SEO Experts have suspected, and – collective gasp of shock – Google has confirmed, that they ran a “broad core algorithm update” on or around March 7th that changed the placement of some websites on SERP (search engine results pages).
Here is Google’s statement on Twitter:
Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year.
As with any update, some sites may note drops or gains. There’s nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it’s that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.
There’s no “fix” for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content. Over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages.
I have waited to reach out to Zenergy Works SEO customers on this update because I have seen little or no change in rankings that would not be expected as results of our strategies. This update has elevated some sites that Google felt were not given proper credit in the past. The task for SEO strategists is to figure out why the pages that have been elevated in SERP were rewarded with better placement. So far, the insights seem to point to mobile load time, site UX and proper site map structure. No surprises yet, but the review of the new algorithm changes continues.
Bottom Line: Google is striving to provide the best search results possible. The key to success appears to be to continue to provide the best UX and most valuable content for website visitors. Eric Van Cleave is the Co-CEO and Digital Marketing Director for Zenergy Works, A Santa Rosa California SEO and Online Marketing Firm.