How Google Algorithm Updates Affect Search Engine Optimization
Every year, Google makes over 600 adjustments to its algorithms ranging from small tweaks such as filter applications to complete algorithm refreshes.
Google recently implemented another Panda update after nearly four-and-a-half months; this one appeared more as an incremental “refresh” rather than major algorithm adjustments and had less of an effect than its predecessors 2.0 & 3.0.
1. Google’s Helpful Content Update
Google’s Helpful Content Update generated considerable buzz within the SEO community when first announced. It aimed to establish a sitewide signal which would promote content written for people, rather than search engines.
Google wants to deliver relevant and satisfying search results for users, and this update should enable it to do just that. By devaluing content that does not add significant value, it will promote pages which offer useful information, while devalued ones will be downgraded in search results.
High-quality SEOs shouldn’t feel too negatively about this change, unlike previous updates such as Panda and Penguin, the helpful content update is less significant and complex.
However, the algorithm does place more of an emphasis on writing for your target audience and avoiding keyword stuffing. Since its classifier runs continuously, sites with unhelpful content may see their rankings drop over time – this isn’t considered penalizing or spammy action as long as its quality increases over time.
2. Google’s Algorithm Updates
Google’s algorithm updates are ever-evolving, dramatically shifting the SEO landscape and marketers and content creators must remain aware of how they affect their businesses. Here are some key updates made this year and their impact on search engine optimization services.
Google recently unveiled an update called Pirate that was intended to prevent websites publishing pirated content from ranking highly in search engine results pages (SERPs).
April saw another significant algorithmic update, known as the “core” update, intended to further scrutinize links.
Google announced in June that they were providing a rankings boost for websites using HTTPS encryption, in an attempt to encourage site owners and protect users’ privacy. Furthermore, voice search was being expanded allowing users to search using their voice instead of typing keywords directly.
3. Google’s Algorithm Updates
Google’s algorithms are ever-evolving and it is essential for SEO practitioners to keep abreast of changes made during 2023. Here are some key updates made this year.
Google announced a targeted Link Spam Update which took effect over several weeks and indicated that their AI system, SpamBrain, had become more capable at detecting spammy backlinks.
Multiple ranking-tracking tools reported increased rankings volatility. MozCast even reached its highest rankings peak during this time, though its exact cause – whether one large algorithm change or several smaller ones – remained unknown; the event became known as the “Brackets” update.
Google recently implemented permanent increases to search snippet length across most organic and paid search results, impacting organic and paid results alike. They also confirmed an update in how snippets are displayed and prioritized, along with tweaks to how snippets were prioritized.
4. Google’s Algorithm Updates
Google provides thousands of algorithm updates each year. While most are micro-updates, larger algorithm changes occasionally occur that have an enormous effect on organic search results. Marketers, content creators and SEO enthusiasts who wish to rank highly for specific keywords must stay abreast of these updates by monitoring their websites closely and adapting strategies as necessary.
Google recently implemented a product reviews update designed to reward content that provides insightful analysis or original research by experts or enthusiasts who are knowledgeable in its subject area. This change also had an effect on Featured Snippets.
Google introduced the Pirate algorithm to prevent sites with reports of copyright infringement from ranking highly in organic search results, and within three days implemented a broad core update, with MozCast tracking heavy flux across three days, peaking on May 23. The update appears to relate to BERT natural language processing algorithm.