Contents
- 1 Google Panda Update
- 2 What Was the Google’s Panda Update About?
- 3 What You Should Do if your Website is Affected by Panda Core Update?
- 4 How You Can Know If Your Website is Affected by Panda Update?
- 5 Some Pros & Cons of Google Panda
- 6 Google Penguin Update
- 7 Why did Google Launched Penguin Update?
- 8 Initial Launch and It’s Impact
- 9 How You Can Know If Your Website is Affected by Penguin Update?
- 10 How You Can Recover From Penguin Update?
- 11 Google Hummingbird Update
- 12 How Does Hummingbird Update Work?
- 13 GOOGLE HUMMINGBIRD AND SEMANTIC RESEARCH
- 14 How To Recover From Hummingbird Core Update?
- 15 Impact of Google Hummingbird Update in Future
- 16 Google Pigeon Update
- 17 How Google’s Pigeon Update Will Impact Your Website?
- 18 Google’s Pigeon Update Algorithm
- 19 How to Improve Local SEO To Benefit From Google Pigeon?
Google Panda Update
The “Panda update” was one of the Major Google Algorithm Updates that was made by Google to their search algorithm in 2011. The Panda update, along with the Penguin update, was one of the most important Google adjustments because of how significantly it affected page ranks.
The primary goal of the Panda upgrade was to improve search results by removing low-quality websites.
The Panda update is now integrated into the main Google search algorithm. The “Google Panda” update is frequently depicted graphically as a bear in the SEO world, just like other updates like “Penguin” or “Hummingbird,” even though the name of the update is not a reference to the bear of the same name but rather to the last name of the key developer, Navneet Panda.
What Was the Google’s Panda Update About?
The site content was primarily the focus of the Panda update. The algorithm modification functions as a website quality filter. Websites with lower quality are excluded and given less value. This evaluation is done per URL rather than per webpage.
The afflicted websites suffered in the SERP as a result of this devaluation, which negatively impacted their SEO visibility. Although the Panda update does not affect the entire site, certain URLs were affected, which caused significant landing pages to lose prominence.
The quality of the SERP considerably increased with the rollout of the Panda upgrade. The algorithm’s implementation thus contributes to improving the user experience of the Google search engine. Users find searching to be considerably more appealing as a result. Another, the very beneficial side effect is that when Google’s organic search quality improves, people will start to trust paid marketing like Ads and PLAs as well.
THE NEW VERSION OF THE FIRST PANDA UPDATE
On February 23, 2011, the first Panda update was implemented for Google search in the USA. On April 11, 2011, the upgrade was launched for all English-language search queries. On August 12th, 2011, the algorithm adjustment was globally implemented for all languages with the exception of Korean, Chinese, and Japanese. According to the search engine provider’s official claims, the Google Panda upgrade had an impact on 13% of all search queries.
For SEOs globally, the first week following the release of the Panda update saw significant effects. Web directories and websites with subpar content, such as those that just amass content, were particularly affected. Some websites’ visibility dropped by more than 80% in 2011.
What You Should Do if your Website is Affected by Panda Core Update?
This query has repeatedly been posed on SEO discussion boards. In the end, the solution is fairly straightforward: webmasters and SEOs must create websites that provide users with added value. This contains original, high-quality content. Site owners should also be selective about which websites connect to their own homepage. It is extremely challenging to determine whether a ranking loss is due to Panda or whether it involves other factors because Panda is now a component of the general core algorithm.
MEASURES TAKEN CAN BE AS FOLLOW:
- Look over your content: Exist duplicates or flimsy content? Text components are they merely copied from other websites? Can the material be improved, updated, and evolved to produce new, valuable content that properly serves the needs of the users?
2. Verify the backlinking structure. Are some backlinks of lower quality? Can you use the Google Disavow tool to lower their value?
3. To request website indexation, use the Google Search Console. Each month, up to 500 URLs may be submitted for updated verification and indexing. Only when the content has been optimized should this stage be completed.
