Every now and then, Google is known to bring about changes to its ranking algorithm. While some happen to be minor ones, others bring about a stir in the SERPs.
Although not all the Google algorithms for SEO, we will be definitely taking a look at the major Google algorithm name list along with the whys, when’s and how’s associated with them. So, continue to read as we unfold the prominent Google algorithm name list for you.
Prominent Google algorithm updates you should know about:
1. Panda
Date of introduction – 24th February 2011
Purpose
Identify and ban thin, copied or plagiarized content and things such as content spamming, keyword stuffing etc.
How it functions
In case of every content or website Panda goes about assigning ‘Quality Score’ that functions as a ranking factor for Google. Earlier, Panda acted just as a filter rather than being a component of the Google ranking algorithm. It was January 2016 when Panda was included officially into Google’s core algorithm. It becomes frequent with each passing day. An update that has got speedier penalty rates and recoveries with it now taking place faster.
Adjusting to it
Ensure that your website content is spam free by checking it frequently. In case of any duplicate content, get rid of it at the earliest, and recrawl the concerned page to Google. Content plagiarism can be likewise checked using tools. It is not feasible to have 100% unique content in certain cases like E-commerce websites etc. In such scenarios, it is advised to make use of original images instead.
2. Penguin
Date of introduction – 24th April 2012
Purpose
To penalize irrelevant or spammy links; in addition, links having over-optimized anchor text. Thus encourage quality link building.
How it functions
The objective of this algorithm from Google is to down the rank of those websites which it considers to be manipulative in nature. Penguin continues to be the part of Google’s core algorithm since late 2016. As opposed to Panda, it functions in real time.
Adjusting to it
Keep an eye on the growth of the link profile and routinely run audits using a backlink checker tool. Observe your link profile’s growth e.g. via the progress graph in the SEO SpyGlass tool. See if there are any absurd spikes. Such things are sufficient a reason to check out the backlinks that you have earned unexpectedly.
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3. Hummingbird
Date of introduction – 22nd August 2013
Purpose
In order to discover and discard content that is spam or irrelevant. Also to efficiently comprehend the user query intent.
How it functions
Keyword happens to be an integral part of this Google algorithm. The algorithm facilitates Google in understanding of the user’s query along with its intent such that all the possible results can be interpreted and put forth the best one towards the top of SERPs. The target can be achieved using natural language.
Adjusting to it
Broaden the keyword research and concentrate on the concepts rather than the keywords. Pay attention to and research relevant searches, terms that co-occur, and synonyms. Useful sources of ideas like these are Google Autocomplete and Google Related Searches.
4. Pigeon
Date of introduction – 24th July 2014 in the U.S., 22nd December 2014 in U.K., Australia, and Canada
Purpose
To bring about improvement in ON and OFF-Page SEO
How it functions
The effect of Pigeon is seen on the searches where the user’s location is vital. The update resulted into closer ties within the core and the local algorithm: conventional SEO factors are put to use so as to rank local results.
Adjusting to it
Improve on page and off page SEO through proper analysis. Begin with off page tasks like carrying out Relevant Business Listings under High authorized Directories. Go for creation of quality backlinks and local connections. An effective way for the website is deploying the on-page analysis using a tool like Website Auditor. An extremely useful tool, it is handy to take ideas about the on-page optimization features. In case of other form of SEO, it is recommended to be listed in related business records. Backlinks aid in increasing the rank of the website.
5. Mobile – Friendly
Date of introduction – 21st April 2015
Purpose
Identify poor mobile usability and absence of a mobile version of the page
How it functions
Mobilegeddon i.e. Mobile Update from Google makes sure that the mobile-friendly pages rank higher in mobile search, while the ones that are not, are discarded from the SERPs or actually down-ranked.
Adjusting to it
Go the mobile way with attention towards usability and speed. Mobile-friendly test from Google will tell you as to which areas of the mobile version of your page need improvement. Its integration into Website Auditor permits quick checking of the mobile friendliness of your pages.
6. RankBrain
Date of introduction – 26th October 2015
Purpose
Useful for sorting live search results and cater to the users with the best fit for their search query
How it functions
The solitary and the only existing AI part of the Hummingbird algorithm from Google. With this one, Google gets to know the meaning of the queries so as to come up with the best outcomes for the search queries. According to Google, this happens to be amongst the third vital ranking factors. The main objective of this algorithm is to find the relevant or precise result for web pages.
Adjusting to it
Come up with highly useful and informative content that would provide optimum information for the relevant search queries. Go for website content optimization keeping in mind the users and not the search engines.
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7. Possum
Date of introduction – 1st September 2016
Purpose
Tense competition within your target location
How it functions
An update that made sure that the local results differ more based on the location of the searcher. But obvious that more the proximity to a business’s address, more chances of it appearing on the local results. Possum led to a wider variety among the results ranking for closely resembling queries such as “dentist denver co.” and “dentist denver”. Possum likewise boosted the businesses situated outside the geographical city area, which came as a surprise.
Adjusting to it
An optimum method to increase the searches is by performing location-specific rank tracking and expanding the keyword list. Possum resulted into a lightness in the local SERPs. While checking your location, always be sure that you are doing the same from your target location.
8. Fred
Date of introduction – 8th March 2017
Purpose
To find affiliate-heavy, thin or ad-centered content
How it functions
Latest in the list of confirmed updates from Google, Fred is concerned with those websites that happen to violate the webmaster guidelines from Google. Majority of such affected websites tend to be blogs having low-quality posts, the motive of which for the majority times is generation of ad revenue.
Adjusting to it
Go through the Search Quality Guidelines from Google, and look out for thin content. In the event that you are displaying ads, ensure that the pages they are on, are high in quality and provide plenty of relevant information. The key lies here: Do not attempt to trick Google by pretending that your page is regarding something, while in reality it is one full of affiliate links. Majority of publishers out there earn money via ads, and no harm in it if you are not cheating.
Those were the major Google algorithm updates for you, in the chronological order
