Website updates as a factor in a site's Google rankings?

Question

I realize that Google's ranking system isn't static, so there will be a bit of variability even in successive queries on search terms as to where a site ranks in Google's listings. I've noticed one search term for my site bouncing back and forth between #7 and #10 when I do a Google search, and the only thing I can think of that would cause this much variability on the first page of results for a certain search term would be when the pages that come up in the search inquiry were last updated--the most recently updated pages, I am assuming, being ranked higher. Is this a likely factor in Google's ranking system, or are there other possible explanations? It seems like the same 10 sites keep trading places with one another on the top 10 results for certain queries, and the only thing I can think of that would keep the same sites in the top 10 but just vary their rankings would be when sites where last updated. Is this a possibility? What other factors could there be?

I already have a Google Sitemap on my site, but, for example, some of the recent changes showing up on my front page have not been on the page itself, but in an include file which I update when I post new blog entries. I don't know if the updated include would carry as much weight as a page update per se, but I'd be interested in knowing how that sort of thing is ranked by Google as a factor.

Answer 1

No one really knows all the factors that Google uses but updates may have some effect although probably lower on the scale than other items. If the content is relevant, has user comments, seems active, I think the site gets better ranking.

Here is a list from some really knowledgable folks about the things that seem to matter and not matter.
http://www.seomoz.org/article/search-ranking-factors

The one thing that I do know is CONTENT and Popularity are major items!

Answer 2

Well, IMO along with updated content backlinks do play an important role in ranking, relevant keywordrich backlinks help you a loads.

Answer 3

by way of fact human beings think of of which you're on magnificent of the record for the reason which you are the main helpful appropriate, hence they have faith you greater and once you're merchandising products or centers they have a bent to bypass to the closest result by way of fact they're lazy.