TRIGGERS OF PANDA
A variety of troubling Google SERPs phenomena were addressed by the Panda algorithm upgrade, including:
A group of pages presenting a range of health conditions with only a few phrases on each page, for example, is an example of thin content. It refers to weak pages with very little meaningful or substantial text and resources.
Duplicate content is copied material that appears in multiple locations on the Internet. When many pages on your own website have the same material with little to no variation, duplicate content problems can also occur. For instance, a chimney sweep business might develop ten pages, one for each city it serves, with material that is essentially identical on each page with the exception of the city names (example: “We clean chimneys”).
Low-quality content – Pages that are devoid of in-depth knowledge and hence offer little value to readers.
Content created by sources that are not regarded as authoritative or verified lacks credibility. According to a Google representative, websites hoping to lessen the effects of Panda should strive to be seen as an authority on their subject, and businesses so people would feel safe giving their credit card information.
content farming -Large-scale production of low-quality pages from other websites is known as content farming. A website that uses numerous writers at low pay to produce brief articles that address a wide range of search engine queries is an example of a content farm. As a result, the website produces a body of content that lacks authority and reader value because its sole objective is to rank highly in search engines for every conceivable term.
Low-quality user-generated content (UGC) – A site that publishes guest blog articles that are brief, riddled with spelling and grammar mistakes, and devoid of reliable information would be an example of this type of low-value UGC.
High ratio of ads to content – Pages with more paid advertising than original content
Poor material around links going to paid affiliate programs; poor content surrounding affiliate links.
Websites that human users are restricting, either directly in the search engine results or through the use of a Chrome browser plugin, are likely of low quality.
Pages that “promise” to provide relevant results when clicked on in the search results but ultimately fall short of doing so are known as content mismatching search query pages. For instance, when a website page with the headline “Coupons for Whole Foods” is clicked, there can be nothing but adverts or there might not even be any coupons.
How You Can Know If Your Website is Affected by Panda Update?
A rapid decline in your website’s organic traffic or search engine ranks that corresponds with a known date of an algorithm update is one symptom of a potential Panda penalty.
It’s important to keep in mind, though, that a variety of factors might lead to lost traffic and rankings. These include manual penalties (check Google Search Console for reported issues), expected seasonal dips in consumer interest (like a ski lodge in July), or even a completely different Google update than the one you suspect (look at who is outranking you to see if someone new has moved ahead of you) (for example, Penguin instead of Panda).
It’s crucial to review industry documentation of the practices being stated as being engaged in an upgrade when a known, named update occurs. Look through these industry lists of unethical behavior to see what happened if your loss of traffic or rankings coincides with a specific date.
Some Pros & Cons of Google Panda
Google Panda is one of the many algorithmic modifications the company makes from time to time. When Google Panda became public, several startups suffered terrible failures. Due to these developments, some businesses ultimately closed. I’m not arguing that Google’s algorithm adjustments are harmful. In actuality, it is overly effective at detecting plagiarism and fraud. It alludes to a significant update to the Google search results ranking algorithm that was initially released in 2011. Numerous websites, including the Google Webmaster Forum, were inundated with concerns of copyright violators outranking sites with original material shortly after Google Panda was released.
The Google Panda Update is essentially a search filter that disallows websites and web pages with low-quality content. These websites and web pages are subject to Google Panda penalties.
Also Read: Google’s Helpful Content Update
Pros Of Panda Updates
1. Getting Rid of the Duplicate Content Problem: Many websites and web pages on the internet use unethical practices such as copying and pasting content from other websites and web pages.
The reputations of diligent content creators who produce high-quality organic material are being harmed by these websites and web pages. The Google Panda algorithm is punishing all of the websites and webpages that take part in this. Thus, Google Panda encourages transparency.
2. Effective time management: Google is aware that time is the secret to success. Google is attempting to give people timely content as a result. When users ask questions, it refers to providing the appropriate information at the appropriate moment.
By using the Google Panda update, the Google Panda is playing a significant role in this by making Google search engine results more qualified, authentic, and relevant. Google tries to help users who are looking for accurate information.
