biek.pk logobiek.pk
← Back to DIGITAL MARKETING SEO
Notes • DIGITAL MARKETING SEO

Algorithm updates (high level)

Last updated: Sat Oct 20 2018

Google Algorithm Updates: High-Level Understanding for SEO Professionals

Learn how Google algorithm updates work at a high level, what they target, and how to protect and grow rankings during core updates.

Lesson 05: Algorithm Updates (High Level)

Overview

Google updates its algorithm thousands of times per year.

Most updates are small.
Some updates change rankings globally, especially in Tier-1 countries.

SEO professionals don’t chase updates. They understand what Google is trying to improve.

What Is a Google Algorithm Update?

A Google algorithm update is a change in how Google:

  • Evaluates content
  • Ranks pages
  • Rewards or demotes websites

Goal:

Improve search results for users.

Types of Algorithm Updates

1. Core Updates

Core updates affect:

  • Content quality
  • Authority
  • Trust
  • Intent satisfaction

They do not target specific tricks.

2. Helpful Content Updates

Targets:

  • Thin content
  • AI-spam
  • Content written only for rankings

Rewards:

  • Original
  • Helpful
  • Experience-based content

3. Spam Updates

Targets:

  • Link spam
  • Keyword stuffing
  • Auto-generated content
  • Manipulative SEO tactics

What Google Updates Usually Reward

  • Deep, helpful content
  • Clear topical authority
  • Strong internal linking
  • Good user experience
  • Trust signals

What Google Updates Usually Penalize

  • Thin articles
  • Over-optimized content
  • Keyword stuffing
  • Low-quality backlinks
  • Copy-paste content

How Professionals Handle Algorithm Updates

Step-by-Step Approach

  1. Do nothing immediately
  2. Analyze ranking changes
  3. Compare affected pages
  4. Improve content quality
  5. Strengthen topical authority

Real Example

If rankings drop after a core update:

❌ Don’t panic
❌ Don’t buy links

✅ Improve content depth
✅ Add real examples
✅ Improve internal linking

Updates reward improvements, not quick fixes.

Key Takeaways

  • Google updates aim to improve quality
  • Core updates reward better content
  • Long-term SEO survives every update
  • Focus on users, not loopholes

What’s Next?

👉 Lesson 06 – E-E-A-T & Google Quality Guidelines