Google is the most popular search engine in the world, handling 65% of all searches. With such a monopoly on the search market, it’s important to stay up-to-date on any changes Google makes to its algorithms. These are the rules that govern how Google ranks website pages in its search results. Any time Google updates its algorithms, SEO (search engine optimization) best practices change. That’s why it’s essential for digital marketers to track these updates and adapt their SEO strategies accordingly. In this blog post, we’ll explain why you should track Google algorithm updates and how to do it effectively.

What is an algorithm update?

• An algorithm update is a change to the way Google's search engine ranks websites. These changes can be small, like a tweak to the way keyword matching works, or they can be major, like a complete overhaul of the ranking system.
• Algorithm updates are usually rolled out gradually, with only a small percentage of users seeing the new version of the ranking system at first. This allows Google to gauge how well the new system is working and make any necessary adjustments before rolling it out to everyone.
• Google makes hundreds of algorithm changes every year, but only a handful are significant enough to be noticed by webmasters and SEOs. The most notable recent algorithm updates include:

-Google Panda: A 2011 panda update that aimed to lower the ranking of low-quality websites.

-Google Penguin: A 2012 update that targeted webspam and sites that engaged in link schemes.

-Google Hummingbird: A 2013 update that changed the way Google handles queries, focusing on the meaning behind the words rather than just the individual keywords.

How do algorithm updates affect SEO?

• Google algorithm updates can have a significant impact on SEO. The most recent and well-known update, Google Penguin, caused many webmasters to see a drop in their search engine rankings. Other updates, such as the Panda update, can also affect ranking.
• When a new algorithm update is released, it is important to track the changes to see how they affect your website's SEO. You can do this by monitoring your website's traffic and ranking in Google search results. If you see a sudden drop in traffic or ranking, it may be due to an algorithm update.
• You can also use Google Webmaster Tools to monitor your website's performance after an algorithm update. Webmaster Tools will show you any errors or warnings that Google has found on your website. This can help you identify and fix any issues that may have been caused by an algorithmic change.

Why should you track Google algorithm updates?

There are many reasons why you should track Google algorithm updates. By doing so, you can keep your website up-to-date and compliant with the latest search engine guidelines. Additionally, tracking algorithm updates can help you identify ranking factors that may be affecting your website's visibility in search results. This information can be used to improve your website's SEO and overall performance in organic search.

How to track Google algorithm updates

• There are a few different ways that you can track Google algorithm updates. The first way is to use Google Search Console. You can find information on how to do this here: https://support.google.com/webmasters/answer/35120?hl=en
• Another way to track Google algorithm updates is to use MozCast. MozCast is a weather report for the Google algorithm. You can find more information on how to use MozCast here: https://moz.com/blog/mozcast-weather-report-for-the-google-algorithm
• You can also stay up to date with the latest Google algorithm updates by following SEO news sites and blogs, such as Search Engine Land and SEOmoz.

Conclusion

Tracking Google algorithm updates is an important part of any SEO strategy. By understanding why and how to track these updates, you can make sure that your website is always optimized for the latest changes. Additionally, tracking these updates can help you identify trends so that you can stay ahead of the curve and keep your website ranking high in the search results