Google Hummingbird Update
Google Hummingbird Update
There is much to be said for the recent changes made by Google and its algorithm process, but unless you are a webmaster or you own a website, these changes may not affect you in the least. With a general list of animals and other flying creatures, Google has changed from Penguin to Panda and now to a hummingbird. These changes are intended to improve the way we produce the content for our websites, while shutting down many of the webspam tactics.
The first thing webmasters need to be aware of is that the latest hummingbird algorithm is not necessarily a replacement for the previous Panda or Penguin, but an attempt to compliment them. Google suggests that the reason for the name is due to the fact that a hummingbird is both precise and quick, which is how the algorithm is expected to function.
Some webmasters will be happy to know that the hummingbird will be geared towards a more conversational mode, rather than seeking out specific keywords. It is expected that when surfers apply their search criteria, it is being changed to the way we speak on a daily basis, rather than a robot effect. This method might work wonders for genuine informational articles but it will do little for writers who insist on keyword stuffing.
Webmasters who shoot for high page rankings as their number one goal should realize that when it comes to that rating, there is a whole lot more, especially if they hope to be found during those famous Google searches. Of course that does not mean that rankings are not important, just that there is more to it than that.
There may be some concern as to whether this new approach will work, but as with many other new implementations, only time will tell. For anyone interested in the difference between Google Hummingbird and the infamous Panda, it is all about originality (unique) and stuff you can use (useful). Google is clearly interested in promoting valuable information to its readers, instead of dry “keyword stuffed” content.
If you are only now reading this, chances are that your website has already been exposed to the buzz of the humming bird, in other words if you did not see any loss of traffic, you may not. It does not mean that you won’t in the future though, just focus on content that is genuine and you shall weather this storm too.