Google algorithm updates have always been one of the main challenges for SEOs and webmasters. Google’s goal in updating its algorithms is to fix certain problems and stop black-hat tricks, so that sites are ranked more fairly and users end up more satisfied. Many Google ranking factors change every year as new algorithm updates roll out, which is why webmasters need to follow the latest version of the algorithms in all of their SEO work. In this article, we take a closer look at Google algorithm updates and how each one affects the ranking factors of the Google search engine.
What Are Google Algorithms?
Google’s algorithms are complex systems, and the main goal of each one is to find the pages most relevant to the searched phrase and rank them based on content quality, level of optimization, adherence to SEO principles, and more. Google’s overall ranking system is made up of several algorithms, each with its own specific role in evaluating the on-page or off-page factors of websites.
Why Google Algorithm Updates Matter
According to research, Google makes more than 3,200 changes to its workflow and its evaluation and analysis factors in just one year. This means Google’s algorithms are constantly being updated.
In general, changes and updates to Google’s algorithms do not have a huge impact on page rankings. From time to time, however, certain algorithms are updated, and these updates have a far greater effect on a website’s SEO and on page rankings. Such ranking changes most often show up on the first page of the SERPs.
In these situations, SEOs use new and suitable SEO strategies to prevent a sharp drop in their site’s ranking. In fact, many sites that have only just reached Google’s top rankings suffer a steep decline after this kind of algorithm update because they lack a new SEO strategy.
If you don’t have enough expertise and knowledge in SEO strategy, it’s best to work with a team of specialists before your site’s ranking drops. Disaan Digital Marketing Agency can help you define new SEO strategies in line with the latest Google algorithm updates, so that you keep your site’s ranking under all circumstances and even improve it in the middle of these updates.
The Latest Google Algorithm Updates in Recent Years
Google has released a great many algorithm updates over the years, but below we introduce some of the most important and influential ones.
Google Core Update in 2019
The Google core update was released in 2019 and had a major impact on Google’s new algorithm. The purpose of this update was to change how Google’s algorithms evaluate links. One of the benefits of this core update was an increase in a domain’s ability to attract authoritative, trustworthy links.
Google Algorithm Updates for Better Ranking
The FRED algorithm update is one of the most important Google algorithm updates. It took place in March 2017, and its goal was to better assess and analyze the quality of websites. This version of the FRED algorithm was able to identify and penalize sites that used aggressive monetization techniques and delivered a poor user experience.
As a result, sites today that produce low-value content and focus only on advertising and marketing activity cannot earn a good position in Google’s top results.
The POSSUM Algorithm Update
The POSSUM algorithm update is one of the Google algorithm updates that was released on September 1. This update had a significant effect on the local SEO of websites. With it, you can easily set a key indicator for all of your business’s local activities.
Google RankBrain Update
The Google RankBrain update was released on October 26, 2015, and with it, artificial intelligence was added to the SERPs. The main job of this AI is to review users’ search history and use it to display the most relevant results in their subsequent searches.
Google Algorithm Updates in 2021 and 2022
In 2022, several updates were made to Google’s algorithms. For example, across these updates the importance of user engagement doubled compared with previous years.
Publishing Engaging, Valuable Content Consistently
In 2022, the importance of consistently publishing valuable content grew. In other words, Google rewarded sites that produce high-quality content that same year: a few days after valuable content is published, the publishing site is allowed to reach the top ranks of the SERP for the keywords used in that content.
Better User Experience on June 15, 2021
With Google’s algorithm updates in 2021, the user experience of websites also improved. This update was released on June 15, 2021, and was completed by the end of August 2021.
Conclusion
Google algorithm updates have always been among the main concerns and challenges for SEOs and webmasters. Google’s goal with these updates, however, is to improve ranking conditions, review SEO parameters, and ultimately prevent all kinds of violations. Many of the updates made to Google’s algorithms in recent years have had a significant effect on improving rankings.