The Google Algorithm Update March 2019 Explained

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The Google Algorithm Update March 2019 was a significant change that affected how websites were ranked in search results. This update aimed to improve the overall user experience by demoting low-quality content.

One of the key areas the update targeted was the quality of content on websites. The update looked for signs of low-quality content, such as excessive keyword usage and lack of user engagement.

The update also changed how Google evaluates website speed. Websites with slower load times were demoted in search results, as this was seen as a negative user experience.

Google's main goal with this update was to provide users with more accurate and relevant search results.

Google Algorithm Update March 2019

Google confirmed a broad core algorithm update, which is a significant change to their search engine's ranking system.

This update was rolled out globally on March 12th, according to Danny Sullivan, Google's public Search Liaison.

The update is expected to take a week or more to roll out fully, so its effects may be ongoing.

Credit: youtube.com, Google March 2019 Core Update (Florida 2), Bing Algorithm & Google Black Ad Label

Google releases broad core algorithm updates several times a year, and this one was no exception.

These updates aim to improve the overall quality of search results, but their impact can be unpredictable.

The update was confirmed by Google through a tweet, which also linked to more information about broad core algorithm updates.

Google's official guidance on broad core algorithm updates remains the same, as outlined in previous tweets.

Impact on Websites

This update is not targeting specific industries, but rather rewarding websites with great content that meet Google's standards. This means that websites from different industries have seen significant gains in their rankings.

Websites that were previously under-rewarded may experience more gains, according to Google. This suggests that the update is focusing on leveling the playing field for all websites.

There is no fix for sites that are not ranking well before or after the update, other than improving their content and building page authority. This means that website owners need to focus on creating high-quality content and building a strong online presence.

Credit: youtube.com, The Key Google Algorithm Updates Of 2019 - And How They Affect You

Some websites have seen significant drops or gains in their rankings, but Google confirms that this is not due to a specific target. This suggests that the update is a broader change that affects many websites.

It's still too early to confirm the full impact of this update, but it's likely to affect website rankings and traffic.

Understanding the Update

The March 2019 Core Update was a broad algorithm update that Google confirmed was released on March 12. This update started to roll out globally and was expected to take a week or more to complete.

Google's public Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan, confirmed that the update was global and rolled out at the same time worldwide. The update's behavior was more like a rollback of previous algorithm changes, with some websites seeing a bounce back in rankings after being negatively affected by past updates.

The update is a significant change, but it's not a brand bias, as some might think. Google's algorithm is still focused on showing users the most relevant results, and links are not just a ranking factor, but also a relevance factor.

Close-up of hands holding a tablet showing the Google search page.
Credit: pexels.com, Close-up of hands holding a tablet showing the Google search page.

Google's March 2019 update was not just about links as a ranking factor. Links are a relevance factor.

The algorithm has moved away from links as a ranking factor and more toward links as a relevance factor. This means that links are used to understand what a page is about, not just to boost its ranking.

Google's patent update on anchor text added the use of text around the anchor text to indicate what the site being linked to is relevant for. This is a key point to remember when considering the update.

Links are a gatekeeper, locking out spam sites from the SERPs. They help to welcome normal sites and gauge relevance between web pages.

Core Algorithm

Google released a broad core algorithm update on March 12, 2019, which was confirmed by Danny Sullivan, Google's public Search Liaison.

The update started on March 12 and continued through to the 14th, with a significant spike on the 13th. High volatility continued into the 14th, and it's too early to tell whether it's still continuing.

Credit: youtube.com, Understanding Google’s Core Algorithm Updates

Google has confirmed that this is a global update, rolled out around the world at the same time.

The update is anticipated to take a week or more to roll out fully.

Google's guidance about such updates remains the same as before, and they've covered it in previous tweets.

The update seems to be behaving like a rollback of previous algorithm changes, as some webmasters are seeing their sites bounce back after being negatively affected by past updates.

If your traffic was negatively impacted, focus on improving your organic search performance by producing great content, such as revising a handful of blog posts with updated information.

Google makes a broad core algorithm update, which is a significant update, but it's also a normal part of their algorithm changes.

Links are a relevance factor, not just a ranking factor, and Google's algorithm has moved away from links as a ranking factor and more toward links as a relevance factor.

Websites need to focus on creating high-quality content on key subjects rather than focus on single or niche keywords.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Track Google Algorithm Updates Like the Experts

Improving the user experience and making sure website journeys are a seamless experience can be another way to encourage users to spend more time on your website and look through more of your content.

In optimising for intent, consider what users want to really know about and the reason behind their search query.

Update Details

The March 2019 Core Update was released by Google on March 12th, confirmed by Danny Sullivan, Google's public Search Liaison.

This update is a broad core algorithm update, which means it affects a wide range of search results and is not specific to a particular type of content or website.

The update is global and was rolled out around the world at the same time, taking a week or more to roll out fully.

Google's guidance on broad core algorithm updates remains the same, and they've provided more information on their Twitter account.

This update seems to be behaving like a rollback of previous algorithm changes, with some Webmasters seeing their sites bounce back after being negatively affected by past updates.

