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The Google Algorithm Zoo: Pandas and Penguins and Hummingbirds

Posted on August 15, 2014

The Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird Google algorithm updates have drastically reshaped the search engine landscape over the past several years. Each with their own unique target, all three algorithm updates have had the simple goal of providing better search results for users.

To stay ahead of the curve, search engine optimization experts have had to respond in real time to these updates to keep their sites well ranked. To give you a brief recap of each of the three primary updates Google has made over the past several years:

Google Panda:
Rewarded high quality, authority sites while lowering spammy sites and content farms.
Google Penguin:
Reviewed site's backlink profiles and penalized those that appeared to be unnatural.
Google Hummingbird:
Focused on the intent of the user's search, adding in more "conversational" language.

While Google's various algorithm updates have changed how and which sites move to the top of search queries, the heart of the matter hasn't changed for years. Google wants to display sites that searchers will find valuable. There are no magic solutions to SEO. Continually optimizing your website needs to be a conscious and intentional effort with useful content being a pillar of your search engine marketing plans.

The days of link buying, keyword stuffing, and other black hat SEO techniques are long in the past. The simple fact of the matter is Google will not penalize you for doing things the right way. Building your website to be search engine friendly, demonstrating your knowledge of your subject matter, and utilizing the various tools available by Google to make your site easier to crawl will always be a successful formula no matter how many additions to the Google algorithm zoo are made.

Download our Understanding The Google Algorithm Zoo infographic to get a better snapshot of how Panda, Penguin, and Hummingbird impacted your search rankings, who they helped and hurt, and how you can make sure you aren't at risk of losing ground in the search engine world.

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