June 04 2021
The Summer of Search: What We Know About Google’s Algorithm Updates
This blog has been updated as of July 6th, 2021.
On July 1st, Google announced the second piece of their broad core update had begun to roll out, which they have named the July 2021 Core Update.
What is a Google Core Update?
While minor updates are rolled out to the search engines thousands of times each year, core algorithm updates are only released a few times per year. These updates are focused on broader changes to the search algorithm that have the potential to impact more than just a specific facet of search. (Here is an example of a more targeted, smaller update.)
What We Know About the June & July 2021 Core Updates
June’s algorithm update was announced on June 2nd and its rollout took around 10 days, wrapping up on June 12th. What made this update unique was the fact that it was one of multiple scheduled to take place this summer.
When the announcement of the June 2021 Core Algorithm Update was made, Google Search Liaison Danny Sullivan included the following:
Some of our planned improvements for the June 2021 update aren’t quite ready, so we’re moving ahead with the parts that are, then we will follow with the rest with the July 2021 update.
Google Search Liaison, Danny Sullivan
This means your website may have seen increases or decreases in rankings caused by June’s algorithm changes that could be reverted or changed even further with the follow-up of the current July 2021 Core Update.
Typically, algorithm updates take around 14 days to roll out, so with July’s Core Update beginning on the 1st, you’ll want to review your data for any increases or drops about two weeks after the announced algorithm update begins, which in this case will be around July 14th.
Don’t Forget About the Core Web Vitals Update
In addition to the June & July Core Updates, the Core Web Vitals Update began on June 15th and will roll out through the end of August. This update has been particularly important since Google rarely gives advanced notice of an update, and very rarely provides extensions like the one given for the Core Web Vitals.
What This Means for You
With all of these fluctuations taking place, it’s best to wait for things to settle down within the search results before determining if your organic traffic has been impacted and creating a search engine optimization strategy to regain any losses. (The same goes for having any major celebrations over new ranking gains.)
Instead, it is important to stay focused on optimizing your website with Google’s ultimate goal in mind. Google’s intention with each update, large or small, is to provide a great search experience for all, as well as connecting their users to businesses that have a good reputation – whether they do so through great user experience, high-quality content, and excellent website usability.
If you’ve been focused on creating relevant, high-quality content, you’re headed in the right direction as we continue through the summer of algorithm updates. If your content strategies have been on the back burner lately, it’s time to shift gears and get writing. Before you do, here are a few good reads to get you going in the right direction:
- How Content Helps Your SEO Strategy
- How to Create an SEO Friendly Content Strategy
- A Quick Content Guide for Your Marketing Funnel