Google Confirmed Weekend Algorithm Ranking Shift As "Core Update"

Mar 13, 2018 - 7:43 am 62 by
Filed Under Google Updates

Google Algorithm Update

Yesterday we reported that we thought there was a Google algorithm ranking update over the weekend and to my surprise, Google actually confirmed it. Danny Sullivan at Google said on Twitter that yes, there was an update. He went to the @searchliaison account to explain in detail.

Google Confirmed This Update:

He said they "released a broad core algorithm update" last week and said they do these "several times per year." Google added that "each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes." This one was a "core algorithm update," which doesn't happen every day at Google. Older algorithms like Panda are now part of the core algorithm but there are many part of that core algorithm.

What Do You Do If Your Rankings Dropped?

The answer, according to Google, is really nothing. Google went on to explain that "as with any update, some sites may note drops or gains." Google says your site may be fine, "there's nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well," they said. "Instead, it's that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded," Google added.

"There's no "fix" for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content," Google said. So wait it out and improve your overall site and "over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages," Google says.

Not A Specific Update

Danny said on Twitter it was not a Maccabees Update or anything like that, since it was a core update. It was likely not Fred either. Well, that is assuming that I didn't name the Maccabees Update or Fred Update after a core update. :)

But you get the point. The core updates have multiple things baked into it, such as Panda and many other things. So overall quality updates can be a lot of things, many Freds, many Pandas, many Maccabees - but no, Google won't go down the path of naming it:

Anyway, so there you have it, this was a confirmed update, that only happens several times a year. If you were hit by it, then there is no specific advice outside of make your site better.

Forum discussion at Twitter.

 

Popular Categories

The Pulse of the search community

Follow

Search Video Recaps

 
Video Details More Videos Subscribe to Videos

Most Recent Articles

Search Forum Recap

Daily Search Forum Recap: March 27, 2024

Mar 27, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Google Ads

Google Local Service Ads Sends Email Asking You To Upload Photos

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:51 am
Google Maps

European Hotels Can Remove Pricing Information From Google Hotel Search

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:41 am
Google Search Engine Optimization

SEOs, Please Don't Remove Contact Us & About Us Pages

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:31 am
Misc Google

Google Search Developer Docs Gain AI Generated Help Features

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:21 am
Google Maps

Google Local Reviews Reactions Notice

Mar 27, 2024 - 7:11 am
Previous Story: Google Tests Dropping Full Google Logo On Mobile Search Results