As a small business owner or manager, you know that search engine optimization (SEO) matters. 

When creating SEO strategies, one key consideration is Google’s algorithms. This complex system is constantly evolving, as Google makes thousands of updates a year. 

Why SEO and Google’s Algorithm Matter

The whole point of having a website is to drive business. Whether your goal is to increase traffic, boost sales, or build a subscription list, SEO needs to remain a top priority. 

In 2021, Google accounted for over 70 percent of all global search traffic, accumulating 3.5 billion searches per day.

To make your website more visible to this online audience, you must implement several strategies, including link building, SEO and high-quality content. These are just a few of the most important signals used by Google’s algorithm, which includes 200+ factors to rank websites. The higher your site ranks, the more visible you’ll become to web browsers. 

Here are the updates you need to know about Google’s algorithm for 2022. 

Google’s Link Spam Update

To improve the quality of search results, Google launched a link spam update. Google offers link quality guidelines and now, websites that violate guidelines, such as those that do not use appropriate links, will not rank as well. 

To optimize your site, be sure to follow best practices for inbound and outbound links. Google also recommends that all website owners produce high-quality content and focus on  improving the user experience. 

The Page Experience Update 

Google’s Page Experience update was completed in September 2021, designed to improve the experience for visitors of your website. You will receive a Page Experience score which you can see in a new report in Google Search Console.

This score takes the following into account, so immediately start addressing any related weaknesses on your site.

  • Core web vitals, metrics that measure page performance 
  • Mobile usability 
  • Security issues
  • HTTPS usage 
  • An ad experience that is not distracting or interruptive 

Introduction of MUM

The Multitask Unified Model (MUM) leverages the power of AI to help searchers complete complex tasks. MUM is a new AI milestone for understanding information from text and images; and Google plans to expand its capabilities to include video and audio as well.  This technology update gives precise answers to precise questions. 

This won’t be something to optimize for, rather MUM is a technology to be aware of and understand, as it will undoubtedly continue to raise the bar in terms of content quality, relevance and utility.

The Product Review Update

Google is now making finding the best products and services easier by rewarding authentic, high-quality reviews. This is especially relevant to ecommerce and product review sites. 

Google outlined new product review algorithm requirements, aimed at fake product reviews.  These requirements are likely to become ranking factors in future algorithm updates.    

  • The first requirement is for a product review page to provide evidence that the reviewer has used the product. Evidence includes visuals, audio or links of the consumers own experience with the reviewed product to showcase expertise and the authenticity of review.  Many bogus, low quality reviews are rewritten versions of the product’s specifications.   
  • The second requirement is for product review pages to offer multiple buying options, giving readers options to purchase from the merchant they choose.  Links to other resources can also help readers make a purchasing decision. 

Seek SEO Support Today

You don’t need to remain aware of every single Google update. However, you must become aware of any new features, major updates and shifting SEO opportunities. 

For help, seek the experts!  Sprout Media Lab offers SEO and digital marketing solutions that will improve your rankings, increase traffic and generate more leads. 

Are you in need of SEO support? Contact us online for a free SEO consultation or call (800) 617-6975 today!