3. The removal of undesired, pointless, and irrelevant content from the internet is another major advantage of Google Panda.
Most internet users prefer accurate page information to several links that provide the same information. Google Panda makes sure that users only access relevant stuff and not extraneous or irrelevant content.
4. Before Google Panda, many publishers tended to use black-hat SEO strategies, such as purchased backlinks, to improve their website’s or page’s ranking in search engine results. All those websites and web pages have been severely impacted by Google Panda. By making the way to getting high ranks on Google SERP results for these types of Content generators, honest and diligent content producers are rewarded.
Cons Of Panda Updates
1. Google Panda has had far too many tweaks and modifications over the years. Sometimes people or internet users weren’t even completely aware of the most recent modifications. What does a specific upgrade bring, and how will it impact them moving forward?
This is all the result of Google’s longstanding practice of keeping all information about their algorithm private. Although we are aware that it is merely for security reasons, too much secrecy can irritate users and lead to rumors.
2. This is a real drawback of Google Panda—it has affected newcomers or inexperienced content creators who don’t know how to create natural, high-quality material.
These newcomers to the sector are finding it challenging to survive because of Google Panda’s stringent standards. This level of rigidity may cause a decline in the number of candidates interested in becoming content writers.
3. By comprehending the aforementioned ideas, we can state that Google Panda has more benefits than drawbacks. We can conclude that Google Panda is the measuring standard whose goal is to encourage organic and high-quality material because, in addition to its drawbacks, it is not qualitative enough. Ultimately, Google Panda’s major goal is to preserve the interests of authentic content authors.
Google Penguin Update
Google first unveiled the Penguin algorithm and a tougher stance against deceptive link-building techniques ten years ago.
Google introduced the Penguin update as a new initiative after the Panda update to reward high-quality websites and penalize websites that exploited misleading link schemes and keyword stuffing on search engine results pages (SERPs).
Penalties still exist in partial and site-wide versions, albeit they are currently less common. Thanks to the algorithm’s multiple modifications and real-time incorporation into the core Google algorithm.3.1% of English-language search engine inquiries were influenced by the Penguin algorithm’s initial launch. The filter had 10 documented modifications between 2012 and 2016, changing over time and altering how the SEO community understood the bad activities Penguin attempted to address. Penguin has been incorporated into Google’s main algorithm as of early 2017.
Penguin targetted two specific practices:
1. LINK SCHEME – The creation, acquisition, or purchase of backlinks from low-quality or unrelated websites in an effort to deceive Google into awarding high ranks by generating a false impression of popularity and relevance. As an illustration, a Tampa-based insurance company may spam Internet forums with comments referring to itself as the “greatest insurance company in Tampa,” inflating its appearance of relevance in the process. Alternatively, the same business might spend money to have links stating “best insurance company in Tampa” appear on unrelated, unrelated third-party material on dog grooming.
2. KEYWORD STUFFING – Putting a lot of keywords on a page or using them repeatedly in an effort to influence ranking by giving the impression that the page is relevant to a particular search or query.
Why did Google Launched Penguin Update?
Google’s campaign against low-quality material began with the Panda algorithm, and Penguin acted as an expansion and weapon in this conflict.
Google’s Penguin update was created in reaction to the rising practice of using unethical link-building techniques to manipulate search results (and ranks).
The algorithm’s objective was to exert more control over different black hat spamming tactics and reduce their effectiveness.
Penguin attempted to make sure that genuine, reputable, and pertinent connections rewarded the websites they linked to, while manipulative and spammy links were devalued by gaining a better understanding of and processing of the types of links that websites and webmasters were earning.
Penguin just takes care of a website’s incoming links. Google just evaluates links leading to the in-question website; it does not look at any links leading away from it.
Initial Launch and It’s Impact
According to Google’s own estimates, when Penguin originally debuted in April 2012, it had an impact on more than 3% of search results.
In May 2013, Penguin 2.0, the algorithm’s fourth upgrade since its debut, was made available. It affected 2.3% of all queries.
