Just like every year, 2016 also saw Google unveiling several algorithm updates. Some were hush-hush affairs, whereas others were much publicized events. The rolling out of Google Panda, Penguin and Possum exemplify the latter.
Smart marketers know that keeping tabs on these updates will help them prepare their marketing strategies for this year. They know that search algorithms changes are visible in search results across devices. When it comes to understanding factors that influence changes in website rankings, organic website traffic, and search engine optimization, digital marketers and SEO professionals need to keep up with the goings-on of the industry.
Further, these updates are necessary so that users find relevant information in the least possible time.
Penguin and Possum were the two big updates announced by Google in 2016. Penguin has now been incorporated in Google’s core algorithm. This means modifications made to websites will be measured quickly by Penguin, thanks to real-time refreshes. The best thing about this is that the update is granular and only spammy pages stand to be penalized rather than the entire website.
The Possum update impacts local listings by filtering results based on a spam score. It came into effect to filter out business listings on Google My Business from the Local Pack and Local Finder.
Also, the digital arena has now become more mobile-friendly as Google announced an algorithm update that helps improve ranking of webpages optimized for mobile devices.
Google’s updates make it clear that websites that implement clean SEO practices and churn out high-quality and valuable content will be prioritized in every way.
We’ve created the following gifographic that encapsulates all the prominent Google search algorithm updates from 2016. It will help you get a better understanding of the core algorithm updates, AdWords placement, Possum update, the return of the Penguin, and everything that made a mark in the search world.
Google’s Biggest Search Algorithm Updates Of 2016 – a visual representation by E2M
