The emergence of the algorithms we will discuss below is primarily due to changes in user behavior. When the Internet first appeared, people generally entered the simplest queries possible. Therefore, search engines focused on exact keyword matches. However, over time, queries became more complex. Users began to expect search engines to understand their intentions rather than just a literal interpretation of their query.
The popularity of mobile devices has changed the way we search for information. Today, users search for information on the go, which has led to an increase in local queries and the need to take geolocation into account when generating search results. This, in turn, has created a need for filters that optimize results for mobile devices and take into account local context. And this is only part of the changes. We tell you about Google algorithms 2024.
Mobilegeddon
This is the first Google algorithm that evaluates special database how convenient a resource is for mobile devices. It revolutionized the approach to web design, making optimization for smartphones critical for ranking. Services that are not adapted for mobile devices began to lose positions in search results on smartphones and tablets.
Speed Update
With the rise of mobile internet usage, loading speed has also affected search results. Heavyweight resources have dropped in search results as it has become important for mobile users that pages load instantly. Google highlights three key metrics:
- Loading speed of the main content.
- Loading speed before first interaction.
- Static content.
These metrics, known as Core Web Vitals, are important data collection methods: 8 types and examples user experience indicators that you should pay close attention to if you want to rank high in search results.
RankBrain and BERT
RankBrain was the corporation’s first step toward using artificial intelligence in ranking. This Google ranking algorithm not only analyzes texts for direct occurrences of key queries, but also understands the context and intent of the user. It finds their synonyms and produces relevant results, even if the site does not have an exact match to the search query.
Google’s BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) algorithm is a logical extension and improvement of RankBrain. It can understand the nuances of language, including slang, colloquialisms, and even sarcasm, allowing search engines to better interpret user intent and provide more accurate results.
To effectively optimize for RankBrain and BERT, we recommend:
- Use a variety of synonyms in texts.
- Add more natural, conversational language in the context of keywords.
- Use audiovisual content (videos, infographics, podcasts).
This approach will not only help improve the site’s usb directory position in search results, but also create a more useful and attractive resource for users, which in the long term will lead to an increase in organic traffic and conversions.
Your money is your life
YMYL is not so much a Google search algorithm as a category of sites that have increased requirements. We are talking about resources that can potentially affect the health, well-being, financial stability or safety of users. YMYL sites include:
- medical portals;
- financial services;
- news publications;
- government resources;
- educational platforms.
Google requires such websites to have a high level of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness, which is expressed in the EAT concept. For the owners of such resources, this means the need to carefully check the information published, attract qualified authors, and regularly update the content.
“Pigeon”
The main goal of this filter is to provide users with the most relevant results when searching for local businesses. Dove takes into account not only the content of the site, but also the geographic location relative to the user. In addition, the algorithm increased the importance of local links and business mentions in authoritative local sources.
Therefore, business owners targeting a local target audience need to pay special attention to their Google My Business profiles — make sure that the information in them is as complete and up-to-date as possible. Another important nuance is receiving reviews, as they directly affect visibility in local search results. At the same time, it is important to work with them correctly: respond to negativity and try to solve customers’ problems.