What Are Google Algorithms? History Of Google Algorithm Updates

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Google’s algorithms are a complex system useful for recovering data from its search index. After retrieving data it instantly provides the best suitable results for a query. The search engine utilises various combinations of algorithms. In its initial years, Google only made a few changes in its algorithms. But nowadays it makes lots of changes every year. Most of these changes are so minor that they are unnoticed. However, the below-explained list is the most recent significant Google algorithm adjustments. 

Know the Google algorithm updates that significantly impact search historically or currently. It will help you understand how your searches work and how they impact any businesses. 

What Is A Google Algorithm Update?

A change in the way Google ranks web pages in search results is known as an algorithm update. These adjustments may be subtle and go unnoticed. Also, they may be significant and affect your rankings immediately. But why does Google need to do changes in its algorithm? Read on to know everything about Google Algorithm updates.

Why Does Google Update Its Algorithm?

Due to its accuracy and search results features, in 1998 Google turned into the most used search engine. A refined bunch of computer programmes is used to understand what a searcher is looking for. Accordingly, Google provides the most appropriate results. Google keeps updating and enhancing its algorithm to give users the most accurate output. This is done through what the business refers to as Google algorithm upgrades.

Below are the major algorithmic updates that significantly influence the search engine results page (SERPs).

• Florida Update

Google implemented its first algorithm update in November 2003, and it completely altered the way people search today. This update mainly affected the Retail sites. These websites are employing Keyword strategies. But Keyword strategies are now recognised as spammy. This algorithm update addresses the spammy method by finding sites that used keyword stuffing, hidden links, and invisible text.

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• Jagger Update

Google began rolling out its next significant algorithm update in September 2005. It ended in October 2005. This Update combats backlink spam. The Jagger update penalised sites that purchased large numbers of backlinks. Jagger Update handled those websites having duplicate content across several domains.

• Big Daddy

The Big Daddy update was rolled out from January 2006 to March 2006. The Big Daddy upgrade addressed the quality of search results. This upgrade punished the websites that used spammy backlinking techniques like link buying and reciprocal links. 

• May Day Update

It was rolled out from April to May 3, 2010, which gave it its name.

The May Day update enhanced the quality of search results for long-tail keywords. It penalises pages with duplicate or poor content.

• Caffeine Update

The next Google update came in June 2010. This update was more focused on an indexing change than an algorithm change. The Caffeine update was all about providing the most latest details.

• Panda Update

The former year’s Caffeine update had some pros and cons. The Caffeine speed brought to Google’s algorithm gives the path for poor-quality content. In August 2011, Google published its next update to handle this issue. The Panda update focused on enhancing search results by penalising sites that had repetitive content.

• Hummingbird Update

This update was launched in September 2013. It was named Hummingbird because it was precise and quick. The Hummingbird update changed how Google understood the search intent and search queries.

• Mobilegeddon Update

In April 2015, Google rolled out its next algorithm update. The Mobilegeddon update improves mobile user experience by promoting rank mobile-friendly websites.

• RankBrain Update

RankBrain was launched in Oct 2015. It uses the machine learning system that Hummingbird uses to understand the search intent. The RankBrain update was a modification of how Google understands search intent by considering the language and personal search history.

• Medic Update 

It was published in August 2018. The Medic update focused on giving trustworthy results. If the site had no Expertise, Authority, or Trust related to its content, it was dropped down the rankings and penalised.

• Google January 2020 Core Update

This update was rolled out in January 2020. This Core Update was an expansion of the Medic update by penalising sites that come under YMYL categories with low credibility levels.

• Google May 2020 Core Update

The May 2020 Core Update prioritised E-A-T signals once more and gave more weight to user data and content factors. It was launched on 4th May 2020.

• Google December 2020 Core Update

The final major update came into existence in December 2020. The December 2020 Core Update remains slightly unclear but focused on SERP features and content interpretation.

•  May 2021 Core Update

It's another upgrade designed to improve search results. It gives quality content and user-friendly information. So it impacts sites with big-picture file sizes, insecure HTTP links, and poor page loading times.

• Product Review Algorithm Update

The most recent algorithm update rollout was on 20th September 2022. It was completed on September 26. They did not offer guidance for site owners for this specific upgrade.

The above updates were full of features to support users across various industries. There will be more updates with demand and advancements in the technologies. 

Conclusion

As we have seen, Google has made a lot of adjustments in the history of google algorithm. Since Google strives to continue offering users high-quality content. Webmasters, marketers, and SEOs must be ready for algorithm modifications. However, you may prevent many problems that could result from an upgrade to the Google core algorithm. You can avoid penalties by producing high-quality content and making sure your website is functionally sound. Additionally, you will be able to constantly check on the performance of your site using market-available tools. Stay tuned for such updates and join the courses offered by The IoT Academy to improve your technical knowledge.