First Impressions from the May 2020 Google Algorithm Update

The latest Google algorithm update can change the online market as we know it!

People! Google is at it again!

A new Google algorithm update, known officially as the “May 2020 Core Update”, began rolling out on the 4th of May, 2020. As a usual trend, it will take about a couple of weeks to fully roll out.

Looks like Google took the phrase “May the 4th be with you” too seriously!

This just happens to be Google’s 2nd core update in 2020, with the first being rolled out back at the beginning of the year in January.

Going by how much has happened all around the world since January, it might come as a bummer to some that Google would take the liberty to push a core update amidst the coronavirus pandemic crisis that the entire world is up against.

With this update, Google has officially put a definitive end to the raging speculation on whether they would temporarily pause their core updates during the pandemic.

Not only did Google not pause their existing update, but they also went on to push forward a new one!

The best aspect about core updates is that they’re officially confirmed by Google. This is understandable because the very point of core updates is about them being noticeable, significant and broad changes to the algorithm.

But the good news is that this isn’t necessarily bad news.

Various websites report drops and rise to their website performance following core updates.

The sites experiencing drops tend to retrospect and fix the wrong things. Core updates ensure that only the wrong things are fixed, and not those that are right and are working for them.

So it’s honestly nothing to freak out about.

With that being said, let’s check out how the latest algorithm update from Google can send the world of online marketing into a tizzy!

Why exactly did Google push this algorithm update during the current scenario?

The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed what people are searching online.

Products and services that weren’t much relevant before are hugely relevant in the search results today (remote services, coronavirus, face masks etc.)

On the other hand, products and services that were relevant back then before the pandemic struck are almost non-existent today among the search results (such as travel, hospitality, events etc.)

The biggest challenge from Google’s end through this update would be to keep up with what people are searching online.

While the world has turned itself static following the pandemic, the search engine proceedings are increasingly turning dynamic.

It is widely speculated that Google intends to manage this through its algorithm update.

In the course of the next 2 weeks, as the update rolls out completely, it will be clear just how easily the online audience is able to access the information they want through Google search.

Till then… fingers crossed!

Gain an edge with Quint Digital!

At Quint Digital, we are armed with our signature ‘Multidimensional Marketing Formula’ that gives us the flexibility to adapt to any situation, particularly the many algorithm updates that Google comes up with.

We possess hands-on experience in dealing with Google algorithm updates in the past and have always succeeded in helping online businesses dominate the digital market regardless of the situation.

Without barging into a jargon of technical details, here’s our two cents regarding the initial impressions from the update.

Major takeaways from the Google algorithm update

A boon to SEO?

We all thought that SEO is dead.

The COVID-19 crisis put the online marketing world on a standstill by putting a heavy constraint on the sheer power of SEO.

Relying on SEO alone was no longer a ‘one-shot wonder’ on making websites perform.

While the traditional way of marketing will definitely no longer work and it has become important to adopt multiple marketing channels to make websites succeed, the update can usher a new life into SEO.

In other words, you cannot rely on SEO alone like the good old days anymore but you just can’t neglect SEO now.

Every single core update by Google has always called upon an immediate requirement for SEO services and this update is no different.

With the update being this volatile, it goes without saying that it would only be helpful if we show some dependence on the ‘safe bet’ that SEO is.

Content is king… again!

Content has always been a forerunner in every core update from Google.

It has been mentioned earlier that websites that experience a drop in their performance following a Google update tend to fix their loopholes. And core updates ensure that they fix what is right.

In keeping up with that, Google strongly recommends putting out the best content possible.

It will never change the fact that the Google algorithm favours and rewards quality content.

Here are some Google approved pointers regarding the content to keep in mind if you want your website to perform well following the update:

• Content should be original and informative, with emphasis on research and analysis
• The topic at hand should be described completely and comprehensively
• Information provided in the content should be detailed and interesting, instead of just run-of-the-mill talk
• If the content is derived from other sources, simplify copy-pasting or rewriting should be strictly avoided
• Headlines should give a meaningful and understandable summary of the content
• Headlines and page title should grab attention instead of being a mere exaggeration
• The content good enough to be liked and/or shared by the online audience
• The content matter should be trustworthy, reliable and accurate
• It should be written in a way that clearly shows that the writer knows us aware/knowledgeable about what’s been written
• There should be no room for factual errors in the content
• Content should be grammatically sound
• Should be compatible with mobile devices
• Should be free from plagiarism

Conclusion

A new era of Google algorithm core update is upon us!

It is an established fact that a core update usually takes a couple of weeks to roll out completely.

Our first impressions from the update are oriented towards a good deal of speculation and a good deal of information derived from Google core updates in general.