Since 2018, the Google search engine algorithm has undergone several significant updates aimed at improving the quality and relevance of search results. These changes have impacted SEO strategies worldwide. In this article, we will take a look at key Google SEO updates since 2018 and describe their impacts.
Medic Update (August 2018) The first significant update was the Medic Update, named for its notable impact on websites focused on health and wellness. Google began placing greater emphasis on expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness of content (E-A-T principles). Website owners in these niches had to increase the quality and accuracy of their information to maintain or improve their positions in search results.
BERT Update (October 2019) In October 2019, Google introduced BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), a natural language processing (NLP) technology focused on better understanding the context of words in search queries. This meant that Google became better at understanding nuances and variations in searches, leading to more precise and relevant results for users.
Core Updates (2019-2023) From 2019 onwards, there have been several Core Updates, comprehensive updates touching on many aspects of the search algorithm. These updates aim to improve overall search quality by rewarding high-quality and useful content, while low-value pages may experience a decline. Google does not disclose specific details of these updates, requiring webmasters and SEO specialists to continuously monitor their website's performance and adapt to changes.
Mobile-First Indexing (March 2021) In March 2021, Google completed the transition to Mobile-First Indexing, meaning that it primarily uses the mobile version of websites for indexing and evaluating content. This underscored the importance of optimizing websites for mobile devices, including loading speed, content layout, and usability.
Page Experience Update (June 2021) This update introduced new factors called "Page Experience Signals," including Core Web Vitals – a set of metrics focused on loading speed, interactivity, and visual stability of pages. These signals began to be used in the evaluation of websites in search, highlighting the importance of providing an excellent user experience.
Product Reviews Update (April 2021) A specific update focused on product reviews aimed to reward pages providing thorough and helpful product reviews. Google looked for content that goes beyond manufacturer-provided information, emphasizing original research, expert knowledge, and useful syntheses for readers.
Passage Ranking Update (February 2021) Google announced that it would start indexing and ranking not only entire pages but also specific passages within them. This update allowed the search engine to better understand individual sections of content and increase the relevance of search results by providing more specific snippets of information.
MUM Update (2021) The Multitask Unified Model (MUM) is an advanced language processing technology from Google designed to improve the search engine's ability to answer complex queries. MUM can analyze information in multiple languages and formats (including video and images), allowing it to provide more comprehensive responses.
Link Spam Update (July 2021) Google also updated its algorithm to better identify and penalize link spam. This update emphasizes the importance of quality link-building and the need to avoid techniques that Google considers manipulative or deceptive.
Core Web Vitals & Page Experience Update (2021-2022) Google continued to refine and expand criteria related to Core Web Vitals and overall user experience, including their integration into existing SEO guidelines. Websites had to improve their responsiveness, visual stability, and loading speed to secure or enhance their positions in search.
Helpful Content Update (August 2022) Google introduced an update focused on "helpful content," further reinforcing the emphasis on quality and relevance of web content. This update targets content created primarily for search engines rather than actual users, encouraging content creators to produce original, informative, and valuable content for their audience.
Each of these updates has had a significant impact on SEO strategies and required website owners and marketers to continually adapt. Emphasis on content quality, user experience, and technical excellence remains crucial for achieving and maintaining high positions in search results. With Google's algorithm constantly evolving, it's essential to stay informed about new updates and best practices in SEO.
