Every so often Google shakes up the search landscape with an unforeseen update that sends SEO managers into a frenzy. Maybe it’s a new security encryption, or maybe it’s new piece of the search puzzle. In select cases, we’ve seen a comprehensive algorithm rewrite.
In the last month or so, Google has introduced all three. In an unprecedented slew of updates, Google eliminated organic keyword data, introduced hashtag value in its search results, and more importantly, released Hummingbird, the biggest technological update in at least three years. Marketing managers are trying to put the pieces of their SEO strategies back together, in many cases with pieces missing. It’s a classic Google move: Invoke chaos and see who comes out on top. It’s up to you to employ the proper responses to keep your website relevant in search rankings.