Skip to main content
HomeThe WWS Daily

- News, tips, inspiration you can trust to thrive in today’s digital age.

Search form

Main menu

  • Home
  • News & Features
  • Business & Economy
  • Tech & Trends
  • Health & Style
  • Arts & Culture
  • Contact Us

Pay Attention to These Google Updates & Trends to Stay Top of SERPs

Derek Iwasiuk July 31, 2019

Whether you want to increase your brand visibility, product awareness or boost sales and subscriptions, you need to be proactive to ensure you get what you want online.  

The digital business environment is immensely competitive and unforgiving. And there are lots of things you should be doing if you are serious about achieving your business objectives online and get the best returns on your marketing and SEO investments.  

At the top of the list of things to do in order to achieve your SEO and business goals is ensuring your website has superior user experience, your team understands the latest business trends and tactics, and you are abiding by the rules and guidelines of leading search engines like Google and Bing to rank top of the search engines results pages (SERPs).

Essentially, you need to understand, follow and exceed industry best practices to compete effectively and succeed online.

While different digital marketing tactics have varying degrees of impact on visibility and conversions, SEO seems to have the most significant, long-term impact today. That’s why it’s essential that you stay on top of the latest search engine trends and SEO tactics.   

 

Key Search Engine Trends and Updates to Always Keep an Eye On

 

Here is a list of top search trends and updates you should stay updated on.

Keep these three things under careful observation and they will help you in a big way to rank highly in SERPs, fulfill your business objectives, and always stay competitive online.

 

1. Google’s broad core algorithm updates

 

The first and most important thing to consider is Google’s major updates to its core algorithm. Google reportedly makes hundreds of minor updates to its search engine algorithms each day. However, from time to time, it performs a major update or overhaul of it search engine ranking algorithm that reverberates across the internet affecting businesses online in different ways.

A recent broad Google core algorithm update was in August 2018, and it took an entire week to roll out. According to some Google and SEO experts, the August 2018 update was all about quality of the content on websites. This update apparently mainly affected sites with a very low Expertise, Authoritativeness and Trustworthiness (EAT) score.

Staying on top of such major core updates will help you keep abreast of page quality guidelines so that you can avoid penalties and compete more effectively for organic traffic from Google.

Studies conducted after the August 2018 core update was rolled out found that 41.5% of sites were affected and most of the affected sites were in the medical, health, wellness, and fitness industries. Thus, the Google core update was nicknamed “Medic” update.

The reasons these specific sites were said to have been hit hard included:

  • Most of the health pages typically belong in the YMYL category, that is pages that can directly affect the health, happiness, income, and financial stability of users.
  • Low-quality content on YMYL pages had a direct negative impact on the lives of people.

Understanding that Google is very sensitive and careful when ranking content that can affect someone's health, happiness, safety, or financial stability (a YMYL page), will help you when crafting such content. Your content should be of the highest quality and backed by credible sources.

The most recent Google core update was rolled out earlier this year in March, 2019, and another update detected mid this year in June. According to industry observers and SEOs, the aptly named “June 2019 Core Update” seemed to be focused on generating more diverse Google results.

Google’s Search Liaison said the company’s guidance about the Core updates remains the same as it has been in the past. Google strongly recommends a high level of commitment from site owners to publish truly useful content so that they serve users with real insights and solutions.

Therefore, if you do not pay attention to the quality of the content published on your site, you may inevitably end up being relegated to page 3, 4, and, even worse, on double-digit pages.

core_algorithm_updates.png

 

2. Voice search optimization

 

Voice search is the new frontier for search, with voice recognition technology like Google's Voice Search and Apple's Siri gaining popularity fast. Keep it on your radar and optimize your content for it.

It is projected voice search optimization will soon be a primary SEO tactic for webmasters as this is a very useful technology that improves accessibility of your site.

