June Google Algorithm Update

Starting on June 2, 2021, Google rolled out a core algorithm update. Unlike regular algorithm updates, these updates are designed to affect every site. The company says that they failed to get parts of the algorithm update ready. Therefore, they will release another core algorithm update in July. It is unprecedented for Google to release back-to-back core algorithm updates.

One of the most significant changes with this core algorithm update is that reference sites moved up noticeably in the search engine ratings. This was especially true of Wikipedia. Google seems to have put renewed emphasis on sites providing definitions to words that users may not know how to define. Likewise, many news sites saw their visibility rise.

One of the biggest losers was travel sites, especially those relying on user-generated data. Often, a site featuring a particular place replaced these websites.

Product review and affiliate sites also saw sizable losses in many cases. In many cases, health, parenting and wellness sites also saw significant losses.

If this update has dinged you, ensure you create unique content designed to meet every possible need of your target audience. Especially with health and wellness websites, ensure that you are linking out to the latest reputable studies.

Page User Update

Google also released a page user update on June 15, 2021, and they say that the rollout will continue through the end of August. Site owners can view their score in the Google Search Console. Remember that this update applies only to mobile sites. Google says that most sites will not see a drastic change with this rollout. They will be looking for several different factors, including:

Compliant with core web vitals
Mobile-friendly
No security issues
Must be HTTPS
No intrusive ads

A significant change in this update is that AMP is no longer needed for Google to place a story in their news carousel.

Danny Sullivan with Google says that webmasters should not worry too much about this update. He says that it will be used only as a tiebreaker when ranking sites that are close together.

Spam Update
On June 23 and 28, 2021, Google released spam updates. If your site was hard hit starting on those days, ensure that you have not been hit by a spammer. Google claims that they can spot over 90% of these sites and prevent users from reaching them.

As always, if we can be of help to you, please reach out to us.