Google has made numerous updates to its search algorithms over the years to improve the relevance and quality of its search results. Here is a timeline of some notable updates:
- Panda (2011): This update targeted low-quality content and websites, and it had a significant impact on search results.
- Penguin (2012): This update targeted websites that were using manipulative tactics to improve their search rankings, such as keyword stuffing and link schemes.
- Hummingbird (2013): This update focused on the meaning behind queries and aimed to improve the accuracy of search results for complex and conversational queries.
- Pigeon (2014): This update aimed to improve the local search results by better integrating them with the main search algorithm.
- Mobile-Friendly Update (2015): This update, also known as “Mobilegeddon,” prioritized websites that were mobile-friendly in the search results.
- RankBrain (2015): This update was a machine learning algorithm that helped Google process and understand search queries and improve the accuracy of search results.
- Possum (2016): This update affected local search results and aimed to improve the relevance of results by taking into account the location of the searcher and the business.
- Fred (2017): This update targeted websites that were primarily focused on generating ad revenue rather than providing value to the user.
- Medic (2018): This update impacted websites in the health and wellness industry and aimed to improve the quality and accuracy of medical-related search results.
- BERT (2019): This update was a natural language processing algorithm that helped Google understand the context and meaning behind search queries.
- Core Update (May 2020): This update affected the way Google understood and ranked websites, and it had a significant impact on search results. Google stated that this update was not related to any specific algorithm or ranking factor, but rather it was a broad update that impacted the way Google understood and ranked websites.
- Page Experience Update (May 2021): This update focused on the user experience of websites and aimed to improve the search rankings of websites that provided a good user experience. Factors that were taken into account included the loading speed of the website, the presence of intrusive interstitials, and the security of the website.
- June 2021 Core Update: This update was a broad update that affected the way Google understood and ranked websites, and it had a significant impact on search results. Google stated that this update was not related to any specific algorithm or ranking factor, but rather it was a broad update that impacted the way Google understood and ranked websites.
Google makes hundreds of updates to its search algorithms every year, and it’s important for website owners and SEO professionals to stay up-to-date on these changes to ensure that their websites are optimized for search.