Link schemes and keyword stuffing were reportedly two distinct manipulative techniques that Penguin specifically targeted when it first launched.
In Google’s link scheme material, manipulative link-building techniques including link exchanges, buying links, and other unnatural link-building techniques are all referred to as “link schemes.”
Keyword stuffing, a practice that has later come to be linked with the Panda algorithm, was another target of Penguin’s first launch (which is thought of as more of a content and site quality algorithm).
How You Can Know If Your Website is Affected by Penguin Update?
Prior to anything else, it’s critical to understand the difference between Penguin and a manual punishment for unnatural linking. A manual penalty, on the other hand, is particular to a single website that Google has decided to be spamming, whereas Penguin is a Google index filter that is applicable to all websites. It’s possible that these human penalties originate from a particular website being flagged by Google users as spam. It’s also possible that Google may manually monitor some industries (like payday loan companies) more than others (like cupcake bakeries)
You might have been impacted by this filter if the metrics for your website reveal a decline in ranks or visitor volume on a date connected to a Penguin update. You should carefully consider whether your keyword optimization or linking practices would be deemed spammy by Google, making your site vulnerable to an update like Penguin. Be sure you’ve ruled out expected traffic fluctuations from phenomena like seasonality (for example, a Christmas tree farm in April).
How You Can Recover From Penguin Update?
You do not submit a reconsideration request to Google to have a Penguin penalty lifted, in contrast to a manual link penalty, for which you must do so after cleaning up your site. Instead, fixing issues will frequently result in “forgiveness” the following time Googlebot visits your site. These recuperation steps consist of:
1. Any unnatural links that you have control over, including links that you have created yourself or have caused to be placed on websites owned by third parties, must be removed.
2. The rejection of spammy links that are outside of your control
3. Your website’s content should be revised to address over-optimization and to ensure that keywords have been incorporated naturally rather than mechanically, repeatedly, or senselessly on pages where there is no connection between the subject and the keywords being utilized.
In conclusion, Penguin was created to fix a severe bug in Google’s system that allowed a large number of low-quality connections and overly keyword-optimized pages to “trickle” their algorithm. All material you produce should represent natural language, and your link-earning and-building techniques must be regarded as “safe” in order to prevent Google from devaluing your website for spam practices.
Google Hummingbird Update
In contrast to the earlier Panda and Penguin improvements, which were initially offered as add-ons to the company’s already-existing algorithm, Hummingbird has been described as a complete rethink of Google’s fundamental algorithm. Hummingbird signaled Google’s commitment to an increasingly comprehensive understanding of the intent of searchers’ queries with the aim of matching them to more relevant results, even though it’s thought that many old elements of the core algorithm remained intact.
Hummingbird had been in use for almost a month before Google made it public on September 26, 2013. Contrary to prior algorithm changes like Panda and Penguin, which led to widespread reports of lost traffic and rankings, Hummingbird did not appear to have a significant detrimental impact on the general web. It was generally accepted that it improved the “knowledge graph,” or the precision of Google’s knowledge base.
The local SEO community hypothesized, however, that the consequences had already been seen in the local search engine rankings.
How Does Hummingbird Update Work?
Hummingbird had a limited negative impact on websites, unlike the Panda and Penguin updates. Hummingbird was generally seen as a highly favorable change to Google’s algorithm. Hummingbird wasn’t designed to penalize sites. The update’s main goal was to provide more complex results that relied less on exact keyword matches and more on a query’s semantic meaning.
Along with giving consumers results that more closely matched the implicit meaning or search intent, Hummingbird increased the popularity of Google’s knowledge graphs. Because Google finally comprehended a topic the way humans do: with nuance, search became more pertinent.
The diversity of Google’s search results has generally decreased as a result of Hummingbird’s acute awareness of how we, as users, comprehend queries and phrases. Hummingbird was the first step toward offering better-matched search results, and Google is growing better and better at understanding what consumers want.
1. Updating Your Website To Benefit From Google Hummingbird
Hummingbird does not impose penalties, which is fantastic for website owners. But even though you won’t face any penalties, you still need to take the update into account while creating or updating your website.
