A Year of Change: Google’s 2021 Algorithm Updates
If 2022 and 2023 felt like roller coasters, 2021 was the year that set the stage. Google rolled out three broad core updates—in June, July…
Voice and Conversational Search
Voice search continued its steady ascent in 2020, driven by smart speakers and virtual assistants. While adoption rates were not as explosive as some predicted,…
The Rise of Core Web Vitals and Page Experience
Google announced the Core Web Vitals initiative in 2020, preparing site owners for a major shift in ranking factors. The metrics—Largest Contentful Paint, First Input…
The Advent of Zero‑Click Results
Zero‑click searches became more prevalent in 2020 as Google expanded features like People Also Ask boxes, knowledge panels, and quick answers. These results allow users…
Search in a Pandemic: Changing User Behaviour
The COVID‑19 pandemic transformed search behaviour in unprecedented ways. Lockdowns and remote work increased dependence on digital services for shopping, education, entertainment and social interaction.…
Mobile‑First Indexing Gains Pace
Google announced that it would switch to mobile‑first indexing for all sites by the end of 2020, signalling its commitment to prioritising mobile experiences. This…
Local SEO and the Consumer Journey
As communities adapted to pandemic restrictions and shifts in consumer behaviour, local search became more important than ever. People sought out businesses close to home,…
Google’s 2020 Core Updates and Their Impact
In 2020, Google released three major core updates—in January, May and December—that collectively reshaped search results. The May update was particularly impactful, widely described by…
BERT Expansion and Passage Indexing
By 2020, Google’s BERT algorithm—originally introduced in 2019 to better understand natural language—expanded to nearly all English queries. BERT helps Google grasp the context and…