Current voice search usage trends and stats show that:

  • More people are finding it more comfortable to search sites using voice commands.
  • 50% of all searches will be voice searches by 2020.
  • 55% of teenagers and 41% of adults use voice commands to search items a number of times a day, and this figure is going up every day.
  • The number of millennials using voice-enabled digital assistants will climb to 39.3% in 2019.
  • Mobile voice-related searches are 3x more likely to be local-based than text-related searches.
  • 1 in 4 shoppers used voice assistants in their holiday shopping during the 2017 season.
  • Voice commerce sales reached $1.8 billion last year, and is predicted to reach $40 billion by 2022.

To stay ahead of this trend and the curve, you must optimize your content to facilitate voice search. There are three specific ways in which you can do that:

I.) You can do this by optimizing for local search, because most voice searches are local. According to the Bright Local’s Voice Search for Local Business Study, about 46% of those people who use voice search usually look for local businesses on a regular basis.

This makes a lot of sense for your business and brand, as well to use geo-targeted keywords and build up positive customer reviews. Make sure you provide the name, address, and phone number across all of your online business listings.

II.) You can also make use of FAQ pages. Consider the questions carefully, as well as the relevant answers. This will help you to create a high-quality FAQ page and compile the most common questions that you encounter on a regular basis for better ranking.

III.) Lastly, to rank better in voice search queries you must make sure that your site is mobile-friendly. There have been a lot of discussions on the importance of mobile optimization and blogs and articles written on it. It needs no further emphasis. Simply know that if your site is not mobile-friendly, Google will not pull voice search answers from it.  

 

google-voice-search-guidelines.png

 

3. RankBrain Factor

 

The top three factors that help you rank better on Google are content, links, and RankBrain. The first two factors have been discussed extensively online. The last factor, RankBrain, not so much.

RankBrain, refers to “a component of Google's core algorithm which uses machine learning (the ability of machines to teach themselves from data inputs) to determine the most relevant results to search engine queries,” according to a definition by Moz. Google confirmed its existence October 26th, 2015.

To improve your website’s ranking and user experience (UX), you need to understand RankBrain and make the best use of this major ranking factor that is known to use AI and machine learning to serve users with better search results estimated on the basis of the search intent. Google itself revealed RankBrain is their third most important ranking signal in their algorithm.

RankBrain helps Google’s search results ranking algorithm in several ways, including interpreting complex and long-tail search queries, the intent behind searches, and much more. It also helps it to ‘see’ specific patterns in seemingly unconnected complex searches. This helps the algorithm to further understand the similarity of each search to another, and also to anticipate the complex searches in the future and whether or not these are related and pertinent to the particular topic.

It is a smart tool that collects data and becomes smarter as its reservoir of collected data increases. This enables it to analyze user search intent more accurately, as well as the context of searches. It helps the algorithm to return better search results by understanding the following:

  • Synonyms and related terms of the original search query
  • Pages containing these synonyms
  • The relevant information and the search intent of the user
  • Actions that indicate the search results satisfy the users
  • Bounce rates
  • Dwell times, and
  • Click-through rates.

Before RankBrain was introduced, Google algorithm looked at keywords’ instances with zero contexts. However, after RankBrain was introduced, it gets to the intent behind any search.

To make the best use of this Google search algorithm ranking tool, and to get top ranking in SERPs, make sure that you include optimized meta tags, make the headline catchy and more enticing, and pay attention to page usability, which is the most significant aspect of UX.

rankbrain.jpg

 

With all that said, and your steadfast application of the information included in this guide, you will be able to stay ahead of the curve, beat most of your competition, and rank top in SERPs.


Derek Iwasiuk is a freelance writer on SEO New York and a business columnist. You can follow his works regarding a variety of SEO business and design online to increase your online presence.


 

Related stories

 

How to Get Your Blog Posts to Rank High in Search Engines

A Beginners Guide to a Technical SEO Audit

Factors That Matter Most When Planning Your Digital Marketing Strategy

These Common Web Design Practices DON’T Help Your SEO—They Hurt It!

SEO or PPC Marketing – Which One Rewards with the Best Outcomes?

Adapt Your Content for the Rising Voice Search Revolution

Essential SEO Tips for Restaurant Business Websites to Improve Ranking

Deadly Sins of SEO Web Copy Writing

Why You Should Use Paid Search Engine Marketing for Your Business

 

 

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER  newsletter icon.png

Get our best content, news, tips, and inspiration in your inbox - free.

