How Google Algorithm Update News Affects Your Rankings
Google updates its search results tens of thousands of times annually, and while most changes are minor, they can have an effect on your rankings.
SEO specialists often become the first to notice major algorithm updates, so it’s wise to stay abreast of them. Here are a few key changes you should be aware of:
1. Hummingbird Update
Google first unveiled the Hummingbird update in September 2013, one of the most significant algorithm upgrades since 2010. But it wasn’t made public until a month after launch – an announcement that shocked many.
It’s a fundamental overhaul of search engine algorithms, designed to focus more on human-centric queries. It attempts to comprehend the user’s intent before providing them with an accurate response.
The update also emphasizes local SEO, using a combination of a person’s location, previous search history and other data to deliver results. This allows users to locate the information they need faster and more precisely than ever before.
2. Panda Update
The Panda Update is an important change to Google’s algorithm. This update primarily targets websites with low-quality content, duplicate content and thin material.
This update has the primary objective of penalizing these sites and decreasing their ranking in search engine results.
This update is powered by a machine learning algorithm which assesses and judges the quality of websites based on factors like uniqueness, originality and relevancy. Additionally, it looks into how users are linking to a site, its reputation and more.
3. RankBrain Update
Google recently updated their algorithm with RankBrain, using artificial intelligence to better comprehend search queries. It does this by analyzing patterns behind different searches and discovering similarities between them.
Contrary to other algorithm updates, this one does not affect webpage rankings. Instead, it refines search results so that more accurate and pertinent data is displayed.
Google currently utilizes RankBrain as the only live artificial intelligence to process new queries. It accounts for 15% of all search inquiries.
4. Mobile-Friendly Update
On April 21st, Google implemented their Mobile-Friendly Update in response to the growing use of mobile devices for web access. This update assigns “mobile friendliness” as a ranking factor and strives to provide users with an improved search experience.
It follows then that sites which aren’t mobile friendly will suffer in mobile search results; on the contrary, those that are will see their rankings improved.
5. Penguin Update
Google introduced the Penguin update in April 2012 as a means of penalizing websites using spammy link schemes. These links, often bought or generated through link networks, can significantly hurt a website’s ranking.
At its launch, the update targeted websites using Black Hat SEO techniques such as keyword stuffing and cloaking. It adversely affected 3.1% of English search queries.
Google has now integrated Penguin into their core algorithm and updates it continuously, meaning websites are assessed in real-time – great news for webmasters!
6. Medic Update
In August 2018, Google unleashed the Medic Update – an algorithmic change that drastically affected many authoritative sites on the internet.
This was one of the biggest updates in Google’s history. It had an immense effect on websites across various niches, such as health and medical, e-commerce, finance, insurance, travel, gambling and technology.
As its name implies, Medic Update was intended to affect websites in the health, fitness and medicine sectors. Unfortunately, it turned out that this update affected many other websites as well.
7. December 12-14 Update
The December 12-14 Update, Google’s algorithmic change, can have an impact on your rankings. Depending on the website and domain, this could be particularly significant.
Therefore, SEOs must carefully monitor these updates to avoid suffering a major ranking loss. Furthermore, keep track of which websites have been affected by these modifications and what strategies they are employing to address the situation.
Google regularly releases algorithm updates, many of which are minor changes that won’t significantly impact your rankings. To stay abreast of these developments, check out Google’s blog or other similar portals for updates.