Google’s Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, recently shared information about updates to search algorithms through a series of tweets.
Many SEOs and site owners have noticed substantial increases and decreases in search traffic over the past few weeks, leading to a lot of speculation about potential changes in Google’s algorithms. Google has now provided clarification on the matter. Here’s a summary of what Sullivan shared.
Google releases updates every day
Google typically releases one or more updates daily to enhance search results. Most of these updates result in minor changes but collectively contribute to improvements.
Google confirms noticeable updates
When Google introduces an update that is expected to be noticeable to a majority of site owners, it announces such updates. Sullivan highlighted the page speed update for mobile search results, which was announced months in advance of its official rollout.
Sometimes Google releases broad core updates
Google occasionally launches broad core updates that impact its entire search algorithm. It informs people about these core updates, but there isn’t usually anything specific for site owners to "fix." The rollout of a core update may take a week or longer. So far this year, three core updates have been released in April, August, and September.
What to do after a core update? Offer better content
Sullivan provides familiar advice regarding actions to take following a core algorithm update.
“We understand those who do less well after a core update change may still feel they need to do something. We suggest focusing on ensuring you’re offering the best content you can. That’s what our algorithms seek to reward.”
Additionally, Sullivan encourages reviewing Google’s search quality rater guidelines as a starting point for creating outstanding content.
Search quality raters do not directly impact Google’s algorithms
Search quality raters do not influence the ranking of pages in search results. Their role is to evaluate pages and provide feedback on whether Google’s algorithms are delivering good results. Quality rater data is not used in Google’s algorithms, as Sullivan explains:
“Rather, we use them as a restaurant might get feedback cards from diners. The feedback helps us know if our search ‘recipes’ seem to be working.”
Sullivan also mentions that understanding how quality raters assess good content can help site owners improve their own content. As a result, sites may perform better in search results after enhancing their content.
