For marketers and business owners, staying updated on these changes is not just a rewarding practice but a necessity in the dynamic digital environment. Google’s commitment to providing users with the most accurate and relevant search results fuels these updates.
According to insights from Danny Sullivan at Google, the search engine introduces an average of about nine changes to its algorithm daily, accumulating over 3,200 changes annually. These modifications range from minor adjustments in search queries to significant overhauls like the comprehensive core algorithm updates rolled out on an annual basis.
Understanding the intricacies of these updates becomes imperative for anyone seeking to optimize their online presence. That’s what we will learn in this blog; as we delve into the impact of Google search algorithm update 2023, it becomes clear that adapting to these changes is not just a strategy; it’s a prerequisite for maintaining visibility in the ever-evolving digital landscape.
What is the Google Search Algorithm?
Google’s search algorithm is a complex system that the search engine uses to find, rank, and return the most relevant pages for a certain search query. In simplest terms, it scans through billions of web pages and considers hundreds of factors, such as the words on a website, the freshness of content, the number of other websites linking to each page, and the user’s location and settings. The goal is to deliver the best possible results for what you’re looking for as quickly as possible.
What are Core Updates?
A core update in Google’s search algorithms and systems refers to substantial modifications that can significantly impact the ranking of web pages. It’s crucial to understand that these updates do not specifically target individual pages or sites. Google underscores that the primary objective of core updates is to align with its mission of providing helpful and reliable search results. To illustrate, one can liken it to curating a list of the top 100 movies in 2021.
As this list is periodically refreshed, new entries may emerge, and existing ones might be reevaluated. This dynamic process reflects the evolving digital landscape and ensures the continuous delivery of valuable results to searchers.
Google’s Third Core Update in October 2023
In October 2023, the SEO community experienced a seismic shift with the rollout of the third core update of the year. The update, announced on October 5th, initiated substantial changes, causing a notable impact within the SEO community and beyond. Significant movements were observed from October 9th, escalating on October 10th, with further volatility and widespread impacts observed over the weekend. The update left a lasting impression, leaving many SEOs and websites grappling with its effects.
What Impact Does Google Search Algorithm Update Have on Search Result Rankings?
When Google does its core updates, it can shake up how websites show up in search results. Some sites might do better and get more visitors, while others might see fewer people coming to their sites. While a core update is happening, the search results can change a lot every day as Google is adjusting things. It’s important to be patient and keep an eye on how your website is doing using analytics.
If a site is not doing well after an update, Google suggests checking the content, how knowledgeable the site looks, and how easy it is for users. Making improvements like adding good content or tweaking the website can help it bounce back.
Does a Decrease in Traffic Following an Update Imply That My Site Is Engaged in Spam Practices?
No, if the drop in traffic occurs after a non-spam-related update, it doesn’t necessarily indicate spamming. However, it could point to other non-spam content issues that need consideration. On the other hand, if the change coincides with a spam update, it’s possible that our systems identified spamming practices or discounted spam links that may have previously contributed to your site’s performance. Explore more details on our page dedicated to Google Search spam updates for a comprehensive understanding.
Google’s Fourth Core Update in November 2023
Google recently announced the rollout of the November 2023 core update, prompting questions about its proximity to the October 2023 core update. Clarification was provided, highlighting that these consecutive updates address different core systems within the ranking process. Despite the distinct focus, Google maintains consistent guidance for both updates.
Additionally, a forthcoming update to the reviews system is anticipated to commence next week. This marks a shift in communication strategy, as periodic notifications for review system improvements will cease. Instead, updates to the review system will occur regularly and continuously. Google plans to reflect these changes on the system’s page, updating information as necessary, such as language coverage expansions. Users involved in reviews are advised to stay abreast of Google’s guidance for sustained relevance.
The Rarity of Two Major Updates in a Short Time
Although core changes in Google Search Algorithm Update 2023 usually occur every one to two months, the proximity of two significant updates is uncommon. The November 2023 core update marks the second major change in Google’s search system within just two months, constituting the fourth substantial update in the current year. The rollout of this update commenced on November 2 and is expected to be fully implemented over approximately two weeks.
What to Do When There’s a Core Update?
As per Google, for most creators who consistently craft valuable, trustworthy, and audience-focused content, updates generally require no immediate action. Google’s systems aim to recognize and reward such efforts. Creators adhering to these principles may see updates pass by unnoticed or even experience enhanced search performance.
However, if you observe a shift in traffic following a specific update, it’s advisable to closely examine the guidance provided by Google for that particular update. The Google Search Status Dashboard will direct you to this guidance, where you can review and determine if there are any recommended improvements to implement.
Key Points to Note About Google Search Algorithm Update 2023
Here are some considerable points to take note of as Google rolls out its latest core updates:
Frequency:Â Google regularly rolls out several core updates in a year. Each of these updates may focus on different elements of the search algorithm and can vary in their impact on website rankings.
Impact:Â Core updates can cause shifts in website rankings, with some sites seeing notable changes while others might not see any impact.