2. Utilize tools for keyword research.
It can be difficult to decide which keywords to use on your website. You may find out what keywords and phrases will drive the targeted traffic to your website by using a keyword research tool: The amount of traffic that converts.
3. Consider voice search
Consider how to modify your terms for the increasing number of consumers who utilize AI voice search systems like Alexa, Siri, and Google Home. A user will conduct a voice search and utilize a more conversational style and less precise language. Then, modify your material in accordance with the language that your target audience will use.
4. Benefit from synonyms
When a query is typed, Hummingbird looks for information that matches the keyword and any synonyms. To diversify your pages, broaden your keyword research to include synonyms and co-occurring phrases.
5. Improve the anchor text
You can choose your anchor text, so pick something that Google will rank highly. Use keywords in your anchor phrases, but also be sure to use them to encircle your links.
GOOGLE HUMMINGBIRD AND SEMANTIC RESEARCH
Semantics, or meaning, is the crucial idea at the center of the Hummingbird. Even the most sophisticated computers are largely useless. This is due to the fact that computers cannot discriminate between two concepts that are different but similar without being specifically instructed to do so, whereas it is simple for humans to do so (by virtue of context).
Semantic search refers to the idea of enhancing search results by concentrating on user intent and how a search subject relates to other information in a more general sense, or its contextual relevance. Semantic search essentially focuses on figuring out what a user actually intends rather than a list of keywords and then returning pertinent results.
For instance, if a person searches for “weather,” they are generally seeking a forecast for their location rather than an explanation of the science or background of meteorology.
Google’s algorithm obviously can’t know for sure what I want, so just to be safe, it gives me a variety of results. Even though I conducted this search in an Incognito window, Google is still tracking my position. It also provides a local prediction, a link to the Weather Channel, a Wikipedia entry for the phrase “weather,” and other data. The prominence of the regional forecast data in the Knowledge Graph, though, says a lot about Google’s faith in its findings.
SEMANTIC WEB
So, since the goal of semantic search is to deliver pertinent results based on user intent and context, the semantic web must consist of all websites pursuing this goal, correct? Wrong. Semantic search and the semantic web are very different concepts, despite sharing a name.
The semantic web is a largely unfulfilled ideal of a standard-based internet. Imagine if new technologies were created to read, retrieve, and publish data based on standard data models and if every website included structured data like schema. In contrast to the currently very fragmented web, the end result, or semantic web, would be an internet in which computers could undertake much of the labor-intensive search-related tasks by actually understanding and responding to user requests.
How To Recover From Hummingbird Core Update?
It’s really easy to optimize websites and webpages for Google Hummingbird. Like, it’s so basic that a naive computer could handle it. It’s not quite that easy, but it is still fairly simple. All you need to do is produce excellent content that appeals to your audience, is helpful to them, and enhances their whole experience. Simple, right?
Most of the things listed below are things you should definitely be doing anyhow, but if you aren’t, this is a great time to start and will make your site Hummingbird-friendly. similar to setting up a feeder outside on your back porch with sugar water. I made it, did you see?
Anyway, let’s look at some Hummingbird SEO best practices.
1. DIVERSIFY THE LENGTH OF YOUR CONTENT
We are aware that long-form content may be incredibly effective when used as a component of a larger content strategy, but if every article you publish is a 3,000-word behemoth, you might not be fully satiating the demands of your readers. Mix up the length of your material to address this issue (as well as to accomplish something other than writing lengthy blog entries). There is no “ideal” post length; only the length that an article needs to be. So, mix shorter articles in between longer ones and try not to get too caught up in the word count.
2. PRODUCE VISUAL CONTENT
Although lengthy, in-depth posts are a great method to cover a wide range of topics, occasionally readers don’t want to read the marketing equivalent of Ulysses. In fact, there are times when kids express little interest in reading an item at all. When this happens, visual content excels.
