It is the question that anyone that has a website all the way to the top SEO experts in the world, "how does Google rank websites, and how can I increase my rank".  Google runs all searches through an algorithm that takes into account multiple factors that determine where a site ranks in comparison to other websites out on the web.  This is a complex mathematical equation that is always evolving and changing to give the best results.  Google's obsession is how to give searchers the best, most relevant websites and information that matches that particular search.  But what factors get taken into account to determine the outcome of a search?  Here is a great chart that will show you the weights of some of the multiple factors that will determine where you might land of Google searches.

So, when putting together website and building individual pages it is always a good rule to keep these factors in mind.  This is only a general chart to show how Google ranks websites but it will definitely give you a lot to think about and also get you headed in the right direction.

Originally posted on SEOmoz August 17th, 2009 - Posted by randfish to On-Page / Site Optimization