(919) 999-8848
Amistad Pros
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    • Content Marketing
    • Local SEO
    • Pay Per Click Marketing
    • Search Engine Optimization
    • Social Media
    • Website Design
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
Home Blog 5 Google Algorithm Updates (and What They Mean for SEO)

5 Google Algorithm Updates (and What They Mean for SEO)

July 7, 2017 by Amistad Pros

google algorithm updates

Google updates may have funny names. But they’re not a laughing matter.

When those algorithms change, protecting your Google ranking is crucial. It can be the difference between ample organic traffic and next to none.

Research shows that 33% of organic traffic go to that coveted #1 position. 17% will be awarded to #2. Once you get to #5, 6, 7?

Traffic might as well not be there at all.

Let’s make sure you’re up to speed with some of the most impactful Google algorithm updates.

Penguin 1&2

Penguin represented a major change in the way sites are ranked. It hurt a lot of sites who Google claimed were too focused on “gaming the SEO system.” They weren’t focused enough on customer experience.

Site ranking began to refresh in real time. So if you identified a problem, you could fix it and quickly recover. This was better than waiting 3 or more months for rankings to update.

Additionally, Penguin devalues or values pages independent of their domain. So, a reputable site can’t have a page full of spam that ranks high because of who the company is. The algorithm weighs it on its own merit.

Sites that relied on link farms got hit hard. Those who were buying low authority links saw their ranking evaporate almost overnight.

What To Do

Every page on your site should add its own independent value.

Links should be obtained from high DA (domain authority) websites.

You can disavow links from low authority sites.

Panda

Panda update sought to lower the ranking of sites that created tons of low quality, key word stuffed content. This was done in an attempt to obtain higher rankings in Google.

Sites who were using machine spun content or re-wrote the articles of others were targeted.

What To Do

Create content for people, not search engines. Content should be substantial, relevant, well-formatted and add value to people’s lives.

Fred

No one actually knows what Google algorithm updates include or impact until after they hit. So, newer updates like Fred are still being researched.

What we know so far is that Fred seeks to lower the rankings of websites that are mostly ads. It also targets those providing low-value content. Likewise with sites attempting to get backlink juice from unrelated websites.

What To Do

Put users first. Attract viewers by adding value with content that is helpful. Keep ads relevant and at a reasonable level.

Obtain backlinks from sites that are relevant to your own.

Pigeon

Pigeon improved local search. It gave local businesses preferential treatment in their areas. It drowned out much of the national or international competition.

What To Do

Google algorithm updates like Pigeon may give local business an advantage. However, businesses still have to know how to make it work for them.

This requires utilizing local SEO strategies to make it clear what communities they serve.

Hummingbird

Hummingbird placed more focus on the relationship among words. Before Hummingbird, simply having a key word like “best restaurants in Raleigh” in your content would allow to rank higher.

But thanks to Hummingbird, if someone were to enter this, they would be more likely to pull up Raleigh restaurants that have received high reviews.

What To Do

Use LSI (Latent Semantic Indexing) strategies. Include lots of connected and complementing key words rather than focusing on one key word.

Google Algorithm Updates Are Just the Beginning

Google updates can be frightening and unpredictable. But by focusing on creating an inviting and dynamic customer experience, your business can thrive while others feel the effects of Google changes.

Want to learn more about how we can help your business increase its online visibility, engagement and conversion? If so, contact us today.

Filed Under: Blog

Recent Posts

Future of digital marketing 5 Latest Digital Marketing Trends You Can’t Ignore in 2020
flip google How to Flip Google: A Local SEO Strategy for Success in 2020
facebook ad targeting tips Choosing the Right Target Audience: 9 Simple Facebook Ad Targeting Tips
seo marketing Taking A Look At The Importance Of SEO Marketing For Your Business

Amistad Pros

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, we are a one-stop source for effective and sustainable online marketing solutions for small local businesses. Our deep understanding of the local business scene allows us to create digital marketing strategies that align with your business goals. Whether it's lead generation, brand awareness or customer conversion, Amistad Pros is a reliable partner for local entrepreneurs.

Quick Links

  • Website Design
  • Social Media
  • Search Engine Optimization
  • Pay Per Click Marketing
  • Local SEO

Get in Touch

Phone: (919) 999-8848
E-Mail: info@amistadpros.com

© 2020 Amistad Pros. All Rights Reserved. Sitemap

  • Home
  • About
  • Services
    ▼
    • Content Marketing
    • Local SEO
    • Pay Per Click Marketing
    • Search Engine Optimization
    • Social Media
    • Website Design
  • Blog
  • Contact Us