Google’s search ecosystem is driven by hundreds of ranking factors and numerous algorithm updates. While BERT, Hummingbird, RankBrain, Penguin, and Panda are widely discussed, many equally impactful updates often get overlooked. In this blog, we’ll explore five major Google algorithms that continue to shape modern SEO—each explained in depth.

 

 

Context

 

1. Google Mobile-First Indexing

 

Google’s Mobile-First Indexing algorithm prioritizes the mobile version of websites for indexing and ranking. With mobile usage surpassing desktop traffic globally, this update ensures that search results reflect how users actually access the web.

 

Detailed Description

 

Introduced in phases starting in 2016 and fully rolled out over several years, Mobile-First Indexing means Google predominantly crawls websites using a mobile Googlebot. If your site’s mobile version is poorly optimized, slow, or contains less content than the desktop version, your rankings may drop.

 

The algorithm encourages:

•Responsive design

•Identical content on mobile and desktop

•Fast mobile page speed

•Properly sized images and readable text

 

This update pushed businesses to focus on mobile usability as a primary SEO factor rather than an afterthought.

 

 

2. Google Medic Update (E-A-T Emphasis)

 

Launched in August 2018, the Medic Update significantly impacted sites related to health, finance, lifestyle, and YMYL (Your Money, Your Life) sectors by prioritizing E-A-T—Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

 

Detailed Description

 

While not officially acknowledged as a “medical-only” update, the algorithm heavily affected health industry sites, earning its nickname. It evaluates:

•Content accuracy

•Author credentials

•Trust signals (citations, transparency, reviews)

•Site reputation and domain authority

 

Medic elevated high-expertise content while demoting low-quality or unverified information. This marked a major shift toward credibility-focused ranking, especially for websites offering life-impacting advice.

 

 

3. Google Fred Algorithm

 

The Fred Update, rolled out in 2017, targeted websites violating Google’s webmaster guidelines—particularly sites that prioritize revenue over user value.

 

Detailed Description

 

Fred focused on low-quality content sites overloaded with:

•Aggressive ads

•Thin or rewritten content

•Affiliate-heavy pages with no real substance

•Misleading CTAs

•Poor user experience metrics

 

Websites recovered only after significant restructuring, proving that engagement and value matter more than ad placements and keyword stuffing. This update paved the way for cleaner UX expectations across the web.

 

 

4. Google Core Web Vitals Update

 

Announced in 2020 and incorporated into the ranking systems starting 2021, Core Web Vitals measure real-world page experience metrics.

 

Detailed Description

 

Core Web Vitals evaluate three major performance areas:

1.Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) – Measures loading speed

2.First Input Delay (FID) / Interaction to Next Paint (INP) – Measures interactivity

3.Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS) – Measures visual stability

 

Google introduced these metrics to promote websites that load fast, behave predictably, and offer a smooth user experience. This update emphasized that performance optimization is not optional—it’s a ranking requirement.

 

 

5. Google Pigeon Algorithm

 

The Pigeon Update, released in 2014, dramatically improved local search results by integrating deeper ties between the local algorithm and Google’s core search algorithm.

 

Detailed Description

 

Pigeon affected searches with location-specific intent, such as:

•“Best pizza near me”

•“Plumber in Chicago”

•“Local dentist open now”

 

The update improved accuracy by:

•Prioritizing proximity

•Using improved location detection

•Strengthening local directory signals (Yelp, TripAdvisor, etc.)

 

Local businesses saw major ranking shifts depending on their NAP consistency (Name, Address, Phone), local citations, and Google Business Profile optimization.

 

 

Conclusion

 

Google’s algorithm ecosystem extends far beyond its most famous updates. Mobile-First Indexing, Medic, Fred, Core Web Vitals, and Pigeon all play crucial roles in shaping how websites rank today. Understanding these algorithms helps marketers, content creators, and businesses optimize strategies for long-term success.

 

As Google continues evolving, staying informed about these influential updates ensures your website remains visible, credible, and user-friendly in an ever-competitive search landscape