Search and keywords · Intermediate

Algorithm update

An algorithm update is a change to how a search engine ranks pages. Google makes changes constantly and announces the larger ones, such as core updates, which can move rankings across many sites.

By Thryv StudioUpdated

Level
Intermediate
Also called
Core update
Announced on
Google Search Status Dashboard
Types
Core, spam and system-specific updates

What is an algorithm update?

Search engines change their ranking systems all the time. Most changes are small and unannounced. Google announces significant ones on its Search Status Dashboard, including core updates (broad changes to how it assesses content, several times a year) and spam updates.

What to do when rankings move

  1. Check the dashboard to see whether an update was rolling out.
  2. Wait for the update to finish before drawing conclusions.
  3. Compare affected pages with those that gained: usefulness, depth, freshness, experience.
  4. Improve content for readers; there's usually no quick technical fix for a core update.

Frequently asked questions

Can I recover from a core update?

Often, by improving content over time. Recovery may show only after later updates reassess the site.

Was I penalized?

A core update isn't a penalty. Manual actions for spam are listed in Search Console; core update drops aren't.

Browse the glossary

Chat on WhatsApp