Introduction
If you’re learning SEO or want to improve your website ranking on Google, understanding Google’s algorithms is essential. Google uses hundreds of ranking signals and frequently updates its algorithms to deliver the most relevant, useful, and trustworthy search results to users.
While updates like Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird, RankBrain, BERT, and SpamBrain are widely known, several other Google algorithm updates also significantly impact SEO performance. Understanding these updates can help you build a stronger SEO strategy and improve your website’s visibility in Google Search.
1. Google Pigeon Algorithm
Introduced in 2014, the Google Pigeon Algorithm improved local SEO by connecting traditional web ranking signals with location-based search results. This update made local searches more accurate by considering a business’s relevance, authority, and proximity to the user.
For example, when someone searches for “best bakery near me,” Google displays businesses based on their location, online reputation, and website quality.
SEO Tip: Optimise your Google Business Profile, maintain consistent business information (NAP), and target relevant local keywords to improve local search visibility.
2. Google Mobile-Friendly Update (Mobilegeddon)
As mobile browsing became more popular, Google introduced the Mobile-Friendly Update in 2015. This algorithm rewards websites that provide an excellent experience on smartphones and tablets.
A responsive website with fast loading speeds, readable content, and easy navigation is more likely to rank higher in mobile search results.
SEO Tip: Use responsive web design, improve page speed, compress images, and ensure your website offers a smooth mobile experience.
3. Google Possum Algorithm
The Google Possum Update refined local search results by filtering duplicate business listings and providing more diverse local results. Businesses located outside city boundaries also gained better visibility in relevant searches.
This update ensures users receive the most relevant local businesses instead of multiple similar listings.
SEO Tip: Create unique business listings, optimise service area pages, and keep your business information accurate across all directories.
4. Google Fred Algorithm
Released in 2017, the Google Fred Algorithm targeted websites that focused more on advertising revenue than user experience. Sites with thin content, excessive ads, and low-value pages often experienced ranking declines.
Google rewards websites that publish helpful, original, and informative content instead of content created solely for search engines.
SEO Tip: Focus on high-quality content, reduce intrusive advertisements, and prioritise user satisfaction over aggressive monetisation.
5. Google Medic Update
The Google Medic Update, launched in 2018, mainly affected websites related to health, finance, and other Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) topics. It reinforced the importance of Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) in content.
Although healthcare websites were heavily impacted, businesses across various industries also noticed changes in their search rankings.
SEO Tip: Publish well-researched content, cite credible sources, showcase author expertise, and regularly update important information.
6. Google Page Experience Update
The Google Page Experience Update focuses on how users interact with a website. It considers factors such as Core Web Vitals, page speed, HTTPS security, mobile usability, and visual stability.
A website that provides a fast, secure, and smooth browsing experience has a better chance of achieving higher rankings in Google Search.
SEO Tip: Improve Core Web Vitals, use HTTPS, optimise loading speed, and minimise layout shifts to create a better user experience.
Conclusion
Google’s algorithms continue to evolve with one goal: delivering the best possible search results for users. Beyond well-known updates like Panda and Penguin, algorithms such as Pigeon, Mobile-Friendly Update, Possum, Fred, Medic, and the Page Experience Update play a crucial role in modern SEO and website optimisation.
Rather than trying to manipulate search rankings, businesses should focus on creating valuable content, improving user experience, and following SEO best practices. A well-planned digital marketing strategy, combined with high-quality content and technical optimisation, helps websites achieve sustainable growth in Google Search.
At aswathic.com, we believe that understanding Google algorithms is the foundation of successful search engine optimisation. By staying updated with the latest algorithm changes and implementing ethical SEO practices, you can improve your website’s visibility, attract the right audience, and build long-term online success.