How does Google rank a websites search queries

[getrightmusic]

Hello, I can't seem to find an answer anywhere. I was wondering how a websites search query keyword string url can rank above other page results that have stronger backlinks. The domain is usually strong, but that url with the .php?search=keyword just seems like it doesn't fit in. How does Google index those search string pages? Is it based off of traffic alone to that url? Because those urls typically don't have backlinks, right? Has anyone tried to rank their websites search query urls ever? I'm just a little curious about it. Thanks everyone. Jesse

[RyanKent]

Hi Jesse.

Normally Google prefers not to index those pages as "search results within search results" are not a positive user experience.

The thing to check for is that some sites design specific pages which appear as search results but really are not. In these instances they are dynamic or static web pages which have been stylized to partly appear as search results and may even have "search" in the URL.

An example: http://www.gigmasters.com/Search/DJ-Tampa-FL.html

[getrightmusic]

Thanks Ryan for the fast response. The URL that I was thinking of is http://www.datpiff.com/mixtapes-search.php?criteria=keyword: j cole For the keyword J Cole Mixtapes, this page ranks well, around #4. I don't think it's designed though. It seems to be the sites search results page. Thanks.

[ReneReinholdt]

If what you say is true they have made some horrible SEO since Google will index their product pages and search pages there are some serious duplicate content issues to worry about.

you should always tell Google not to index the search result page to avoid this problem. you don't want your search results indexed, you do however want your product category pages indexed.