Good morning, search marketers, let's look back on algorithm updates,
As we head into a new year, we are taking stock of the changes and trends of 2019 that will help shape marketing in 2020. Today, we focus on algorithm updates with a selection of influential stories and a Pro Tip from the community.
Enjoy,
Ginny Marvin
Editor-In-Chief
1. Welcome BERT: Google's latest search algorithm to better understand natural language by Barry Schwartz
BERT will impact 1 in 10 of all search queries. This is the biggest change in search since Google released RankBrain.
2. Google's March 2019 core quality update: Stories of recovery by Marie Haynes
Here's an early look at a nutrition, small e-commerce and larger informational site after the March update. Each made changes based on clues from Google's Quality Raters' Guidelines; all saw gains in traffic after the update.
3. Early data around the Google June 2019 core update shows some winners, losers by Barry Schwartz
This Google update that began rolling out on Monday seems like it was pretty big and the scary part, it isn't done rolling out yet.
4. Google launches new algorithm to better understand useful & timely information by Barry Schwartz
This doesn't mean all featured snippets need to be new and fresh, it just means when the answer needs fresh content – Google will want to find fresh results.
5. Google data shows Page Speed update resulted in 15-20% speed increases among slower sites by Barry Schwartz
Webmasters, developers, SEOs and site owners took notice and the results are in: The web is faster, according to Google.
6. Here's what you need to know about Google's newest local algorithm update by Craig Mount
Google's biggest local algorithm update since 2016 will require businesses and agencies to be more vigilant about fighting spam in affected areas.
7. Cars.com vs. CarGurus.com saga shows the importance of SEO (and the bad side of a Google update) by Barry Schwartz
When an algorithm update slams one of your biggest rivals, that's when you should step on the gas.
