A long Google update is finally ending. Several months ago, webmasters and SEOs began noticing strange micro-fluctuations in Google search results (SERPs). This period of “bounciness” went beyond the generally expected flux in search results sometimes burying Top10 web-pages in the 50’s range and temporarily elevating pages many would not expect to see the back-light of day. As the update rolled forward, more flux was noted though compared with previous Google updates, this one was extremely subtle.
Google index updates are very different than they used to be. A few years ago, whenever Google was making even a minor change in its ranking algorithms, search engine results would be topsy-turvy for weeks. Updates of that period were commonly called, “The Google Dance”, (thus the annual SES San Jose party sponsored by Google is also called The Google Dance).
Today, Google is constantly performing minor updates as its ranking algorithms have become far more complex, often specific to unique pages. When webmasters and SEOs actually notice that something is happening in or around Google’s SERPs, that something is likely larger than normal.
This update was something larger than normal. Google has revalued the PageRank score assigned to each document in its index. It has also updated the PageRank meter displayed in the Google toolbar. (Note: The PageRank meter shown in the toolbar has long been assumed to be different than the actual value Google assigns to each web document. There is nothing to suggest this disparity has changed because of this update.)
A PageRank update means Google has reevaluated the value of links found on each page in its index. Because Google measures web documents against other web documents, a change in relative link-values means cascading changes throughout the SERPs. That’s what we’ve been seeing in earnest for about eight weeks. The recent mega-flux should mellow through August.
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That goes a really long way in explaining a number of things that have been confusing me. I’m very glad that a.) this is just the result of an update and I didn’t lose all my PR and b.) that this is a constant process now instead of being something like a quarterly overhaul. Even with the fluctuations, it’s much better than being dragged through a dance!
Comment by Link Building — Tuesday, July 29, 2008 @ 7:35 am
I guess I will call myself one of the lucky ones. During this last update which was a long time coming I went from a “Not Ranked” to a PR4. Haven’t really seen any benefit of this as my rankings remain unchanged and I still receive very little traffic. However, it is good to know that Google does see value in my site. Long periods between Google PR updates is a bit of a blessing as it allows for more time to collect back links.
Comment by Kevin — Thursday, July 31, 2008 @ 8:22 am