TO:_. - The Black Vault

All for Good Tip Sheet
How does search ranking work on All for Good?
We are constantly tweaking the search algorithm, but the ranking currently works like this:
• We favor nearby locations over location less listings, and location less listings over far
away ones. Yes, you can give us both a locationless and location version of the "same"
listing, if that's appropriate. It's also fine to send us nationwide listings for each location.
• We favor listings whose start date is near in the future (one hour to one week), penalize
listings that are further in the future, and (by default) don't show listings ending in the past.
• We favor listings with exact keyword matches over less exact matches, much like a
common web search.
• We favor listings whose titles and descriptions seem to be higher quality, as judged by a
variety of signals. We're not secretive like commercial search engines, but the reality is
that query independent ranking algorithms change a lot faster than this document will.
• To avoid gaming, we don't directly incorporate the number of "likes," clicks, etc.
• As it becomes a problem, we will penalize people who game the system: in plain terms,
as a provider you should worry about the basic things like getting your data into the
system, making sure it matches on the keywords, locations and dates are correct, etc.
• Remember that listings are baSically "ads" trying to recruit volunteers-- make them fun,
approachable, targeted/specific and credible. Try to imagine why the 'perfect person'
would want to volunteer for your activity, e.g. community involvement, skills/resume
building, meeting people and making friends.
What is the most effective way to use geography?
Your listing will appear in more searches if you include City, State and Zip Code.
How do you use keywords? Should I reference the list of suggested search terms (below
the search box) to adapt my listing?
The search function matches exact words. If you think your opportunity should appear when a
user searches "housing", be sure to include "housing" in your description. Feel free to list a series
of relevant keywords at the bottom of your entry if they don't otherwise appear in the description.
Please do not 'adapt' your listing to the suggested keywords unless they're actually appropriate-­
we consider this a form of hostile spam/SEO and will penalize your listings (including your other
listings, Le. we'll penalize attackers enough to discourage experimentation).
Do you have examples of effective listings?
Street Outreach Services Summer Internship
San Francisco, CA
The SOS Summer Intern will provide health outreach, basic medical assisting, case management
and health education services to homeless persons in San Francisco. Interns receive skillbuilding
and training on an on-going basis. This work will be done in collaboration with staff.
Housing, homelessness, social work, public health ...
1