Dofollow Digest #48: Google's BlockRank shows the future of semantic search

Hey, it's Eric 👋

Google just published research on a new ranking algorithm called BlockRank. While it's not being used in search yet, the approach behind it reveals something important about where semantic search is headed.

More on that below, plus our usual roundup of what's happening in link building and SEO.

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🔍 DEEP DIVE: Google's BlockRank Shows the Future of Semantic Search

A new research paper from Google DeepMind introduces BlockRank, an AI-powered ranking system that performs as well as current methods while using far less computing power. The researchers tested it against major benchmarks like MS MARCO and Natural Questions, where it matched or beat other strong ranking models.

The breakthrough comes from how BlockRank handles attention during ranking. Traditional large language models waste computational resources by comparing every document to every other document when ranking search results. BlockRank identified that this cross-document comparison doesn't actually help determine relevance. Instead, it focuses the model's attention on matching each document to the search query itself.

This efficiency gain matters because it puts advanced semantic ranking within reach of smaller organizations. According to the researchers, BlockRank "can democratize access to powerful information discovery tools" by making this technology "more computationally tractable."

What This Means for SaaS Companies

The shift toward semantic understanding in search has been happening for years, but it's typically required massive resources. BlockRank suggests that gap is closing.

For SaaS marketers, this reinforces a trend we've been seeing: search algorithms are getting better at understanding meaning and context, not just matching keywords. This has two practical implications.

First, content that genuinely addresses user intent will become even more important. As semantic ranking improves, search engines can better distinguish between pages that actually solve problems and pages that just target keywords. The companies investing in comprehensive, useful content now are building an advantage that will compound as these technologies improve.

Second, the playing field may level somewhat. If advanced semantic search becomes accessible to more organizations, we could see new competitors emerge with sophisticated search capabilities. SaaS companies that have built authority through quality backlinks and genuine expertise will maintain their edge, since semantic understanding can't replace domain authority signals.

The research paper doesn't indicate BlockRank is being used in Google Search, and it appears quite different from the systems powering AI Overviews. But the direction is clear: search is becoming better at understanding what content actually delivers value to users.

That's good news for companies focused on building real authority rather than chasing algorithm updates.

🔗 LINK ROUNDUP

• Review of AEO & GEO Tactics Leads to a Surprising SEO Insight

• Google Search Ranking Volatility

• OpenAI's ChatGPT Atlas Web Browser

• Black Hat GEO: Pay Attention

Til next time,

Eric