Google Algorithms and Updates

Google Algorithms and Updates

Google comes up with multiple updates each year. In fact, in 2018 it came up with 3,300 updates that are around 9 updates every day, and the highest after the number of changes they made in 2009. This can be very difficult to keep a track of. So, we only remember the major updates like Panda and hummingbird that can actually disturb our website’s ranking. Let us first understand what Google algorithms are.

 What are Google algorithms?

Google works on a complex mechanism to retrieve data using its spider (Google named its bots- spiders) that crawl through web pages and instantly deliver the best possible results. Google uses a number of different combinations of algorithms and numerous ranking signals to deliver SERPs (Search Engine Result Pages). A combination of these factors is called google algorithms.

What are the different types of Google algorithms?

As we discussed earlier we cannot keep a track of all the updates that Google makes to optimize its search result because the updated version might have a difference that is almost negligible and would not make any difference to the way google ranks the websites on the basis of the search results. So, here are 6 major updates that google had launched which had affected multiple parameters of google ranking.

1. Panda

Google Panda was introduced in April in the year 2011. The update was introduced with a simple purpose to provide quality content to the readers. Panda was the first update by google of its kind. This update was aimed at lowering the rank of ‘Low-Quality Content’ or “Thin-sites” and ranking the quality content. Low-quality content is the one that has more advertisements in between the content. And the content does not provide fulfill the basic criteria of providing genuine information.

This update had lowered the ranking of almost 12% of the google webpage sites. In fact, it came to a point where google webmaster’s inbox was filled with complaints of scrapers. So, google cam with providing a tutorial on how to manage the page

Also, check out the Best Digital Marketing Courses in Pimple Chinchwad 

2. Penguin

Google Penguin was first introduced on April 24, 2012. This update was followed by the earlier update Google Panda. Also, it had similar objectives the only difference was that penguin was an advanced version of it and the update had affected quite a higher percent of search results. But the main objective of this update was to reduce the range of those websites with bad quality backlinks now called ‘black hat SEO’. This technic involved generating artificial links by manipulating the number of links by redirecting them to other pages and ranking the website on the top. Introducing penguins made it very clear that only those sites with original content will be promoted. Also, it was clear that content is the king.

The day after google came with this update it introduced a feedback form designed in two categories of users:  those who want to report web spam that still ranks highly after the search algorithm change, and those who think that their site got unfairly hit by the update. A penalty was charged if the website was found performing black hat SEO tricks. Although, later in the year 2015 Google’s John Muller introduced a way to get out of the penalty using a manual process of removing these backlinks or Google’s Disavow tool and then filing a reconsideration request. Penguin was considered as a core update and was last updated on 23^rd September 2016.

3. Humming Bird

Google Humming Bird is a codename given to signify the algorithmic change in google search. It was introduced on 26^th September 2013. Google hummingbird came with the objective of providing more personalized search results; it gave a human touch to the search results. This encouraged bloggers and writers and web developers to provide the information in multiple languages and not just fill their sites with keywords and to optimize their sites. Although this update did not come with any penalty; it encouraged web developers to make effective use of on-page SEO trick lick tags, URL, image optimization, and many more.

4. Pigeon

Google Pigeon was introduced on 24^th July 2014. The update is aimed to increase local search results. When the update was introduced Google’s webmaster got mixed results. A few sites reported that the update had affected their website ranking while others said it improved their search results on Google and improved their ranking. The basic fundamental this update works on is the location and the distance of an individual. This update provides the results based on the user location and the listing available in the local directory. This improved local searched results and provided more relevant results to the user.

Also, check our other blogs for the Latest Updates

5. RankBrain Algorithm

RankBrain is a machine-learning algorithm that was introduced on 26^th October 2015. This update was introduced for google to self-learn. If google saw any word or phrase that it hadn’t seen before the machine can understand the context and get the closest possible search results.

6. Possum

Google’s Possum algorithm is an advanced version of Pigeon. It was introduced on 1^st September 2016. The update was introduced with the objective of providing the best locally searched results. It was reported that the introduction of Google Possum had affected 64%of local SEO. This update also calculates the actual distance of the location from the current location of the user.

Conclusion:

Google comes up with multiple updates which only affects the sites with spam content and manipulative backlinks. So, the best way to be updated is to join PIIDM the Best Online Digital Marketing Course.