Since Google first appeared on the internet scene in the late 1990’s, one of its most controversial and secretive features has been its algorithm and algorithm updates. This algorithm is designed to return the most relevant search results when users search on the Google search page.
A wide range of factors have to be accounted for before Google search results are displayed. These factors include a web page’s content, backlinks, social interaction on a page and much more. All of this processing takes a fraction of a second. Each time there is an algorithm update, the update is given a name. Here are some of the most potent Google algorithm updates which have resulted in a lot of frustration and confusion for website owners, website developers and SEO experts.
Panda Update
Google algorithm updates have been taking place for many years without most people noticing these changes. However in 2011, the Panda update was the first update to really have an impact on website owners and SEO experts. It aimed to penalize ‘thin’ content websites. Websites with too many ads and not enough content were targeted because they did not provide enough value to visitors and were being ranked highly in Google through artificial methods.
Penguin Update
The following year another major change took place. Penguin was introduced to counteract various black hat or questionable website ranking methods. Some of these questionable SEO activities included keyword stuffing and certain linking strategies.
Hummingbird Update
In 2013, the Hummingbird change occurred. Its main aim was to give preference to high quality content websites. Other updates in this year had the same aim.
Pigeon Update
Pigeon was the most well-known Google algorithm update in 2014. This algorithm change focused on local search which has become an important part of Google services.
Mobile Friendly Update
2015 was the year where mobile technologies have really come to the fore. Search engines like Google are used to carrying out millions of mobile searches every month. The results of these mobile searches have not always been to the searchers liking.
Many of the websites that appear in search results from mobile devices were not responsive and did not display properly on these devices. The Mobile Friendly update has addressed this issue. Websites that are optimized for mobile devices are more likely to appear at the top of many Google searches from now on.
Over the years, thousands of online experts have attempted to figure out what the latest Google changes are and how to trick this search engine. This is a bad idea because every Google algorithm update closes another loophole in the system. If you don’t provide great content and give Google users what they want, Google will punish and ignore your websites. Instead, website owners and SEO experts should focus on the things Google looks for every time it change its system. Click Intelligence and similar online marketing companies focus on this so that your visitors come first and Google will reward you for this.