Find out by calling SearchRPM to receive your FREE SEO Report!

By Michael Ramirez
SearchRPM Founder


Michael Ramirez is the Founder of SearchRPM, an Austin, TX based search marketing company that’s well-versed in Search Engine Optimization best practices. You can follow Michael Ramirez on Twitter @openmic0323 or on Google+ to see what he’s up to next.