Latest Google Algorithm Updates
A look back at some of the more impactful Google Algorithm updates in recent years.
| Date | Google Algorithm Update | Sources Reporting | Synopsis | Core Content Types Affected |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 2023 | Unconfirmed | Pending | Early indications suggest a potential Google search ranking algorithm update occurring on April 3rd. Automated tracking tools have not detected the update yet, but some SEO professionals have noticed conversations among those who are monitoring their traffic. Some report reversals from the March 2023 broad core update, while others observe general fluctuations in their rankings. | TBD |
| March 2023 | March 2023 Core Update | Google has confirmed that the March 2023 core algorithm update is now being deployed. This update has arrived swiftly and with considerable impact – it’s a substantial one. The SEO community is witnessing extensive movement, both in terms of discussions among professionals and the heightened volatility displayed by tracking tools. Interestingly, this update seems to have affected the black-hat SEO community more significantly than the white-hat one so far, although it’s still in the process of rolling out. Between March 27th and 28th, larger tremors and fluctuations were observed, indicating that the update could be nearing completion or that more changes are yet to come. There are also discussions about the core update’s effect on local search. | Web, Local | |
| Feb 2023 | February 2023 Product Reviews Update | developers.google.com,twitter, Search Enginejournal, Search Engine Land, Seroundtable | Google announced, “On February 21st, we launched the February 2023 product reviews update, which is applicable to the following languages worldwide: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Russian, Dutch, Portuguese, Polish. The complete roll-out will take approximately two weeks.” It is important to note that this update targets editorial product reviews and not reviews on product detail pages (PDPs). The February 2023 product reviews update has proven to be quite volatile, leading to notable ranking shifts and lively discussions within the SEO community. This update appears to have a broader impact compared to previous product review updates, prompting some SEO professionals to suspect that something might be amiss. The product reviews update concluded its roll-out on March 7th. | Product Reviews |
| August 2021 | August 2021 Core Update | Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Roundtable, SEJ | A broad core update affecting the overall search algorithm | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| June 2021 | June 2021 Core Update | Search Engine Land, Moz, SEO Roundtable | A major update to improve search quality and relevance | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| Dec 2020 | December 2020 Core Update | Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Roundtable, SEJ | A broad core update affecting the overall search algorithm | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| May 2020 | May 2020 Core Update | Search Engine Land, Moz, SEO Roundtable | A major update to improve search quality and relevance | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| Jan 2020 | January 2020 Core Update | Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Roundtable, SEJ | A broad core update affecting the overall search algorithm | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| Sep 2019 | September 2019 Core Update | Search Engine Land, Moz, SEO Roundtable | A major update to improve search quality and relevance | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| June 2019 | June 2019 Core Update | Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Roundtable, SEJ | A broad core update affecting the overall search algorithm | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| March 2019 | March 2019 Core Update | Search Engine Land, Moz, SEO Roundtable | A major update to improve search quality and relevance | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| August 2018 | August 2018 Core Update | Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Roundtable, SEJ | A broad core update affecting the overall search algorithm | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| April 2018 | April 2018 Core Update | Search Engine Land, Moz, SEO Roundtable | A major update to improve search quality and relevance | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| Dec 2017 | December 2017 Core Update | Search Engine Journal, Search Engine Roundtable, SEJ | A broad core update affecting the overall search algorithm | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
| August 2017 | August 2017 Core Update | Search Engine Land, Moz, SEO Roundtable | A major update to improve search quality and relevance | News, ecommerce, travel, finance, health, YMYL |
What is an Algorithm?
An algorithm is a set of rules or a step-by-step process that a computer follows to solve a particular problem or perform a specific task. In the context of Google Search, an algorithm is a complex set of instructions designed to analyze, rank, and display the most relevant web pages based on a user’s query. The primary goal of Google’s search algorithm is to provide the most accurate and useful results in the shortest possible time, ensuring a smooth and efficient user experience.
What is the Google Algorithm?
Google’s search algorithm consists of numerous components and sub-algorithms, each handling different aspects of the search process. These components include factors like keyword matching, content quality, site authority, user behavior, and many more. By considering these factors, Google’s algorithm assigns a ranking score to web pages, which determines their position in the search results.
Periodic updates to Google’s search algorithm are essential for several reasons. Firstly, the internet is a constantly evolving landscape, with new websites, content, and user behaviors emerging regularly. To stay relevant and maintain a high level of search quality, Google needs to adapt its algorithm to these changes.
SEO is a competitive space that continues to evolve
The world of search engine optimization (SEO) is highly competitive, with website owners and marketers constantly trying to manipulate the algorithm to achieve higher rankings. Periodic updates help Google combat spam, black-hat SEO techniques, and other manipulative practices, ensuring that the search results remain fair and unbiased.
Goals and Objectives of the Google Algorithm
Google continually strives to improve the overall user experience by refining its search algorithm. By conducting research and gathering user feedback, Google identifies areas of improvement and implements updates to enhance search quality, result relevance, and overall performance.
Purpose of the Google Algorithm
An algorithm is a set of rules that a computer follows to perform a task or solve a problem. Google Search uses a complex algorithm to analyze, rank, and display the most relevant web pages for a user’s query. Periodic updates are necessary to adapt to the ever-changing internet landscape, combat manipulative practices, and improve the overall user experience.
Why the Algorithm is Important for SEO’s
Search engine optimization (SEO) professionals must pay close attention to Google algorithm updates as a preventative measure to avoid undesired actions against their domains. Algorithm updates can significantly impact website rankings, traffic, and overall online visibility. Staying informed about these updates helps SEO experts to:
Adapt strategies:
Algorithm updates often introduce new ranking factors or modify existing ones. By understanding these changes, SEO professionals can adjust their strategies to align with Google’s latest guidelines, ensuring sustained or improved search rankings.
Maintain compliance:
Google’s periodic updates target manipulative practices and low-quality content. By staying up-to-date with these updates, SEO professionals can ensure their domains remain compliant with Google’s guidelines, avoiding penalties and potential ranking drops.
Identify opportunities:
Algorithm updates can create new opportunities for optimization, such as targeting specific content types or improving site performance. By being aware of these updates, SEO experts can capitalize on new opportunities and gain a competitive edge.
Protect domain reputation:
Non-compliance with Google’s guidelines can result in penalties or manual actions against a domain. By closely monitoring algorithm updates, SEO professionals can take preventative measures to protect their domain’s reputation and maintain a healthy relationship with search engines.
Paying attention to algorithm updates is crucial for SEO professionals to adapt their strategies, maintain compliance, identify opportunities, and protect their domain’s reputation, ensuring continued success in the ever-evolving world of search.