Over the past several days, the SEO community has observed unusually high ranking fluctuations and volatility in Google search results. While some degree of volatility is typical from day to day or even hour to hour, the recent increase in complaints from the SEO community regarding these changes has been notable. Around January 6 and January 9, signals indicated significant changes in Google search rankings.
Although it appears that Google may have introduced a couple of algorithm updates recently, no official confirmation has been made by Google about a specific update, whether core or otherwise. Google constantly updates its algorithms, and while it doesn’t confirm every update, such changes can affect webmasters, SEOs, and site owners.
What We Noticed: During the past several days, particularly around January 5, 6, and 9, discussions within SEO forums and social media revealed both positive and negative ranking changes. For instance, a client’s website might rank at position number two one day and drop to position 12 or rise to the top spot the next day.
Most third-party tracking tools that monitor Google search results have recorded significant volatility on these dates. Here are some visual representations from those tools:
Mozcast:
SERP Metrics:
Accuranker:
RankRanger:
Cognitive SEO:
SEMRush:
No Confirmation: We reached out to Google for a statement regarding these changes but received no comment. Google typically does not confirm or comment on specific updates, stating that it continually makes improvements to search.
Do Algorithm Updates Matter? When Google rolls out an algorithm update, sites may see ranking changes. Google has often stated that there is no specific fix for these changes. Here is a statement issued following a core update:
Each day, Google releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused on specific improvements, while others are broad changes. We routinely release several broad core algorithm updates per year. Some sites may see drops or gains. Sites that perform worse are not faulty; rather, changes benefit pages that were previously under-rewarded. There is no "fix" other than to focus on creating great content. Over time, your content may rise relative to other pages.
Whether it matters to know if there was an update is up for discussion. We’ll explore this topic at our upcoming SEO conference in a session titled "Machine vs. Man: What Really Matters for SEO Success."
Think Bigger Picture: It’s beneficial to know if your site’s ranking changes align with broader trends. Knowing that similar sites are affected can provide emotional support and help identify any common patterns that might inform future changes.
Ultimately, focusing on building the best site in your niche is crucial. Being objective about your site is often challenging since most people believe their sites are the best.
Get Help: Consult third-party, unbiased professionals for their insights. Hire SEOs or seek advice from online forums, including Google’s webmaster forums.
Bottom Line: Google will continue to modify its algorithms. The internet is dynamic, with new competitors and content emerging regularly. Continuous improvement of your site is essential.
Understanding Google’s changes and timing can provide valuable perspective. However, consistently improving your site will give you a competitive edge in the long run.
