Google has been busy updating its algorithms in 2022, and here is a recap of the important updates you need to know about.
Google Page Experience Update for Desktop
In January and February 2022, Google announced that it would update its desktop experience to improve user experience (UX). The Google Page Experience update was designed to provide users with an improved experience when visiting websites on their desktop computers by factoring in things like page speed and mobile friendliness.
Google Product Review Updates
The second update, “Google Product Review,” rolled out in March 2022 and focused on creating authentic product reviews that were not just plugging in products without credible product information. This also included ensuring that there wasn’t any fake news or information being shown about a particular product or service.
Google Helpful Content Update
The Google Helpful Content update of August 2022 aimed to help users find useful, trustworthy information. This is a continuation of the "click bait" update in 2021.
The following types of websites were penalized by this update:
- Content-rich websites that are stuffed with low-quality, low-value content and do not offer any real value to the user
- Websites that are filled with random keywords (to rank for those keywords)
Google Search Core Updates
Google Search Spam Update
Google announced an update to its search algorithms on November 27th, 2022. The update is intended to mitigate content spam and eliminate malicious websites. The update was also intended to improve the quality of search results overall.
Google Algorithm Updates for 2023
Google's annual algorithm changes are always big news. Undoubtedly, the search giant greatly impacts how people find information and companies connect with potential customers.
But what about the future? How will Google's algorithms change over time? Here's how Google will change in 2023:
Visual Search Will Become More Prominent
In 2023, the next generation of users (i.e., Gen Z) will be more comfortable using visual search than traditional text-based search and rely less on Google’s algorithms to find what they need online.
The younger generation has grown up with many platforms that allow them to express themselves in visual formats, such as TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok.
Voice First
You may not be aware yet, but voice search is about to become an even bigger part of our lives. Google predicts that there will be 8 billion voice assistants by 2023 and that 50% of all searches will be done using voice commands on mobile devices.
Voice-activated systems are faster and more convenient than typing on a keyboard, and they're a great option for those with handicap limitations.
Expanded Snippets
In 2023, we may see featured snippets become more complicated and detailed. Google wants these answers to be more than just lists of keywords. They want comprehensive answers that provide relevant information about whatever the searcher typed into the search box.
The more comprehensive your content is, the more likely Google will include it in its featured snippets section.
Keyword Complexity
As it stands, Google's algorithms are already very complex. For example, an algorithm might take inputs from multiple sources, including a user's search history and the site's backlink profile.
This means that even if you're ranking well for one keyword phrase, you may need to rank better for another keyword similar to your first set of keywords.
Google will likely continue to develop its algorithms in this direction making things more difficult for SEOs who want to game the system. This is because Google wants people to visit its search engine due to relevance and quality results rather than by chance or manipulation.
Out With Universal Analytics
Google Analytics will no longer support Universal Analytics on July 1, 2023. That means you’ll only be able to use the classic version of GA or GA4 (the new name for Universal).
If you haven’t already set up GA4, now is the time. You’ll want to ensure that all your tracking is working properly before the deadline hits and you lose access to your data.
How to Stay Ahead of Any Google Algorithm Update in 2023
For your content strategy in 2023, here are the key items you should prioritize based on the above 2022 Google updates:
Prove Ownership
It's important to demonstrate personal knowledge of the item when selling or promoting a product. Include product information, packing, usage, setup, and associated accessories that may complement the product.
Use Schema Markup and Structured Data
Structured data allows you to show additional information about your business, such as phone number, location address, etc., on the SERP page. It helps Google understand what your website is about and what users should expect from your website.
It also makes it easier for Google to index your website or rank it higher in their search results pages.
Set Up Google Alerts
You can set up different alerts for different keywords related to your business or brand name. This is so that you don’t miss out on anything important happening around you in the digital world!
Avoid Blackhat SEO
It is important to avoid blackhat SEO practices because they will not only harm your site but also get you penalized by Google. These practices include keyword stuffing, link farming, and doorway pages.
Develop a User Experience
Google has made it clear that it wants users to find exactly what they want on a website. Many websites will be penalized if they don't provide a good user experience (UX).
So make sure your website loads quickly and has an easy-to-navigate interface so users can easily find what they're looking for immediately.
Use Tools to Check What Google Updates Are Affecting Your Website
Many tools can help you analyze how well your site performs in search rankings compared to other sites with similar content or keywords.
This will let you know if an algorithm update has affected your rankings negatively and give you an idea of what changes might be necessary to improve them again.
Conclusion
Google will always continue to innovate and change, which might be scary for businesses that want their websites to appear on page 1 of Google. You must stay ahead of Google’s 2023 algorithm updates to stay in business and thrive. As long as you put in the time to create relevant content for the right audience, your SEO will likely continue to hit home runs. Contact us for a free consultation.