Recovery: Should a website’s rankings fall after a core update, it’s critical to assess the situation and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Helpful Content:Â Google stresses the need for content that is high-quality, relevant, and authoritative. Websites that continually offer useful information to users are likely to sustain or boost their rankings.
User Experience: A good user experience is key for website rankings. Elements such as quick page loading, mobile-friendly, and simple navigation can influence Google’s view of a site’s quality.
Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T): Google takes into account a publisher’s expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Building trust and proving your expertise in a specific area can have a positive effect on rankings.
Continuous Improvement: Publishers must stay alert to industry updates, keep abreast of Google’s guidelines, and tweak their strategies to keep up with the changing search algorithms.
What to Do When You Are Hit by Change in Google Search Algorithm Update 2023?
Stay calm: In the face of changes, it’s crucial not to panic. Rapid reactions without thoughtful analysis can sometimes do more harm than good.
Analyze data for content improvement:Â Utilize data analytics to identify specific areas where your content may be falling short. This could include examining user engagement, bounce rates, or keyword performance.
Enhance the relevance of underperforming pages:Â Focus on updating and refining the content on pages that are not performing well. Ensure that the information is current, valuable, and directly addresses user needs or queries.
Boost the authority of pages facing challenges:Â Work on building the credibility and trustworthiness of your pages. This can involve obtaining high-quality backlinks, citing reputable sources, and demonstrating expertise in your content.
Perform a thorough competitor analysis:Â Understand how your competitors are navigating similar changes. Analyze their strategies, successes, and areas where they might be outperforming you to inform your approach.
Review your foundational technical SEO practices:Â Ensure that your respective site is technically well structured. Check multiple aspects like optimized page loading speed, fixing any broken links, and making your site easily accessible for search engine crawlers.
Counterbalance traffic losses by publishing high-quality content:Â Offset the impact of any decline in traffic by consistently producing new, relevant, and high-quality content. This not only attracts new visitors but also keeps existing ones engaged.
October 2023 Spam Update
Alongside the October 2023 core update, Google also implemented a new spam update from October 4 to October 20. The purpose of this update, as stated in Google’s tweet, was to strengthen their ability to detect and combat spam, providing improved safeguards across various languages.
Recently, Google announced an enhancement to its spam detection system with a focus on better identification and filtration of spam across different languages. The main goal is to reduce prevalent spam in search results, targeting deceptive practices like cloaking, compromised security, and automatically generated content spam. Website owners noticing changes in their site’s ranking are encouraged to check Google’s spam policies and find more information on the ‘Google Search spam updates and your site‘ help page.
This update has a worldwide reach and enhances detection in several languages, including Turkish, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Hindi, and Chinese. Google aims to address prevalent spam types through this update. Here we have enlisted activities that are considered spam by Google:
Cloaking:Â Showing different content to search engines and users to trick rankings and confuse
people.
Doorways:Â Creating sites or pages just to rank for certain searches, which just send users to less useful intermediary pages instead of their actual goal.
Scraped content:Â Copying content from reputable sites without adding value.
Spammy auto-generated content: Automatically produced content that’s not original or useful enough.
Hidden text and links: Putting content on a page meant to trick search engines, which users can’t easily see.
Keyword stuffing:Â Overloading a webpage with keywords to try to game search rankings.
What to Expect in Google’s Algorithms Future?
A consistent thread running through Google’s algorithm updates underscores the search giant’s commitment to delivering the most comprehensive, authoritative, and high-quality content available. With the increasing competence of AI chatbots, there’s a possibility that Google will integrate them into the search process, prompting potential adjustments to its algorithm to adeptly handle queries emerging from this interface.
In a theoretical scenario, Google might transition towards a real-time algorithm characterized by fewer distinct updates and a shift towards larger, automatic updates happening seamlessly in real-time. This potential evolution could signify a more dynamic and instantaneous response to the ever-changing digital landscape.
Conclusion
To sum up everything we mentioned above, Google’s search algorithm remains the guiding force, shaping the online experience for users worldwide. As a result, the constant evolution of technology, shifts in shopping behaviour, and changing customer needs necessitate Google’s regular updates to its search algorithms and core algorithms alternatively.
The latest October and November 2023 core update has triggered substantial changes to the SEO community and writers’ community, with impactful changes resonating throughout the digital universe. This update is just one instance of Google’s commitment to refining its algorithms, from minor tweaks in search queries to comprehensive overhauls like core updates; the search engine giant ensures its algorithms stay finely tuned.
Moreover, the rarity of two major updates in such a short time emphasises the dynamism of Google’s approach. Additionally, the October spam update extends its reach to catch deceptive practices in multiple languages, highlighting Google’s commitment to providing users with trustworthy and valuable search results.
Lastly, the impact of the Google Search algorithm update 2023 is profound and necessitates a strategic and adaptive approach for marketers and business owners alike. Staying informed, analyzing data, and implementing necessary improvements are key steps in navigating the ever-evolving landscape shaped by Google’s search algorithms.
