Every year, SEOs anticipate that Google will implement a number of algorithm updates. Whether they are announced or not, we’re constantly on the lookout for what’s changed and how it impacts our SEO efforts.
Staying informed about what changes have occurred is not just helpful, it’s necessary. Below is a handy infographic that will give you an overview of all the updates from the past year.
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Google 2022 Updates
As SEOs, Google updates are a part of the job that can’t always be anticipated and most certainly can’t be controlled. The Google updates came at quite a quick pace this year; some we are used to seeing, others had the SEO community more concerned than usual. Let’s take a look at what changed in 2022.
Page Experience Update (desktop)
Feb 22
Positive or negative shifts in desktop search rankings, occurring on or after March 3, could be attributed to this update.
March 2022 Product Reviews Update
March 23
This update enhances Google’s ability to identify high quality product reviews.
May 2022 Core Update
May 25
This update began on May 25, 2022, and was completed on June 9, 2022.
July 2022 Product Reviews Update
July 27
The 4th in its series, the update improved the initial algorithm released in March 2021. Unlike many other algorithm changes, this one was announced.
Helpful Content Update
Aug 25
An update that seeks to improve the quality of search results by promoting helpful content. The algorithm relies on machine learning to identify unhelpful content. The update was completed on September 9th.
September 2022 Core Update
Sep 12
The second core update of the year, released just 3 days after the Helpful Content Update was rolled out. It resulted in some rank volatility, but was overall considered weaker than other core updates.
September 2022 Product Reviews Update
Sep 20
Although a typical update, this one caused quite a stir as it rolled out one week after the core update and very shortly after the helpful content update.
October 2022 Spam Update
Oct 19
After 11 months of preparation, this update, targeted at fighting spam, was released worldwide and in all languages.
Google Introduces “Site Names” To Mobile Search Results
Oct 14
The update, available in the English, French, Japanese, and German markets, now displays site names in order to make it easier for users to identify the specific website in the search results.
December 2022 Helpful Content Update
Dec 5
A first update rolled out across search results 4 months after the launch. This version of the update expands to all languages.
December 2022 link spam update
Dec 14
This update utilizes SpamBrain, Google’s AI-based spam-prevention system, to fight link spam in search results. The launch impacts all languages.
