With 500 to 600 algorithm updates a year on Google, most won’t affect you—but how do you notice the ones that do? And how do you stay on top of them so your content continues to rank? The success of your SEO work can be determined by growing with these algorithm updates, but don’t fret!
Think of each SEO element as a puzzle piece: keywords, backlinking, and more all add up to successfully ranking on search engines. But did you know that the algorithm that determines what’s necessary for ranking can (and does!) change constantly? Understanding what an algorithm update means for you and your business is essential to keep your content relevant and visible on search engines.
What is an Algorithm Update?
Search engine algorithms are used to provide accurate and helpful answers to a person’s query. To stay on top of that, the algorithm must be updated. By altering formulas and changing qualifications, algorithm updates are designed to improve user experience and offer relevant and trustworthy content. Some updates are insignificant, whereas others can change how we write for SEO.
Popular search engines, like Google, go through hundreds of algorithm updates a year to refine their results. While that’s great for someone searching for a service or an answer, that can make staying on top of your content a bit difficult! SEO Strategy services like ours are designed to keep an eye out for drastic algorithm updates to ensure your content can be updated to rank under the new qualifications.
How to Tell When An Algorithm Update Affects You
The news of an upcoming algorithm update can feel daunting for SEO writers, so it’s important to figure out when they affect your content and business. Give the update a few days to settle before making any changes but be ready to do some digging when the time is right.
First, look at authenticated sites explaining the characteristics of the update, such as the Google Search Ranking Updates page. If what they’re changing describes your content or SEO tactics, it may be time to adjust to a new method. Next, notice if your pages have had any traffic changes since the algorithm update date. An increase or decrease in clicks is not always an algorithm fault, but noticing these trends can help point you in the right direction for qualifications you need to meet to rank.
5 Tips for Staying On Top of an Algorithm Update
To stay one step ahead of algorithm updates, we swear by these five SEO tips for our Blogging and Product and Collection Descriptions:
1. Check that all backlinks in your blogs are working
2. Follow SEO experts to hear when updates could affect you
3. Use Google Alerts to stay informed on changes
4. Update old blogs for new on-page SEO qualifications
5. Continue creating fresh and relevant content
Algorithm updates can seem impossible to keep up with, but you’ve got this! With our simple tips and an understanding of what an algorithm update means for you, you’ll handle the next one like a pro.