Google confirmed for the first time in May 2018 a type of update that later became known as a broad core Google algorithm update. Google informed us that there was nothing specific to “fix” for any sites affected by these updates. Google has released three of these updates each year since 2018.
So, what are Google core updates? How do they function? When did Google make them available? Everything you need to know about Google’s major core algorithm updates is right here.
What is a Google broad core algorithm update?
A broad core algorithm update is a modification to Google’s “core” or overall search ranking algorithm and systems. Google’s core algorithm is a group of algorithms that interpret signals from web pages (e.g., keywords, links, etc.) to rank the content that best answers a search query.
When Google announces a core algorithm update, it could be a tweak to Panda, Penguin, both, or both, and more. Google, as we all know, reveals as little as possible about its secret ranking formula.
Google’s Gary Illyes has stated that, in addition to its core algorithm, Google employs “probably millions” of baby algorithms that analyze various signals. While there has been some speculation about what a “baby” or “tiny” algorithm is, Illyes has only stated that a baby algorithm can cause a spike in crawl rate and that they look for specific signals in pages and content.
To put this in context, core updates account for only three of the thousands of changes Google makes to its core algorithm each year.
Some broad core algorithm updates went live quickly, while others took up to 14 days. When the impact is spread out rather than occurring on the day an update is announced or confirmed, it complicates delving into the data.
All of these factors can make it difficult to attribute ranking drops to a single Google change. Many of Google’s search changes have no direct impact on ranking, so we don’t notice or hear about them all. However, some updates do affect ranking.
What is the purpose of this broad core algorithm google update?
Google has stated repeatedly in the years since the first confirmed broad core algorithm update that the primary goal of a core update is to improve search results. Google stated on Twitter that the goal was to help pages that were “previously under-rewarded.”
A broad core algorithm update, like all Google algorithms, is not a penalty. Consider it more like Google hitting the refresh button on search results based on a new set of ranking “rules.” After the update is complete, your site may have moved up or down in the SERPs, or it may still be in the same position.
Some signs a Google core update affected your website.
- Decrease in website rankings: When Google releases a major update, SEOs frequently examine the search engine results pages (SERPs). Your SERP rankings can tell you whether a major update is harmful or beneficial to your site. Keep in mind that you’ll want to track your rankings for a few days before making any conclusions about their impact. Examine your rankings for various keywords, including those with different intents, for the best results.
- Decrease in website traffic: Looking at your organic traffic can also help you spot a major Google update. You will lose traffic if your rankings in search results fall. Because the first five positions on Google receive 68% of all clicks, you may see a significant drop in traffic depending on your before and after rankings.
- Decrease in performance: You should also look at other performance metrics, such as bounce rate. Once you’ve determined that a broad Google Search update has affected your site, you can begin making improvements. You can always invest in an SEO audit or consultation if you need assistance getting started.
Why is it Important to the Website Owners?
When Google makes significant and broad changes to its search engine algorithm and systems, this is referred to as a Google core update. These updates are intended to improve users’ search experiences by providing more relevant, useful, and trustworthy content.
When Google updates its search ranking algorithms, your site may perform better or worse in the search results. These updates can either bring your site to the top of the search results or lower its ranking. This is entirely dependent on Google’s changes to its search ranking algorithm.
We recommend that every website owner or blogger monitor their Google analytics stats and rankings over the next few weeks. This will allow you to see how it affects the rankings of your website or blog.
Connect with Digiligo’s website development team to get a detailed idea and stay up to date with Google’s surprises.
What Does the May 2022 Core Update Mean to your website?
Today, we're releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. This update is called the May 2022 core update. Learn more: https://t.co/7kFklwdkAb
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) May 25, 2022
Google’s major core updates are just that: major. The bi-annual updates aim to improve the quality of organic search results for both informational and transactional queries. If the May 2022 Broad Core Update has harmed your website, you may need to reconsider your current organic strategy.
Google Core Updates work to remove low-quality sites and content from the first page of search results, thereby improving the overall user experience. If your website has been negatively impacted by a broad core update, it does not necessarily mean that you have done anything wrong; it could simply be that the Search Engine giant believes that other webpages provide more value.
The May 2022 Broad Core Update is expected to be released over the next 1-2 weeks. If your website’s traffic and rankings have declined significantly during this time, we recommend evaluating your current content strategy and consulting with an SEO service provider to see where improvements can be made.
Conclusion
Do not be alarmed, as with any Google Core Update. We recommend that you wait for the 1-2 week rollout period before making any significant changes to your content strategy, off-site strategy, or overall search engine optimization strategy.
We recommend waiting two weeks to see where the ball lands before reassessing (if necessary) your SEO strategy. If you notice a significant drop in traffic, it may be time to consult with the best digital marketing agency in India Digiligo, who can help you understand what happened and devise a recovery strategy.