Google algorithm updates are essential for search engine optimization, as milestone updates continue to impact website search ranking. Here is a timeline of Google’s legacy algorithm updates that changed the SEO landscape and established the foundation for today’s search ranking guidelines.
Let’s walk through the three critical Google algorithm updates every online business and content creator should know about – Google Panda, Penguin, and Pigeon.
Google Panda Update
What is Google Panda Update?
We are beyond the days of online marketing with simple meta titles and meta descriptions for SEO optimization. Successful Google webpage ranking depends on an overall website value score governed by the Google Search Essentials (formerly known as Google Webmaster Guidelines) and determined by various quality factors. One of these quality factors is content.
The Google Panda Algorithm Release
In February 2011, Google introduced a new algorithm to improve search query results – Google Panda. It is an algorithm update derived from Google’s affirmative action plans. The objective of Google Panda is to end content farming and eliminate low-quality content websites from negatively skewing search engine results.
How Google Panda Update Affects Website Ranking?
Factors like content engagement, backlink attributes, and domain authority play significant roles in ranking top positions in Google search engine result pages (SERPs). Google Panda update has a detrimental effect on websites with low-quality, duplicate, or copied content that offers very little value.
The Google Panda Algorithm Version 4.2
The latest algorithm, version 4.2, released on July 17th, 2015, punishes websites with unqualified webpages with the entire domain. The bad news is that if a website has spamming, plagiarized, or poor-quality content on some webpages, the entire website can lose its ranking on Google.
Google’s Explanation of the Panda Algorithm Update
Here’s a better explanation of the Panda update by Matt Cutts – Google’s former SEO spokesperson.
Google Penguin Update
What is Google Penguin Update?
Google Penguin update was first rolled out in April 2012, eliminating websites from search results that violate the Google Search Essentials. It specifically targets websites that manipulate the number of links pointing to a webpage.
Backlinks should be given organically and earned from relevant and reputable websites. On the contrary, you risk losing significant organic traffic and SEO ranking if your website receives backlinks through link farms or spam sites.
How Google Penguin Update Affects Website Ranking
When the Penguin algorithm update was enacted, many websites with violations were penalized and dropped off search result pages. Taking a hit from Penguin is a serious matter because the recovery process is long and challenging.
Important Google Penguin Update
On October 13th, 2016, Google officially announced the release of the Google Penguin 4.0 real-time algorithm. Initially released on September 23rd, 2016, the live update was confirmed to be one of Google’s core algorithms.
The Google Penguin Algorithm Version 4.0
The Penguin 4.0 update allowed websites previously impacted by earlier versions of the Penguin algorithm a faster recovery opportunity. According to Google, the latest Penguin algorithm brought a more “granular” focus on penalizing link spam.
Google Penguin Algorithm Remediation Strategy
Google Penguin algorithm has taken more of an intuitive and targeted approach to punish webpages with bad links. Websites that remediated their mistakes can recover after Google re-crawls and re-indexes the webpages. Pages with high spam signals will be devalued in ranking, but the entire website will not lose ranking altogether.
That said, if your website suffered traffic loss from spammy links and you have done a great job cleaning it up, Penguin real-time allows your website to be redeemed after re-indexing.
Google Pigeon Update
What is Google Pigeon Update?
The Pigeon algorithm update was first introduced on July 24th, 2014. Ever since its inception, local search queries have forever changed. Google Pigeon algorithm impacts how business websites rank on a local level.
Example of Google Pigeon Algorithm
For example, if you are an ice cream business with a physical address, you have two ranking opportunities in Google search results to capture potential customers.
Example 1:
Google organic search listing: This is the natural search query listing typically seen on a Google search result page.
Example 2:
Google 3 pack listing: Search results in 3 packs are displayed with image-rich information that includes business location, contact information, photos, and ratings.
How Google Pigeon Update Affects Website Ranking
Google Pigeon connects web and map-based searches to make search results more relevant to location-based questions. Depending on the location-based query, a website has the opportunity to appear in map results, local 3 pack listings, and organic search listings.
Google Pigeon Update Improves Local SEO
Google’s Pigeon algorithm update is changing how local search is done. While traditional SEO is still the primary marketing strategy for a website, local SEO further improves ranking with geographic location-based search results. Taking advantage of Pigeon updates can significantly improve local search ranking, especially for local small businesses.
Bottom Line: Deliver a Great User Experience and Practice Good SEO
The best advice to avoid any Google algorithm penalty is consistently delivering the best visitor user experience through quality content. Following through with proper SEO practices pays off in the long term. Simply provide excellent content and practice legitimate SEO link building strategies. Your website ranking will grow steadily over time. Refer to our complete checklist on how to avoid Google penalties.
Learn more about Google’s critical algorithm update – Google E-E-A-T and Google RankBrain
