The algorithms employed by Google to extract material from its search index and give the best possible results for a query are a complicated system. On its search engine results pages, the search engine employs a combination of algorithms and various ranking variables to provide webpages rated by relevance (SERPs).
Change is the only constant in the world of SEO, is a fact well-known to all the SEO practitioners. In fact, Google’s search algorithm is said to be updated 500 to 600 times every year. While most of these upgrades are minor and go unnoticed by users and SEO, Google does issue big updates every now and again. There have been nine significant algorithm modifications in the last two years alone. The two most recent, “Possum” (published on September 1, 2016) and Penguin 4.0 (issued on September 23, 2016), generated quite a stir among SEOs.
Over many years the SEO existence, it has been closely watched that Google updates like Caffeine and Vince in 2009, Panda/Farmer in 2011, the Exact-Match Domain (EMD) Update and Penguin in 2012, Pigeon in 2014 and many such other algorithms drastically shook the rankings and shifted the entire dynamics of search engine optimisation.
Checking out the Google Webmaster Blog and reading it is an excellent place to start. Examine whatever information they’ve provided, as well as the update’s intended audience. If your site was hacked, these are most likely the issues you’ll need to address. It might be quite unsettling when these sorts of modifications and updates are made to the algorithm without clear confirmation from the Google team. This is where we must rely on the expertise of others. Major algorithm changes may be frightening. However, if you execute SEO correctly, such as writing decent, user-focused content and getting links from reputable, niche-specific websites, you should be OK. Google is after you if you’re buying links and twisting content.
When you receive notification of a big upgrade, remain cool, wait to observe how it affects your business, and make measured modifications if necessary. We may not understand all of the ranking variables used by Google, but we do understand their mission: to deliver the most accurate response in the quickest period of time. Focus on your users and their needs, and you’ll reap the rewards over time.
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