Basics on Google’s Latest Algorithm Update, Part 2

In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the basics of Google’s latest broad core algorithm update, which they confirmed took place on August 1. We talked about the statements Google has made on the subject, plus why multiple announcements were made.

At SEO Werkz, you come to us for an SEO services package that includes pros who work with you every step of the way to identify and interpret what these changes mean for your business. We’ll help you alter your website marketing strategy to reflect any big differences, allowing you to maintain rankings for all your important pages. Let’s go over what it means – or doesn’t mean – if you’ve seen your rankings suffer since this update, and what you can do during updates like these.

Not a Quality Issue

Based on this and a few other tweets sent by Google SearchLiaison, rankings drops from this latest algorithm update have nothing to do with any quality issues on your site. There’s nothing in the algorithm that changed what you should be doing in this area – rather, the algorithm was actually updated to benefit sites that previous were being under-rewarded for their quality. So even if your rankings dropped, it’s unlikely to be due to anything specific you’re doing wrong.

Wait for the Correction

In many broad Google algorithm updates, the name of the game remains similar: Wait it out. Nearly every major Google update has a correction on its heels, something called a refresh. This is because Google can’t predict exactly how major updates will affect the millions of pages under their control, and some updates end up being too broad or containing too many false positives. So rather than panic if you’ve seen a rankings drop, be patient.

Other Considerations

Here are a few things you can be doing to get to the bottom of your drop in rankings after this latest update:

• Study high rankers: If you noticed a drop in your rankings, look to the other end of the spectrum – pages from competitors that did really well after the update. Try to note the relevant parts of what might have made that site so successful, which can in turn help you differentiate which factors in the algorithm might have been altered.
• Study bad results: Have you seen an irrelevant web page at the top of a search result? Look closely at this to try and figure out why it’s there.
• Wait: As we noted, just wait it out. Search results can change, often in a period of about 10 to 15 days but also sometimes in totally different time periods.

For more on this latest algorithm change, or to learn about any of our search engine optimization services, contact the experts at SEO Werkz today.