Officially, as of September 26th, Google Hummingbird changed the landscape of the SEO realm. Since its unofficial release about a month previous to Google’s 15th anniversary, it has affected more than 90 percent of internet searches. And, while Google Panda and Penguin were minor changes to Google’s algorithm, Google Hummingbird is a complete overhaul of the algorithm, replaced with something altogether new.
Google Past and Present
Before Google Hummingbird, the search algorithms mainly relied on key terms to give the searchers what they were looking for. However, with the new and improved algorithm, Google is focusing less on the actual words being used in the search phrase and more on what they mean. In this way, Google has moved from a focus on individual keywords to semantics.
These changes became necessary when voice searches on mobile devices started to become popular. People are now using longer, more conversational search phrases to find new restaurants in their area, for instance. Google is accommodating for that with an algorithm that identifies the core meaning of the search phrase and pulls up relevant information accordingly.
What Do These Changes Mean for SEO?
Naturally, the next step is to see how these changes force internet marketing companies to adapt their strategies. Here are some basic tips that should help you survive in the world of Google Hummingbird:
- Focus on words and the synonyms of those words that are relevant to your customers
- Make your content match questions that customers frequently ask
- Allow your writing to include conversational search phrases
- Add relevant combinations of items in your content that are often searched together
- Remember that high-quality, relevant content is what Google is ultimately looking for
Now, more than ever, content is king. Fire up those thinking caps and make sure that your website has beautifully relevant and well-written content that will appeal both to Google and to Google users. Having a mobile website will also facilitate an easier move from Google’s graveyard to Google Hummingbird.
Whether you’re interested in having content written, having your website optimized for search engine optimization, or getting a mobile website, Performance Driven Marketing has the experts to help you! Call us today at (801)-698-4129!
