In a Google Webmaster Hangout, John Mueller was asked if Google implemented a significant update in February or March. Many have shared experiences suggesting some changes in search results, especially around Valentine’s Day. John Mueller acknowledged the perception but did not confirm an actual update.
Did Google Update its Algorithm in February and March?
The question posed was straightforward:
"Did Google do any heavy updates in February or March?"
John Mueller’s response was:
"I don’t know."
Typically, one would expect someone at Google to be aware of major updates. It’s unusual for them to state uncertainty.
John Mueller provided further clarification:
"I mean, we do updates all the time. I don’t know what you would consider heavy.
It probably depends on your website. If your website was strongly affected by one of these updates, you probably think it’s pretty heavy."
He suggested that any changes could be part of the routine algorithm updates that occur regularly. However, the observed changes seem atypical to many, suggesting something substantial may have occurred.
John Mueller also mentioned that no significant update had happened:
"If we look at the web overall, maybe this is just like normal changes as they always happened."
What is this Update People are Seeing?
Google maintains that nothing unusual is underway. This is believable as testing a new algorithm is part of regular activities. So, is Google testing something new, or are web publishers overreacting?
Three possibilities explain what publishers are observing:
- Google is rolling out changes to its algorithm.
- Google is testing a new algorithm.
- Nothing extraordinary is happening; these are just standard changes that Google conducts daily.
More resources and screenshots are available, modified by the author.
