Google updates its algorithms routinely in order to best suit the needs of its users. In 2021 there were 8 substantial Google algorithm updates that users should know about.
Why should you care about these latest Google algorithm updates?
When working hard to follow SEO best practices, it is important to stay on top of Google’s updates as they are put in place. The biggest reason is that if you don’t, you could be damaging your website’s reputation and its chance of ranking well in the SERPs (search engine results pages).
Here’s your recap 8 of the main 2021 Google algorithm updates to make sure you stay ahead of the curve:
#1 Passage Ranking
Passage Ranking allows Google’s artificial intelligence to index paragraphs and sentences from web pages. This is important because as users look for specific answers, they can get snippets from web pages that may answer their questions. This saves the user time by not needing to read or skim through full web pages to find their answers.
Why should you care about Passage Ranking?
Passage Ranking can give your website more opportunities to rank for new search queries. While Google’s AI indexing is good, you can help it out by using structured data. Structured data can be as simple as asking a question and answering it. See what we did here?
Below is an example of structured data. While the post itself has a long, drawn-out explanation on how to rent a car, Google’s AI has pulled out the H2’s to quickly provide the searcher with an answer.
#2 About This Result
About This Result is merely factual information that comes with a website. Things like when the page was indexed, if the site is secure or not, and the language of the page. This information helps a user decide if the information on the website is trustworthy.
Why should you pay attention to About This Result?
Google is cracking down on unsecured, spammy, and sketchy sites. This algorithm update means your website needs to be secure, have a correct language ISO code, and be indexable if you want it to show up in search results.
#3 Mobile First Indexing
One of the more exciting Google algorithm updates is Mobile First Indexing. This means that Google will look at the mobile version of your content first. Due to the rise of mobile users, Google has put more value on the mobile experience than in the past. Each page is looked at and ranked individually instead of the website as a whole.
Why do you need to worry about Mobile First Indexing?
Searching has changed. Users no longer need a desktop device to search for answers. In fact, a 2021 study found that 85% of all US adults own a smartphone. We’re all searching on our phones. With the introduction of smart speakers and screens (think Alexa), the popularity of small-screen searching is only going to continue to grow.
Need help making your site mobile-friendly? Reach out to us today for a free consultation!
#4 Product Reviews
In order to be the most helpful, a product review should be more than just a summary of what the product is and what it does. Because Google knows this, which is why in this algorithm update they prioritize product reviews that offer research into the product, analysis of the product, and also original content.
Why do content-rich product reviews matter?
For most of our clients, this may not apply. However, if you do sell a physical product, such as hardware, you should consider expanding your listings into more of a product review.
#5 MUM
MUM, or multitask unified model, is a natural language artificial intelligence that allows users to ask complex questions. The answers to these questions may not be a simple “look at this page” sort of query. MUM allows users to find answers from different sources all at once.
#6 Link Spam
Not a lot of data was offered as to exactly what this update did. However, we do know that the spam update was on web page and image results. It is important to make sure that your website has spam protection, especially if your users interact and input information onto the site.
#7 Page Experience
Core Web Vitals is a page experience update that prioritizes how fast the page loads, how quickly a page responds to the user’s actions, and how stable the layout is.
#8 Page Title
This update focuses on the content of web pages, not just the titles of pages. This has been hard to accept by many as titles are often generated by several factors.
Looking for tips on crafting engaging, shareable, and memorable headlines and titles? Check out BuzzSumo’s research-packed article on what you need to know to write the best headlines.
We’re Here to Help with any Google Algorithm Updates
Although there have been many updates to the Google algorithm, you shouldn’t be discouraged. There are resources to help you. With the help of professionals like the ones at GreenStar Marketing, you can rest assured that your company will be represented through high-quality content that not only meets but exceeds Google algorithm expectations to help your page rank.
When specialists take the time to understand the algorithm updates, your content is filtered and brought to the top of the results page during Google inquiries. The professionals at GreenStar Marketing will help you create great content while navigating and succeeding through any and all algorithm updates Google may come up with.
If you’re ready to start optimizing your site by meeting and beating the Google algorithm updates with the help of the marketing specialists at GreenStar Marketing, contact us today!
