Are Google algorithm changes a furphy?
If your business has a website, then the more you know about the Google Search algorithm, the better. Why? Because this is the system Google uses to decide which sites are the most valuable to display to users. But don’t be fooled, understanding the Google Search algorithm is not a walk in the park. First, the algorithm is top secret information. Second, it’s not set in stone – Google is always modifying its algorithm in an effort to provide better quality content to users.
The best digital marketing agency in the world doesn’t know precisely what the algorithm looks like. But what about the constant changes? Are they significant, and what impact do they have on search engine optimisation (SEO) and the visibility of your website? In this blog post, we’ll give you a heads-up.
Incremental updates
Google claims it updates Google Search thousands of times every year. Depending on your business and customer base, these constant updates may or may not have an impact on your search rankings.
For example, several years ago, Google made a mobile-first update. For users searching on smartphones, matches that performed better on mobile devices were given preference over equally relevant matches that didn’t. This update affected some businesses more than others.
Google explains that these types of updates are designed to improve Search in incremental ways. The average person using Google Search probably doesn’t notice them, but professionals who provide SEO help do, especially when the updates collectively alter search rankings.
Changes to the master algorithm
Several times a year, Google Search launches its core algorithm updates, which make changes to multiple parts of the algorithm. These core updates can have a noticeable impact on how websites are ranked – some sites experience significant drops while others make gains.
Google gives notice when core updates are on their way. As with incremental updates, the purpose of core updates is to improve the overall Google Search experience for the user. The search engine titan advises that its core updates are ‘broad changes to our search algorithms and systems’, but since all Google algorithms are closely guarded secrets, it’s impossible to know how broad the changes really are.
The digital marketing agency perspective
Certainly, the combined effects of regular core updates and incremental updates have modified Google’s algorithm over time – but to what extent? At SEO agency Agent 6, our view is that despite the constant tweaks and updates, there hasn’t been a major rewrite of the Google algorithm for years.
Instead, Google switches different filters on and off, increasing or decreasing the importance of a wide range of factors such as domain age, page speed, content length and more. (There are over 200 ranking factors in Google’s algorithm.)
SEO help you can trust
If your website has slipped in rankings since the last Google Search algorithm update, you need search engine optimisation help. At Agent 6, our local SEO company has years of experience with Google’s algorithms. We can help you climb the rankings so you are visible to more customers. Contact us to learn more.