The general reaction to the March 2019 Core Update has been more positive than negative, with many Webmasters experiencing significant fluctuations in their rankings over the last few weeks.

SEO and User Experience

Credit: youtube.com, The Latest Google Algorithm Update Was CRAZY

Google's algorithm update in March 2019 has made user experience a top priority. This shift in focus means that websites need to optimize for user intent, rather than just targeting specific keywords.

Websites with high-quality content on key subjects are now favored by Google, as they tend to keep visitors engaged for longer. This is a significant change from the past, where niche pages were more likely to rank high.

To improve user experience and keep visitors on your site, focus on creating a seamless website journey. This can be achieved by making sure your content is easy to navigate and understand.

Lower bounce rates and higher page views per visit are also key indicators of a well-designed website. Google is now prioritizing sites that meet these criteria, so it's essential to make improvements in these areas.

By understanding what users want to know and why they're searching for specific information, you can create content that truly meets their needs. This is a crucial step in optimizing for user intent and improving your website's SEO.

Industry Reaction

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Google's March 2019 algorithm update was met with a mix of reactions from the industry.

Many SEO experts and website owners were caught off guard by the update, with some experiencing significant drops in traffic and rankings.

The update's focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) led some to speculate that Google was prioritizing high-quality content and trustworthy sources.

Some industry leaders, like Search Engine Land's Barry Schwartz, reported that the update was particularly harsh on low-quality content and sites with thin or duplicate content.

The update's emphasis on user experience and mobile-friendliness also led some to wonder if Google was preparing for the upcoming mobile-first index.

The Google algorithm update in March 2019 was a significant one, with trackers showing a spike in volatility on the 13th of March. This update started on the 12th, with high volatility continuing into the 14th.

The SEMrush Sensor and Rank Risk Index tracker both show significant volatility peaking on the 12th and 13th of March. This indicates a major update, confirmed by Google as a Global Update.

The MozCast weather report and Algoroo report also show increased volatility on the 12th and 13th, further supporting the idea that this update was a large one. The SERPMetrics report shows significantly more volatility than previous updates over the past month.

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Ways ChatGPT's NEW Search Feature Will Change How You Browse Forever!

AI is revolutionizing the way we search for information. With the help of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, capabilities that were previously unimaginable are now becoming possible.

Pandu Nayak, a key figure in the field, notes that AI is central to the future of search. These algorithms are providing quantum improvements in areas that Google has been working on for years.

Speech recognition has improved dramatically thanks to machine learning. This is especially significant in areas with low literacy rates, where AI has opened up new avenues for accessing information.

Language understanding is another area that's seeing a lot of transformation. AI is helping Google better comprehend the language of queries and documents.

Vision analysis is also becoming more sophisticated. Today, we can analyze not just the words around images, but also their content to determine if they're suitable for us.

Google's recent update shows significant volatility, with trackers like SEMrush Sensor and MozCast reporting increased activity on the 12th and 13th of March.

Men typing in the Google search engine from realme 6 pro. "Google" is the number one search web.
Credit: pexels.com, Men typing in the Google search engine from realme 6 pro. "Google" is the number one search web.

The update seems to have started on the 12th of March, with a more significant spike on the 13th, indicating a substantial change in Google's algorithm.

High volatility continued into the 14th, suggesting that the update is still affecting search engine results.

The US and UK both experienced volatility on the 12th, while Germany showed a delay of 24 to 48 hours, highlighting the global nature of the update.

The SEMrush Sensor and Rank Risk Index tracker both show significant volatility peaking on the 12th and 13th of March.

MozCast's weather report also indicates increased volatility on the 12th and 13th, further confirming the update's impact.

The Algoroo report and SERPMetrics report both show volatility on the 12th and 13th, with SERPMetrics indicating a much larger update than previous ones.

Google has confirmed that this is a significant update, and the trackers are showing a clear pattern of increased activity.

Shopping Ads in Images

Google Shopping ads are now automatically appearing in Google Images, making it a default option for Google Ads placement. This means you don't need to make any manual changes to your campaign settings to take advantage of this option.

Smart Phone with a Google Search Page on its Display
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Website owners may see a 3-10% increase in traffic at a lower cost-per-click and comparable conversion rates. This could be a welcome boost to your website's traffic.

However, it's worth noting that people arriving at your website through Google Shopping ads may be more inclined to buy your products than those arriving through Google Images. This is because Google Shopping ads are specifically targeted at people looking to purchase products.

If you're a member of Google's Search Partner Network, you may see a decrease in traffic from here, but this should be offset by the increase in traffic from Search Network.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is new Google algorithm update?

Google's new algorithm update refines how it evaluates and ranks content to deliver more relevant search results. This update is causing shifts in website rankings and traffic, affecting the SEO community.

How many times does Google perform algorithm update in a year?

Google updates its algorithm approximately 500-600 times per year, with most changes being minor and major updates affecting a significant percentage of keyword searches.

Glen Hackett

Writer

Glen Hackett is a skilled writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for breaking down complex topics, Glen has established himself as a trusted voice in the tech industry. His writing expertise spans a range of subjects, including Azure Certifications, where he has developed a comprehensive understanding of the platform and its various applications.

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