Google’s Algorithm Change History in the Year 2022

We all search for our favourite artists, products, services, and many other things on Google. But, did you know that Google carries out a ton of filtration now and then so that we get the best possible search results? Let’s discover Google’s behind-the-scenes ‘artwork’ that serves amazing search results to us on a silver platter.

For SEO professionals, keeping up with Google’s algorithm updates is crucial to effectively track website traffic patterns and optimize their search engine optimization practices. With the ever-evolving digital landscape, it’s essential to understand the why behind the updates and the impact they have on search ranking and visibility.

Google releases updates to its algorithm regularly to enhance the user experience and maintain the integrity of search results. These updates reward high-quality and relevant content while penalising websites that use spammy or manipulative tactics.

By staying informed about the latest updates, SEOs can gain valuable insights into how to best optimize their websites for search engines. They can implement best practices and adjust their strategies to meet the changing requirements of the algorithm.

This comprehensive list of Google Algorithm Updates in the year 2022 will not only document each update but also provide an in-depth look into the practical implications and effects of each update, including best practices, strategies, and case studies from the SEO community. 

September 20, 2022

Google recently made waves in the online community with its latest product review algorithm update, which was officially confirmed on September 20th, and completed its rollout on September 26th. Despite the hype surrounding this update, Google remained tight-lipped and did not provide any specific guidance for website owners to optimize their sites.

However, in 2021, Google shared a comprehensive post that touched upon product review updates and provided insights into how these updates can impact website ranking and visibility. The post shed light on the significance of product reviews for businesses and consumers alike and how Google’s algorithms take these reviews into account when ranking websites.

In conclusion, Google’s latest product review algorithm update is a testament to its commitment to providing the best user experience possible. With this update, businesses can expect a more sophisticated evaluation of their products’ online reviews, leading to a more accurate reflection of the product’s quality. 

September 12, 2022

Google rolled out a highly-anticipated Core Algorithm Update that is set to bring sweeping changes to multiple parts of its search algorithm. As one of the largest and most complex algorithms in the world, the Google algorithm is always undergoing updates, but a Core Algorithm Update tends to be more significant and noticeable. While the exact impact of this update on search results (SERPs) remains unknown, it is presumed to affect search results across a broad range of languages.

One component of the Core Algorithm, known as the Helpful Content Update (HCU), is focused on promoting content that is deemed helpful and relevant to users. This algorithm component is constantly running in the background and can impact a new website at any time.

Despite early predictions that the HCU would bring massive changes to the search landscape, the search community has since adopted a more reserved attitude. Some experts believe that the HCU will return stronger with future Core Algorithm Updates, as Google continues to refine and improve its search algorithms.

August 25, 2022

Google took a big step in the world of search engine optimization with the rollout of its Helpful Content Algorithm Update. This update aims to reward content that prioritizes the needs and interests of users while penalizing content that is written solely to rank high on search engines.

With this update, Google is sending a clear message to content creators: stick to your area of expertise. Creating content specifically for search engines can often mean publishing articles outside of your niche, which may not be truly valuable to your audience.

To ensure your content aligns with the goals of the Helpful Content Algorithm Update, Google suggests asking yourself the following questions:

1. Is your content written primarily to attract visitors from search engines, or is it created with the human reader in mind?
2. Are you writing about topics simply because they are trending, rather than because they align with your existing audience’s interests and needs?
3. Have you entered a niche topic area without any real expertise, simply because you believe it would generate a lot of search traffic?

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your content is helpful, relevant, and in line with Google’s vision for a better web experience for all.

July 27, 2022

A major product review algorithm update that shook up the world of online product reviews. The algorithm is designed to reward in-depth, well-researched reviews that offer a unique perspective and provide valuable information to the reader. Simply summarizing information found on a manufacturer’s website will no longer cut it.

To meet Google’s stringent criteria for high-quality content, websites that publish product reviews should aim to conduct thorough research and testing of the products they are reviewing. This can be demonstrated by including information such as detailed measurements, benefits and drawbacks, and comparisons with other products. Original photos and other unique elements can also help make your reviews stand out.

This update applies specifically to websites that publish long-form product reviews, such as those found on websites like Wirecutter and CNET. If you don’t publish product reviews on your site or if you sell products that customers can review on your website, this update does not apply to you.

So if you’re a website that prides itself on publishing in-depth product reviews, now is the time to step up your game and provide your audience with the valuable, unique content they crave.

May 22, 2022

Google turned up the heat with its May 22nd update, and the following aspects were on the horizon:

1. Prepare for significant shifts in search rankings, whether it’s a spike or drop.
2. Don’t expect this update to focus on any specific topic, as it’s designed to enhance Google’s overall system.
3. A decrease in rankings doesn’t mean a penalty, rather it’s a re-evaluation of your content against newly published web content since the last update.
4. The top tip for weathering the impact of a core algorithm update is to prioritize delivering high-quality content.
5. Broad core updates are a regular occurrence, happening every few months, and recovery from one update may not occur until the next one rolls out.
6. Implementing improvements is not a guarantee of recovery, but not making any improvements virtually ensures no recovery.

To summarise, those who’ve been putting in the effort to perfect their site may start to reap the rewards in the form of boosted search rankings. Meanwhile, those who’ve neglected their site and let it sit stagnantly may find themselves falling behind, as sites with more relevant, up-to-date content surpass them in the search results. The update serves as a reminder that staying on top of your website’s optimization is key to maintaining a strong online presence.

March 23, 2022

With the release of the March 2022 product algorithm update, Google gave clear instructions on how to create high-quality product reviews that meet the search engine’s standards. Here’s what they recommended to include in your reviews:

1. Provide extensive information that truly showcases the product, including its pros and cons, performance details, and comparison to previous versions.
2. Show that you have personal experience with the product, by including descriptions, images, or videos of how it looks and how it works.
3. Add value to the review by including unique insights and perspectives beyond the information provided by the manufacturer.
4. Compare the product with its competitors to highlight its unique features and advantages.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your product reviews are seen as trustworthy and valuable by both Google and your readers.

February 22, 2022

The February update resulted in some websites experiencing a drop in search rankings. But this does not necessarily mean your site was penalized for not meeting Google’s page experience standards. It could mean that other sites that do meet these standards are now ranking higher, resulting in your pages appearing lower.

Improving your page experience score can help you regain those ranking positions and stay competitive. To determine what specifically needs improvement, consider the following:

1. Has your site switched to HTTPS? If yes, you can move on to the next point.
2. Are there any intrusive ads on your site? If not, you can move on to the next point.
3. Does your site meet the Core Web Vitals thresholds? If you’re unsure, you’ll need to test it.

Google’s Core Web Vitals report in Search Console provides data on how your pages perform for each metric. Other Google tools like PageSpeed Insights, Lighthouse, and Chrome DevTools also offer Core Web Vital analysis, and there’s even a Chrome browser extension you can use to check the Core Web Vitals for each page.

Use these tools to identify which pages need further optimization to meet Google’s page experience criteria.

SEOS need to take care of the updates in algorithms that Google brings to make their websites stand out from the crowd. Follow Google Search Central for an in-depth analysis of Google Algorithms Updates.