A Quick Rundown on 2016 Google Algorithm Updates.
As marketers, we all know that Google updates can occasionally throw a big wrench in our gears. Although it might be for our own good, constantly changing the rules makes the game more challenging. As a tool to help you keep track of the major changes Google is rolling out this year as they unfold, here is an up-to-date list to let you know what is going on with Google and when.
MAY 12, 2016 – Mobile-Friendly Round Two
Google unleashes another ranking signal boost to reward mobile-friendly websites that increases the effect of the ranking signal to help Google users find even more pages in their search results that are both relevant AND mobile-friendly.
After the original mobile-friendly update (commonly referred to as Mobilegeddon), which occurred a little more than a year ago, most websites have become compliant with Google’s compatibility request, therefore the overall impact of this update is said to be minimal.
FEBRUARY 23, 2016 – Reorganizing AdWords
Google is Spring cleaning with its latest update, which involves the rearrangement of Google AdWords Pay Per Click ads. “Googlers” will no longer see sidebar PPC ads, but instead, will notice 4 ads at the top of the search results, and an additional 3 ads at the bottom.
Google has been honing the mobile experience for some time now, so this isn’t a shocking roll-out, but Google’s Product Listing Ads will continue to be shown in the sidebar. According to Google, the update was designed for highly commercial queries where people express a deep intention to buy, and therefore “the layout is able to provide more relevant results for people searching and better performance for advertisers,” a Google spokesperson told The SEM Post.
JANUARY 8, 2016 – Core Search Ranking Update
This update got our attention, as multiple tracking tools reported historically-large rankings movement. Although the changes were great, Google confirmed that this core algorithm update was not “Penguin related,” although the exact details remain unclear to date.
In case you don’t know, Google Penguin is a codename for a Google algorithm update that focuses on reducing the impact of low quality links to websites. Because it doesn’t run continuously (or not yet anyway) if your site has been hit by the penguin, you have to wait for it to run again before your site can be absolved.
Keep checking back as we will continue to add information, news and links regarding 2016 Google Algorithm Updates.
