Google recently made updates to its documented ranking systems page, which resulted in the removal of four ranking systems. Notably, three ranking systems were removed from the main list, while the page experience system was omitted from the retired list. The systems that were removed include mobile-friendly ranking, page speed, and secure sites.

These changes raise questions about the significance and actual impact of these ranking systems in Google's search algorithms. While it has been stated repeatedly that these ranking algorithms had minimal influence on search rankings, the recent updates might be seen as supporting evidence for this assertion.

It's worth noting that Google's ranking systems are complex and multifaceted, with numerous factors contributing to the determination of search rankings. The removal of these particular ranking systems from the documented list suggests that they may have played a lesser role in influencing search rankings compared to other factors.

However, it is important to remember that search algorithms are constantly evolving, and Google continuously refines its approach to provide the best possible search results. While these specific ranking systems may no longer be explicitly listed, it doesn't discount the importance of other factors that continue to shape search rankings.

Here are the ranking signals that were removed from the list:

• Page experience system
• Mobile-friendly ranking system
• Page speed system
• Secure sites system

The recent removal of certain ranking systems by Google has sparked discussions and raised questions about their significance. One such system is the page experience, which Google clarified as more of a concept than an actual ranking system. According to Google's FAQs, while these signals may not directly influence rankings, they align with successful search ranking outcomes and are worth paying attention to.

Regarding the "page experience update," Google stated that it was a concept aimed at highlighting key aspects of page experience for site owners to focus on. It introduced Core Web Vitals as a new signal, along with other page experience signals like HTTPS, into their core ranking systems. It's important to note that the update was not a separate ranking system but rather a way to incorporate these signals within the existing framework.

Interestingly, while making these changes, Google did not rename the "product reviews system" to just the "reviews system" on the page, which may raise some curiosity. However, it's worth mentioning that Google has made updates to clarify and revise certain terms and descriptions, as evident from their update on April 24th.

These changes have led to speculation about the nature and impact of these ranking systems. Some have questioned whether these systems were merely designed to emphasize the importance of usability and security changes without significant impact on rankings—a sort of "carrot and stick" approach.

John Mueller from Google further shed light on this change, explaining that people tended to overly focus on these numbers, which he considered to be an inefficient use of time and energy.

As opinions and interpretations vary, it is important to recognize that search algorithms are complex, constantly evolving, and driven by multiple factors. While the removal or reclassification of certain ranking systems may indicate their relatively lesser impact, it does not diminish the significance of other factors that continue to shape search rankings.

Ultimately, the exact motivations and implications of these changes may not be fully known, and the focus should remain on providing valuable content and optimizing user experiences on websites.