The History of the Google Algorithms and Their Updates
“Google it” is one of the most common phrases we hear daily. Are you craving a good cup of coffee? Just Google “coffee shops near me.” In less than a second, you’ll be presented with coffee shops closest to your location. Google has changed how we search the internet and easily secured its spot as the number one search engine used by consumers. This is due to not only the speed at which results are returned but also because of the quality of those results. So, what makes Google so unique? The answer lies within their algorithms and how they have changed over the years in an effort to offer the consumer the best possible user experience. This is why we thought it would be important to take a look at the history of the Google algorithm and certain updates over the years to give you a better understanding.
What is an algorithm?
Ok, so we use the term “Google algorithm,” which sounds pretty complex. What exactly is an algorithm in plain English? Simply put, an algorithm is a list of instructions used to perform a task or solve a problem. Google uses algorithms to deliver the best possible search results to consumers. It seems easy on the surface, but behind the scenes, Google compares your queries to a specific criteria that accounts for different variables, all within a fraction of a second.
What happened with Florida?
Over the years, Google has evolved its algorithm to consistently improve its service. While many updates go unnoticed, there have been times when algorithmic changes have had significant and, in some cases, detrimental impacts on businesses and consumers to their online presence like a website. One update, known as Florida, was the first major algorithmic update that changed the world of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) forever. The release of this update flagged many legitimate websites as spam, leading to a loss in rankings and revenue for many retailers. As you can imagine, the backlash for this update was severe, and it took months for Google to resolve the issues.
Life After Florida:
While 20 years have passed since the Florida update, its effects remain with us. Florida was a game-changer for marketers and SEO experts. This update highlighted the importance of remaining current on algorithmic changes and their impact on website analysis and rankings. Since Florida, there have been numerous updates that have changed the way Google algorithms operate.
Update Caffeine, for example, changed how Google crawled the web for data and introduced a new web indexing system. Update Panda was another game-changing update. Panda targeted low-quality sites with repetitive content by reducing their rankings. This update forced marketers and SEO experts to create high-quality and engaging content by placing an emphasis on value and utility. Websites that were pragmatic and encouraged social interaction did very well.
As mobile devices became more prevalent in everyday use, Google released update Mobilegeddon, which prioritized mobile-friendly sites in search results. Mobile devices also tied in with update Hummingbird, which focused on natural language searches. Instead of very specific search queries, users began inputting conversational search queries, especially on mobile devices. So, Google updated its algorithm to begin matching users with content by focusing on natural language searches. Although we can’t mention each algorithm update, there are a few more you should be aware of. These updates include:
Update Venice: released in 2012, Venice began providing results based on user-specified locations or IP addresses to present consumers with results closest to their location.
Update RankBrain: released in 2015, RankBrain utilized machine learning to provide search results based on the meaning of a user’s query. Google’s updated algorithm provided more relevant and comprehensive results by focusing on a user’s search history, the context of their query, and synonyms of words from the query.
Update Medic: released in 2018, Medic focused on improving search results for websites focused on health and finances. Even though it was named Medic, it didn’t only target the medical industry. Medic aimed to combat harmful content that provided users with dangerous information relating to personal health and financial well-being.
These updates required extensive research and testing by digital marketers and SEO experts to ensure their clients remained relevant in Google search results. So, what does this mean for you: the retailer, the small business, the small medical practice?
Future of Google algorithms:
The answer to that question depends on whether you utilize the services of Google Certified digital marketers and SEO experts. If you don’t, then it means that on top of running your business, you will have to spend hours upon hours reading and researching new updates, assessing how those updates will affect your online presence, and making changes to your website to optimize your SEO rankings. Considering that Google makes changes to its algorithm thousands of times per year, that will be a daunting task. Speaking of updates, are you aware of Google’s newest core update? If not, you’ll want to check out our next blog focusing on their most recent algorithmic update and what it means for your business online. Until then, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for tips and updates. And if the idea of consuming endless information about Google algorithm changes doesn’t seem like the most exciting way to spend your downtime, you can always contact McCauley Marketing Services to handle your SEO optimization.