If I want my website to have top list on the search engines then is it a MUST to have a static IP address for the website or can I just use a shared IP address for my website.

IP address has no efect static or dynamic, it's your SEO settings

From what Ive heard it can give you a slight advantage. If you have a dedicated, private server Google may credit this, as well as a static IP. But it wont get you to the top, rather it may move you up a place or two, above your contenders using dynamic IP. If youre already on page 1 that can make all the difference. Keep in mind though that the most vital factor is backlinks.

Originally Posted by juggledad

IP address has no efect static or dynamic, it's your SEO settings

i agree with juggledad

Originally Posted by jackson787

If I want my website to have top list on the search engines then is it a MUST to have a static IP address for the website or can I just use a shared IP address for my website.

It is actually not very clear what you are asking...

A "static IP" means that the IP address does not change. With most hosting packages you buy, this is what you get. The only time your website might be on a dynamic IP is if you are hosting it at home on your DSL connection. Since your home DSL connection is not meant for web hosting, you are at your ISPs mercy as to the IP address that is assigned to you at any given time. In this case, you would have to use a dynamic DNS service so that your site won't go down every time your ISP assigns you a new IP address.

A "shared IP" on the other hand just means that there is more than one domain name assigned to that IP address. Such an IP address will be static, but shared. This is what you get with most hosting packages you buy, unless you either have your own server or get a special "SEO" hosting package (which is not worth the premium you pay, in my opinion)

In both cases, the effect on search engine rankings is minimal, if any.

Originally Posted by jackson787

If I want my website to have top list on the search engines then is it a MUST to have a static IP address for the website or can I just use a shared IP address for my website.

You probably meant to ask "shared" or "dedicated" IP.
If you hosted on a shared hosting account with shared IP - there could be 200 spammers sitting on the same IP. Every service on earth would blacklist and ban this IP.
So you're poor guy without knowing sharing the same IP with them you'll be wondering a long time "why is that I am not ranking well".
Dedicated is better because there is no one else sitting on your IP and Google actually sees it that way as well.

Hostgator.com offers dedicated IP for extra $2 / mo which i think is really worth it.

Gleb

Here is a video from Google on the subject of shared hosting.

As an SEO Strategist, there are many reasons why I like to put some of my sites on unique IPs and most of my clients on separate IPs as well. I agree with Machinga & gesman. Up to 30% of Google's algorithm is based on the trustworthiness and details of the hosting company.

-Ideally you want to be on a dedicated server (if your online business is making a good profit)
-I suggest you get a separate IP address if you're on a shared server
This will create a layer of separation from the other hundreds of sites on the server
Unfortunately, if the ISP is blocking the entire server or Hosting Company, you're still screwed
-also not a bad idea if your doing web hosting to get your own name servers
-make sure the reverse DNS resolves to your server

Like buying a domain for years rather than 1 year - getting a unique IP shows longevity, seriousness and professionalism to Google. It is likely minor, but it is definitely worth for the security.