Videos, infographics, and even straightforward visual components like charts and graphs can give your material the much-needed spice. Additionally, they may efficiently convey extremely complicated concepts, are frequently skimmable, and give some colour to your website. Use one of these five free infographic templates to get started with infographics.
3. USE APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE ACCORDING TO THE TOPIC
Utilizing terminology that is acceptable for the industry is something that some websites miss out on. This is sometimes done out of concern that it may turn off potential readers who might not be knowledgeable about a particular subject or area. However, using the right vocabulary when generating content might show Google how valuable and authoritative your site is.
4. USE SCHEMA MICRODATA
Do you recall Google’s declaration that schema is not a ranking signal? Implementing schema markup or another microdata format can only be a good thing, especially with Google Hummingbird’s increased emphasis on semantics, even though this still seems to be the official line.
Implementing schema markup can be difficult, but in the long term, it might be worthwhile, as we covered in a previous post. It might also assist you in obtaining greater rich snippets in the SERPs in addition to making your website crawler-friendlier.
Impact of Google Hummingbird Update in Future
Many experts predict that advances in natural language processing, which is the method by which machines can accurately analyze and comprehend human speech, will become a driving factor in the development of semantic search. Google’s intentions for search will continue to heavily rely on natural language processing, as evidenced by how accurate Google Now has been since its launch.
All indications point not only to continued research and development in natural language processing but also to the combination of this technology with increasingly complex artificial intelligence systems. Recent purchases by Nokia of Desti and Medio Systems provide proof of this. SRI International, the organization behind Apple’s Siri and Nuance, one of the top voice recognition systems in the world, created Desti, a system that blends natural language processing and artificial intelligence. A company called Medio Systems specializes in using predictive analytics to process data in order to accurately predict the kinds of information that users will need to deliver ever-more-current data.
Google is also not wasting any time. Real-time, location-based search results are a top goal for Google, as seen by the company’s acquisition of the navigational software product Waze for $1.1 billion and subsequent incorporation into Google Now. Another clear sign of Google’s future engineering strategy was the company’s 2012 employment of famed futurist and technologist Ray Kurzweil.
Simply put, Google and other semantic search engines must comprehend what we are saying, the context in which we want our information, and where and when we want it if they are to meet our wants.
1. Voice Recognition Technology Adoption by Consumers
With its wearable computing device, Glass, Google made a bold (and some might say reckless) wager. People don’t want to wander around chatting to their eyewear out of concern that they’ll look foolish, according to a favorite defense of Google Glass opponents. This may be true for the time being, but in the past, wasn’t it frowned upon to talk on a cell phone in public? That didn’t endure, and wearable technology anxiety won’t either.
Adoption will increase when wearable technology’s price point decreases. As a result, more advanced speech recognition technology and unobtrusive gadgets that improve the world around us and make our lives easier will be developed. I believe that wearable technology and semantic search will become more widespread within the next five years, with consumer adoption (and eventually demand) driving the change.
2. Making Use of the “Internet of Things” to Go Beyond Semantic Search
What is the natural next step if semantic search can efficiently assist us to find what we’re looking for? Obviously, for the world to intuitively respond to our demands. This is the primary idea behind the so-called “Internet of Things.”
Consider that you wish to plan a trip to Amsterdam. You tell your virtual assistant, such as Google Now, to make the arrangements using voice commands while you go about your day. Google’s AI runs millions of calculations to find the best price, and appropriate dates based on your calendar (which is stored in the cloud), automatically pay for your hotel and airplane reservations, and send you a message that everything has been taken care of — but it doesn’t.
Then, Google’s virtual assistant interacts with your home’s technology to make sure that the temperature is set appropriately for a long period of absence. It also communicates with your refrigerator to temporarily pause automated alerts warning you when food is about to spoil and to let you know which items should be thrown away before you leave. In order to retain the appearance that you are at home when, in reality, you are taking a leisurely gondola ride along the Prinsengracht canal, the system also controls when lights are turned on.
