My philosophy about search engine algorithm updates is that as long as you are implementing good SEO tactics and strategies, you are already in the clear! No need to dread the algorithm updates or scramble to adjust to updates. Google is all about trying to provide the best results to the right user. If you’re creating relevant, quality content, updating your site for the best user experience and keeping the user top of mind for your website, likely that will keep you at the top of search results. Most recent updates, like Fred the latest update that occurred in Spring of 2017, are all about better content and a more seamless mobile, user experience.
Stay Ahead of User Trends, Don’t Fear the Algorithm Updates
Keeping that in mind, the words “Google algorithm update” seem intimidating, but all that means is that Google Google updated how they serve their search results. Search engines are constantly changing and improving. Google, like any business, is trying to stay the best in class. Updates are generally implemented to address changing marketplace standards, like the focus on mobile search in recent years. Following user behavior can provide insight into upcoming search trends.
User Search Behavior Trend Example: Voice Dictation
For example, voice dictation has increased exponentially in usage and therefore how people are searching in search results. Think about a time you used voice search and talked into your phone to look up something on Google. Was it longer than when you typed? Was it more specific? Was it like you were talking to someone not something? The trend I’m seeing is that search phrases from voice search are longer, meaning that websites keeping the user in mind are moving away from short keyword phrases and using what people are using.
User Search Behavior Trend Example: Mobile-First Index
Another example is Google’s big change to a mobile-first index. Are you on your phone more and more? Look around you. At the stop light, at the grocery store, everywhere you look people are on their phones. In 2015, Huffington Post reported that young adults check their mobiles phones an average of 85 times per day. In the same year, Times reported that Americans check their mobile phones 8 billion times per day. Naturally, search engine’s are seeing the same thing you are and predicting that this trend is only going to grow. Some tech community leaders have openly come out about only using their cell phone, like Gary Vaynerchuk. Say goodbye to looking at SEO from a desktop perspective, look at your website on a phone and let me know what you think. Is it a good experience?
How to Stay Ahead of the SEO Curve
Pay attention to user behavior, or the actions of your friends and family, and know that as a business owner you can keep ahead of the curve by knowing algorithm updates will be coming to keep up with the ever evolving web and internet usage. Also, if you are following your gut, best practices and what you think is right for your website, then algorithm updates will most likely benefit your site, not penalize it.