Everyone knows the power of Google when you need to search for something online. Google dominates the online search space—powering over 90% of global searches according to Statista. Whether you’re researching a show, checking the news, or shopping, most people instinctively say, “just Google it.” This reflects how popular Google is and how easy people can access information online.
Major Google Algorithm Updates that Shaped SEO
Google is clearly a predominant force, and its entire purpose is to provide its users with content that is relevant to their search as well as authoritative and credible. Google updates its ranking algorithms frequently to improve upon the quality of search results. The idea of these updates is to continuously enhance search query interpretation as well as prevent spam. Understanding the history of the algorithms is essential for SEO specialists and marketers who are looking to maintain and/or improve their search rankings. In this blog, we will explore the major Google algorithm updates that shaped SEO and highlight the most recent changes that have had a significant impact.
Over the years, Google has rolled out many updates. In fact, there are anywhere from hundreds to thousands of algorithm updates that occur each year, ranging from small updates to larger core updates. For the most part, many of these updates go unnoticed by people and Google themselves doesn’t always confirm all of them. Below are just a few of the most pivotal Google updates that have shaped SEO strategy:
Google Panda (2011) – Content Quality Focus
Google’s Panda Update in 2011 focused on rewarding websites with high-quality content but also penalizing those with duplicate content or content that was low-value or “thin”. The first major update demonstrated the importance of a website with well-structured and informative content.
Google Penguin (2012) – Crackdown on Spammy Backlinks
In 2012, Google’s Penguin Update targeted websites that were using black-hat or manipulative link-building tactics like buying backlinks. This update emphasized the importance of white-hat practices and earning high-quality, natural backlinks from websites with high authority.
Google Hummingbird (2013) – Understanding Search Intent
In 2013 Google’s Hummingbird Update introduced improvements to understanding search queries and focusing on intent rather than just keywords. This update paved the way for semantic search and natural language processing (NLP).
Google Mobile-Friendly Update (2015) – Mobile-First Indexing
2015’s update was around mobile-friendliness. The Mobile-Friendly Update introduced this as a ranking factor and penalized websites that were not optimized for mobile devices.
Google RankBrain (2015) – Machine Learning in Search
Google’s update in 2015 was labeled as RankBrain. RankBrain was a pivotal update and helped Google to better understand complex search queries. This update focused on the importance of user engagement metrics such as click-through-rate.
Google BERT (2019) – Natural Language Processing
Google’s BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) in 2019 improved the understanding of the context behind the words in search queries, ultimately helping users to get the most relevant results for conversational queries or long-tail keyword searches.
More Recent Google Algorithm Updates and Their Impact on Search Engine Optimization
Since 2022, there have been quite a few impactful updates that have refined Google search.
- – Helpful Content Update (2022-2023) – Prioritizing User-First Content
- – March & August 2023 Core Updates – Relevance & E-E-A-T Enhancements
- – October 2023 Spam Update – Fighting Low-Quality & Spam Content
- – December 2023 Link Spam Update – Devaluing Manipulative Backlinks
- – June 2024 Spam Update – updated SpamBrain data
- – August 2024 AI Overviews Expansion – AI overviews for signed-out searches
Most of these updates are iterations of the Helpful Content Update, helping to demote AI-generated, spam or clickbait-driven content or content deemed low-quality. Google continues to emphasize the user experience and content originality from credible sources.
How to Adapt Your SEO Strategy for Future Updates
While Google’s algorithm is continuing to evolve, you can stay ahead of the changes by being proactive and ensuring that you “future-proof” your website. Things you can do include:
- – Create high-quality content
- – Prioritize the technical health of your website
- – Focus on E-E-A-T
- – Stay up to date on industry news and SEO trends
The content on your website or Google Business Profile should not only be relevant to what people are searching for but should also be authoritative. Google’s main goal is to give the people answers to their questions, so the more valuable your content is beyond basic keyword optimization the better. Long-form and in-depth content is a major component to a long-standing SEO strategy. In addition, ensuring your website is fast and optimized for mobile usability is key as Google indexes on a mobile-first basis.
Google also uses E-E-A-T to evaluate your website’s ability to rank. E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Incorporating E-E-A-T principles such as author bios or credentials, and looking through this lens to evaluate your website at all times will ensure effective search engine optimization.
Most importantly, staying on top of Google and industry news will help to anticipate updates, stay in tune with technology and help to adapt your SEO strategy. Regular auditing of your website and aligning with the latest best practices will keep you competitive in your industry.
Stay Ahead of Google Algorithm Updates with Proven SEO Strategies
As Google updates occur, SEO continuously changes and the importance of staying well informed and adaptable becomes even more clear. Businesses wanting to continue to grow in search rankings must focus on high-quality content, continuous optimization and SEO practices that meet Google guidelines.
Do you want to stay ahead of the curve? Our Scottsdale SEO company can help you achieve long-term success with a strategy that leverages the most recent updates and takes into consideration the ever-evolving world of SEO. Contact HardPart Media today to get a FREE SEO audit and speak to our SEO specialists.