Google Algorithm Updates are modifications made by Google to their search algorithm so as to enhance the ranking process of websites in terms of search results. The updates modify how the Google Search Algorithm rates content with respect to quality, relevance, user experience, and trust signals.
Every year, there are multiple minor updates, along with smaller “core” updates with significant effects on rankings.
Why Google Algorithm Updates Matter for SEO
Changes in your site’s traffic are usually caused by either an increase or decrease due to a Google Core update that affects one or many different things:
– Rank Position
– Your ability to create true, strong-quality content
– Your spammy or low-value pages have penalised
– Your Backlinks are re-evaluated
– Prioritising Helpful content
Knowing and working with the Google ranking factors will allow you to prepare and be aware of Google updates and how they may affect your site’s organic traffic.
Major Google Algorithm Updates (History & Impact)
Here are the key events that have taken place throughout Google’s evolution:
(1) The Panda Update (2011) – Aimed to eliminate low-quality/thin content. Duplicate/keyword-heavy sites lost substantial rankings after this update.
(2) The Penguin Update (2012) – Targeted backlinks that were spammy or manipulated.
(3) The Hummingbird Update (2013) – Enhanced semantic search capabilities & improved understanding of user intent.
(4) The Mobile Friendly Update (2015) – Increased ranking of sites that were optimised for mobile devices.
(5) The BERT Update (2019) – Added Natural Language Processing (NLP) capabilities to resolve user queries better.
(6) The Helpful Content Update (2022-present) – Rewards content created with users in mind rather than for search engines only.
(7) Google Core Updates (2024-2026) – Updates highlight the following: E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness), The Quality of AI-Generated Content, The Reduction of Spam, and Page Experience Signals.
Types of Google Algorithm Updates
1) Main Update
– Many updates introducing significant modifications in the overall ranking algorithms.
2) Spam Update
– Updates are utilised to identify and penalise websites engaging in fraudulent practices contrary to Google policy.
3) Product Review Update
– Updates very specific to ranking products through detailed, experiential confirmation.
4) Helpful Content Update
– Google will provide higher rankings for content valuable to users.
In order to continuously provide high-ranking results regarding searches, one must keep up with Google algorithm changes; provide user-centric, content-rich content, and produce ethically sound search engine optimisation, which will yield positive long-term results.
