Google has confirmed that the May 2022 core update, a broad algorithm update, is being rolled out today.
Today, we're releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. This update is called the May 2022 core update. Learn more: https://t.co/7kFklwdkAb
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) May 25, 2022
The core updates are intended to improve the relevancy of search results for users. Even though the update is available now, it will take 1-2 weeks to fully roll out.
Changes in site performance in search results are to be expected, according to Danny Sullivan, Google’s Public Liaison for Search.
“Core updates are changes we make to improve Search overall and keep pace with the changing nature of the web. While nothing in a core update is specific to any particular site, these updates may produce some noticeable changes to how sites perform…”
Read 7 Local SEO Updates for 2021 That Will Impact Your Strategy.
When a major update is released, Google is known for referring to the same 2019 guidance.
Nothing has changed because Google still refers to the same document for this update.
To summarise, Google’s general recommendations for core updates are as follows:
- Expect widespread effects, such as increases or decreases in search rankings
- Core updates are “broad” in that they don’t focus on a specific issue. Rather, they’re intended to improve Google’s overall systems.
- Pages that lose rankings aren’t penalized; instead, they’re reassessed against other web content published since the last update.
- The best way to deal with the impact of a core algorithm update is to focus on providing the best possible content.
- Every few months, the core is updated. Some sites may not be able to recover from one update until the next one is released.
- Recovery is not guaranteed by improvements. However, failing to make any improvements will almost certainly result in no recovery.
The last Google core update, which was released in November 2021, has been six months.
Those who have been hard at work on their site during that time may notice some noticeable changes in their search rankings.
Those who have let their site sit idle, on the other hand, may find themselves outranked by sites with more relevant content.
However, it’s too early to assess the impact because this update will take a week or more to roll out.
It’s possible that your rankings will change during this time, so don’t be surprised if you notice changes right away.
When Google has confirmed that the update has completed its rollout, you can begin your analysis.
Learn more from SEO and read Google Can’t Provide Details About Core Algorithm Updates.
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