Yep… It’s happening again. It looks like Google started another core algorithm update on May 4th, kicking off what would become a pivotal moment with the Google Core Update 2020.

May 2020 Google Core Update Overview

The last time Google ran its core algorithm update was back in January this year and it had a major effect on local businesses.  From our analysis, it looked like Google was really making an attempt to get rid of un-related rankings for local businesses.  For example, if you were a local dentist, then it wouldn’t make sense for you to show up for a “restaurant near me” because, well, because people aren’t showing up at your place for lunch.

While the update overall seemed to do good things in the local business space, it still had some serious consequences for local businesses that had used spammy or black hat SEO.

What Will This Algorithm Update Do?

As with any update, Google is simply making an effort to improve the search results for all users. And probably find a way to force businesses to spend more on Google Ads…  But the full effect of this update is still unknown as it’s relatively new at this point,  Google did confirm that this will take a couple of weeks to roll out.

Another point to keep in mind is that Google tends to give a warning ahead of time.  If you remember, after the speed update rolled out Google publicly reminded us all that they had been warning for a while that speed was about to be a big factor.  If you look at the latest updates Google has sent out to webmasters you’ll see quite a bit about “quality content” on your site.  Could that be a hint at what’s happening or what’s to come…?  Stay tuned.  We’ll pass on more as we learn what this update is all about.

What Did the May 2020 Google Core Update Accomplish?

With the benefit of hindsight, we now know that the 2020 Google core algorithm update had a specific focus on improving search results by prioritizing certain types of content. The update brought:

• Greater emphasis on new types of results, such as images, videos, and rich snippets.
• Significant changes to rankings and visibility.

It was another step in Google’s ongoing effort to deliver high-quality, relevant, and diverse search results.

December 2020 Core Algorithm Update

The December 2020 update rolled out from December 3 to December 16, had an even more substantial impact. Here’s what we learned:

• Expanded BERT usage: Google used its BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) model to understand nearly 100% of English-language queries. This advancement allowed Google to interpret the context of searches better and deliver more precise results.
• Introduction of passage indexing: This feature enabled Google to rank not only entire web pages but also specific passages within those pages. This means that well-structured and detailed content gained even more importance.
• Significant changes to rankings: Many websites experienced noticeable shifts in their visibility, with some industries seeing major impacts on traffic and performance.

What to Expect from Google Algorithm Updates

As we look back, the 2020 Google core update is a clear reminder of the unpredictable nature of Google’s core updates. Here’s what you can expect moving forward:

1. Frequent changes: Google makes thousands of tweaks to its algorithm every year, with periodic major updates.
2. Ranking volatility: These updates can affect rankings, traffic, and SERP visibility in significant ways.
3. Time for rollouts: Updates often take weeks to fully roll out meaning their full effects might not be immediately clear.
4. Challenges in isolating impacts: Since Google makes so many changes, it can be hard to pinpoint which tweak caused specific shifts.

How to Respond to the Google Core Update 2020

If your site is negatively impacted by a core algorithm update, here’s what you can do:

• Focus on overall improvements: Google’s advice is always to improve your website holistically, prioritizing quality content, user experience, and technical performance.
• Review Google’s guidance: Google offers specific advice for sites impacted by core updates emphasizing the importance of unique, helpful, and engaging content.
• Be patient and monitor: Changes can take time to settle. Keep an eye on your analytics and adjust your strategies accordingly.

Looking Forward

The 2020 Google core algorithm update was a part of Google’s ongoing effort to refine search results and reward high-quality, user-focused content. From prioritizing rich results in May to expanding BERT and introducing passage indexing in December, these updates set the stage for more nuanced and context-aware search results.

If your website has been struggling with Google rankings – or if you simply want to stay ahead of the curve – our agency can help. We’ve weathered countless core algorithm updates with minimal disruptions to rankings by sticking to well-established, proven SEO fundamentals.

We offer a free site audit designed to:

• Highlight every problem Google has with your website, so you can drive more sales and leads online.
• Provide a real-time comparison of your online presence, allowing you to build a plan to bury your competitors.
• Show you how to dominate your market in the next 6-12 months, paving the way for massive increases in market share and revenue.

Take control of your online performance and ensure your website is built to weather any Google Core Algorithm update – no matter what Google changes next. Contact us today to schedule your free site audit.