Google Pigeon Update
Launch Date: July 24, 2014
Google was able to give its users more practical, pertinent, and accurate local search results after the launch of Pigeon. Pigeon specializes in local inquiries and builds on the Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird algorithm upgrades. Pigeon, in contrast to Panda and Penguin, is a fundamental adjustment to Google’s algorithm.
Although the main changes are hidden from view, they do affect local search result ranks, and some local businesses may experience an uptick or drop in website referrals, leads, or sales as a result of the shift.
Regarding the percentage of queries affected by this algorithm change and whether specific web spam algorithms were used in this update, Google has not made any comments.
The new local search algorithm, according to Google, integrates more deeply with their web search capabilities, including the hundreds of ranking factors they use for web searches as well as search tools like Knowledge Graph, spelling check, synonyms, and more.
Additionally, Google said that this new algorithm enhances their location and distance ranking criteria.
In order to give users looking for local results a more useful and relevant experience, a new algorithm is now being rolled out for US English results. Regarding whether and when the upgrade would be made available more broadly in other nations and languages, Google had no information.
The percentage of searches affected by this algorithm upgrade and the use of specific web spam algorithms have not been addressed by Google.
How Google’s Pigeon Update Will Impact Your Website?
Even though Pigeon isn’t based on penalties, it’s still vital that you understand how the update impacts Google’s web crawlers and what changes you must do to achieve the highest possible ranking, especially if local customers are the backbone of your company.
1. Adequate On-Page SEO
Penguin’s updated local search algorithm now has a stronger correlation with established search ranking factors. In other words, your website must have strong SEO E-A-T and be as authoritative as feasible. Don’t cut corners while developing your website’s SEO tactics.
2. Negative off-page SEO
You need to keep an eye on more than just your website if you want to get good local rankings online. Pigeon can count it against you and your ranks will be worse than those of your rivals if you don’t have your business listed in web directories like Yelp, Trip Advisor, OpenTable, or similar ones.
Google’s Pigeon Update Algorithm
Local searches and searches where location is significant are impacted by Google’s Pigeon upgrade. Traditional SEO parameters are taken into account when ranking local results, unlike before Pigeon’s introduction. As a result, local businesses must now invest more time and resources into their SEO operations, both on their own website and on other online domains, particularly business directory websites.
The pigeon had a number of apparent effects, but one of them was a decrease in the “pack” of local results on Google. Initially, these packs were just a list of the first seven businesses that turned up when you searched the area.
The pigeon had several noticeable effects, but one of them was a reduction in the “pack” of local results on Google. Initially, these packs consisted of a list of 7 nearby establishments that appeared after a search. Beginning April 2015, roughly a year after it was put into place, Pigeon dropped that quantity from 7 to just 3 listings.
Pigeon forces Google to take into account places with the location and distance that are most important to the user. Google’s core algorithm, which is more intelligent than ever, modifies the local listings in the search results and provides local directory sites the top rankings.
How to Improve Local SEO To Benefit From Google Pigeon?
If you understand SEO, Pigeon is a great improvement for small companies. You may make a few changes to your website to make sure you get the best possible rating and land a spot in the sought-after 3-pack local results.
1. Place a focus on traditional SEO
Put in the arduous, time-consuming work of conventional SEO. Create links, post articles that go above and beyond to provide people with the finest information possible, and employ keywords that your target audience is likely to be looking for.
2. Concentrate on the locale- or city-specific content
Create written, visual, or audio content that links you to a certain city, state, or geographic area. You will have more authority in local searches as a result.
3. Publicize through neighborhood directories
People can read evaluations of nearby businesses to shop, eat, and stay in local directories like Yelp, OpenTable, Four Square, and others. These websites play a significant role in both bringing traffic to your own website and establishing your credibility with Google’s web crawlers. Your own website will have more authority and validity the more sites similar to these that you publish your content on, and it will rank better in local searches.
4. Create a Google My Business profile.
Even if you can’t recall creating a Google My Business page, chances are you do. The information about your company is indexed by Google My Business so that it is consistent throughout Google Search, Maps, and other services. Once you’ve created your page, make sure it’s optimized so Google has all the information it needs to recognize you as a reputable local company.