No spam. Just great stories. Promise!
 

 

Join Over 20,000 Subscribers!

Get our best content, tips, and inspiration free in your inbox. Subscribe ››

Connect with us:  twitter.gif linkedin-gray.jpg email.gif RSS feed

 

 

 

 

 

Most read this week


Image for 5 Ways Teachers Can Improve Their Classroom Management
5 Ways Teachers Can Improve Their Classroom Management
Samantha Higgins

classroom-teacher-explaining-lesson-pupils-pros-cons-of-AI-in-education
The Pros and Cons of AI in Education
George Mathews

Why Hiring a Home Tutor May Be a Good Option for Your Child
George Mathews

Gents, Get Your Lady a Stylish AND Functional Gift This Season
Katie Tejada

 

Got a story or tip for us?

 

Tips_0_0_0.png

Here's how to submit it →

 

 

 

 

EXPLORE MORE ...

black-nav-bar1.png

News & Features  ›


Twitters_New_X_logo

Elon Musk Drops the Bird, Changes Twitter’s Brand & Logo to ‘X’

Data Reveals the Legal Terms Americans LEAST Understand!

Data Reveals the Legal Terms Americans LEAST Understand!

FCC Officially Repeals Net Neutrality Rules, Rolls Back 3 Key Regulations


The Most Annoying Video Call Habits at Work - Are You Guilty?

The Digital Playground: Creating Safe and Engaging Online Spaces for Kids

Understanding Fathers’ Rights in the Child Custody Process

hor-line-blue

Tech & Trends  ›


Domo Business Data & Intelligence Cloud Platform: Why It Can Be So Beneficial

businessman-working-tablet-coveted-digital-tech

7 Technologies Businesses Want Most (& Countries Investing More for Them)

Image for How to Improve Your Java Coding Skills this Year

How to Improve Your Java Coding Skills


Understanding the Limitations of Antivirus Software

5 Web Accessibility Issues to Avoid

Ethics of Quality Assurance Tech Companies Need to Follow
 

hor_line_yellow

Arts & Culture  ›


santa_claus_high_five_child_season_christmas_children_kids_red

How to Teach Kids the Real Meaning of Christmas

Image for People Who Point Out Typos are the Type of Jerks Everyone Suspects them to Be

People Who Point Out Typos Are Unlikeable Types Everyone Suspects them to Be

Self-Motivation: 5 Things I Do to Motivate Myself to Keep Writing Every Day

Self-Motivation: 5 Things I Do to Motivate Myself to Write Every Day


12 Reasons Reading Widely Is So Important for Writers

How Reading More Inspires Better Writing

10 Fun Hobbies & Activities for Couples to Enjoy Together

hor-line-brown

Business & Economy  ›


Benefits of Running a Logo Contest

The Benefits of Running a Logo Contest

Necessities Restaurants Should Have to Serve Customers Safely During COVID

A Few Ways Brands Can Maintain Online Presence During a Global Crisis


How Salesforce Anywhere Can Transform Remote Work With Real-Time Collaboration

Maximizing Device Compatibility with Restreaming and Packaging: Benefits for OTT Operators

Smooth Operator: 5 Daily Habits that Dramatically Reduce Repair Frequency

hor-line-green

Health & Style  ›


5 Key Tips for Buying Diamond Jewelry

5 Key Tips for Buying Diamond Jewelry

Why Gym Wear Is an Essential Part of Workout

[node:title]

Key Ways Outdoor Social Activities Make You Healthier & Happier

hori-3.jpg

Asbestos Hazard: Your Responsibilities As a Property Owner

hori-3.jpg

Blissful Ways to Pamper Yourself at Low Cost

hori-3.jpg

7 Must-Haves for Hiking, Fishing, and Other Outdoor Activities
 

Home | About Us | Contributors | Submissions | Advertise | Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Contact Us

Follow Us:

twitter_e.jpg linkedin-pg.jpg email-updates_icon.jpg

Committed to quality content and journalistic ethics.

RSS rss

Search WWS search-icon-trans_0_1.png

© 2025 The WWS Daily.