How Do You Understand Google Core Updates and Their Impact on SEO

Google consistently dominates the search engine market by regularly enhancing its ranking algorithm, with the most significant changes known as “Core Updates.”

Google’s algorithm evolves rapidly, with the company implementing an average of nine to ten updates daily, according to Moz. While each of these updates refines Google’s ranking formula, core updates are particularly influential. To achieve and sustain high organic search rankings on Google, it’s essential to grasp the workings of these core updates.

What Are Google Core Updates?

A Google Core Update is a substantial revision to Google’s ranking algorithm, impacting a significant number of indexed web pages. These updates typically occur every few months and are designed to improve the quality and relevance of search results by adjusting the rankings of various web pages.

When a core update is rolled out, it modifies the criteria Google uses to rank web pages. As a result, a page that previously ranked well for certain keywords might see its ranking drop, while another that ranked lower might climb up in the search results.

Some of the most well-known core updates include:

• Penguin
• Panda
• Fred
• Hummingbird
• Pigeon
• BERT
• RankBrain
• Medic
• Possum
• Mobilegeddon
• Freshness

Core Updates vs. Minor Updates

Google also performs minor updates to its algorithm, which are designed to enhance the quality and relevance of search results but typically affect fewer web pages than core updates.

While a core update might influence 5% to 10% of all searches, a minor update may impact only 0.1% to 1%. These smaller updates are often so subtle that they go unnoticed by most webmasters.

Minor updates occur much more frequently than core updates, with Google’s team of engineers and search specialists rolling them out daily. Core updates, on the other hand, are usually planned well in advance and can take weeks to be fully implemented.

How Core Updates Affect SEO

Core updates can have a dramatic effect on search engine optimization (SEO) strategies. The essence of Google SEO is to optimize your website so that it aligns with Google’s ranking algorithm. When a core update is introduced, the algorithm changes, which can disrupt the effectiveness of your previous SEO efforts.

For instance, a core update might render a previously valuable ranking signal obsolete, causing your website’s rankings to drop. In some cases, core updates can even introduce penalties that severely harm a website’s search rankings. The Panda update, for example, penalized websites with thin content, forcing webmasters to publish more substantial content to maintain high rankings.

Core updates can also alter the structure of Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs). These updates may add, remove, or modify alternative listings like People Also Ask (PAA) boxes, featured snippets, and Knowledge Graph panels.

How to Identify Core Updates

Because core updates affect a large number of web pages, Google often announces them before they are rolled out. These announcements are typically published on Google’s Webmaster Central Blog, where you can find timely information about the latest changes to Google’s ranking algorithm. Subscribing to the blog’s newsletter or following Google’s official search liaison account on Twitter can help you stay informed about upcoming updates.

In addition to official announcements, tools like MozCast can provide “weather reports” that indicate how active changes are in Google’s search results, giving you insight into whether a core update may be in progress.

Preparing Your Website for Core Updates

To prepare your website for a core update, start by staying informed. When Google announces an upcoming core update, take the time to read about its focus and which types of websites and web pages it will affect. This knowledge can guide you in making the necessary adjustments to your SEO strategy.

However, not all core updates are announced in advance. Therefore, it’s important to continuously improve your website’s content, as core updates are generally designed to enhance the quality and relevance of search results. By prioritizing high-quality content over manipulative SEO practices like keyword stuffing or link spamming, you can better position your website to withstand the impact of core updates. Google’s ranking algorithm is constantly evolving, with core updates playing a crucial role in these changes. To keep your website competitive, follow Google’s announcements, focus on creating valuable content, and avoid black-hat SEO tactics. By doing so, you can help ensure that your site remains relevant and high-ranking in the ever-changing landscape of search. Visit Directory One to learn about how you can grow your business with SEO call us at 713.269.3094 / 713.465.0051.