Well, this month we were introduced to a new algorithm update named Fred which happened on March 8th and was finally confirmed by Google. We think it targeted low value content with ad generation techniques. But Fred wasn't the only algorithm released and updated around that time, there were others.
Google also confirmed working on algorithms that demote offensive, insulting and hateful content in the search results. We don't need to worry that machines will take over the ranking algorithm. Which is a good thing, because then Google really can't deny an update now.
Google did call out a link seller and mock PBNs this month. But they also treated webmasters to a Google Dance, so all good.
Here is last months recap if you missed it and here are the most important Google webmaster related stories we covered in the past month or so:
Google Algorithm Updates:
- Google Fred Update Targets Ad Heavy, Low Value Content Sites
- Google Has Now Confirmed The Fred Algorithm Update
- Google Fred Algorithm Confirmed & Cites Overall Quality Issues
- Google Fred Update: Big Google Algorithm Update Links Related
- Large Google Algorithm Ranking Update: Black Hat Related?
- Google: There Were Other Updates Around The Release Of Fred
- Google Algorithms Now Target Offensive, Upsetting, Inaccurate & Hateful Results
- Paul Haahr From Google Explains Offensive Vs Inaccurate
- Google: Phantom Updates Are Core Algorithm Update
- A Major Google Update On March 30th? I Don't Think So.
- Google: Machine Learning Won't Take Over The Google Algorithm
- Google: We've Never Denied An Algorithm Update That Happened
- Google Publicly Calls Out Company For Selling Links
- Google Mocks PBNs, Suggests They Don't Work
- Some Chat Boxes Can Be Hit By The Google Intrusive Mobile Interstitials Penalty
- Google: Some Store Locator Popups Are Intrusive Mobile Interstitials
- Google Responds To Allegations Of Former Googler Spamming
- Should Google Penalize Sites With Auto-Play Video Ads?
- Google: Page Layout Algorithm/Penalty Is Still Important
- Google: 404s Are Not A Signal Of Low Quality
- Google: Again, Site Command Not Going Away
- Google Survey On The Site: Search Operator
- Google Mobile First Index Will Launch When Results Are "Quality Neutral"
- Google: Our Duplicate Detection & Clustering Is Stable
- Google: Good Rule Of Thumb On Quality Content...
- Google: Bulk Quality = Low Quality In Search Rankings
- Google: Again, We Don't Use Facebook Likes In Rankings
- Duh! Linking To Wikipedia Won't Get You Penalized By Google.
- Google: Revoked Manual Actions Have No Leftover Effects
- Google: No Links To A URL? Then We Won't Find It.
- GoogleBot Can Detect If Cookies Are Required
- Google Search Lead: I Can't Go After Individual Problems In Search Results
- Does Google Patrol The Black Hat Forums & Communities?
- Google: Web Site Comments Show Signals Of Site Health
- Google: Keywords In URLs Are An Overrated SEO Factor
- Google AMP Not Currently A Ranking Factor But May Use It In The Future
- Google: YouTube Embeds May Slow Your Page Speed Score
- Google Ranking Signals Are Weighted Differently Based On Query & Searcher
- Does Google Drop Featured Snippets Over Typos?
- Google: Separate Out Data In Search Console For www/non-www/http/https?
- Google May Add Voice Search Filters To Search Console Analytics
- Google Updates Site Status Tool to Make More Precise & Easier
- Google Search Console Search Analytics Loses Some Image Search Data
- Google Search Console Incorrect Namespace When Referencing HTTPS URLs
- Google Page Render Tool Coming To Search Console
- Google Webmaster Notifications For AMP Viewer URLs With Incorrect Hostnames
- Google Dance 2017 A Huge Success
- New: Google Rich Results For Podcasts
- Google Rich Cards Now Available Globally
- Google Top Stories Now With "Related Picks"
- Google Tests New Recipe Search Results User Interface
- Google Tests Breadcrumbs At Top Of Search Results Snippets
- Google Posts Now Showing More Categories Including The Mets
- Google Search Snippets Showing "Tags"
- Google Tests New Video Carousel In Search Results
- Google Search Feedback Form Adds Screenshot Feature
- Google My Business Automated Ownership Conflict
- Google Local 3 Pack Removes City Names For Local Results
- Google Local Results Showing Query Specific Data, Like Hours, Reviews, Phone & Address
- Google Local Reviews With Guardian Top Ten Icon
- Google Local Business Reviews With Emojis
- Google Local Pack Removes Call/Directions Button For Featured Image
Forum discussion at WebmasterWorld.
