Just when you think you’ve got a solid grasp on what Google really wants from you in regards to search engine optimization, they hit us with another update. These updates, however, are not meant to make SEO efforts more difficult on purpose. Google’s motive behind all of their algorithm updates, link changes, and general research is to improve the user experience. It is your job to learn how to adapt to these changes in order to maintain a solid SEO strategy.
Hummingbird is not the first algorithm update to be released by Google, and it certainly will not be the last. It is virtually impossible, nor is it practical, to try and predict what Google’s next move might be. Instead, it is best practice to just be able to roll with the punches. Keep in mind that these updates affect everyone across the board, so everyone has to adapt accordingly. In the end, abiding by Google’s updates could very well end up bringing you more traffic, more conversions, and more sales. It won’t be easy though!
If you currently have an SEO strategy in play, there are certain things you should know about the Hummingbird update. Once you understand what the specific changes are and how they will affect your search results, then you can come up with a defensive game plan.
How to Fly High with Hummingbird
- The emphasis on traditional keywords for search queries is being replaced by an emphasis on actual user questions and conversational search strings.
- Some of the content that users are searching for will actually be visible from the search results page.
- The goal is to provide users with more exact and quality matches of what they are searching for.
- If you have struggled with trying to rank for competitive keywords in the past, this update could actually help you boost your results.
- One of the most powerful tools at your disposal is your ability to truly think like a Google user and like your current or potential customers.
- In order to work harmoniously with Hummingbird, your site needs to inform Hummingbird that your site contains what the user is searching for.
- Google’s high regard of content is no secret, but now that Hummingbird is fluttering around your website, you need to make sure the content you publish reflects a conversational tone. That’s what Google wants because that’s what users are looking for.
- Since Google is going to display the searched content directly on the results page, there is a chance that users won’t ever actually visit your domain if it is not necessary.
It is easy to get flustered and frustrated by these Google algorithm updates, but doing so is certainly not going to improve your rankings or SEO results. When it comes to search engine optimization, you’ve got to learn to roll with the punches. These punches come often and with great force, in the form of Google updates. Don’t let them knock you down. Instead, fight back by reevaluating your SEO strategy, making the appropriate changes, and providing users with exactly what they’re searching for. If you can stay quick on your feet and accomplish that, Google will reward your valiant efforts.