Google Algorithm Update Fred [March 8th Unconfirmed Update]

March 20, 2017 by Ryan Trask

Each year, Google changes its search algorithm around 500–600 times. While most of these changes are minor, Google occasionally rolls out a "major" algorithmic update that affects search results in significant ways. This last major Google update dubbed "Fred" appears to be one of those major Google algorithmic updates.

Thoughts

Like all other Google updates, this update is a tad overblown. From what I have read, the update hits the crappy websites that have Ad heavy and low value content websites.

Analytics & Statistical Analysis

Our customers who are staying on top of their websites or have us taking care of their marketing for them are not having any issues from what I have seen. As per the usual, website owners who put the least effort into their websites watch their sites continue to fall further and further each year and wonder what the problem is.

Related articles and videos worth reading

• New, unconfirmed Google ranking update ‘Fred’ shakes the SEO world (Search Engine Land)
• Did Google’s Fred update hit low-value content sites that focus on revenue, not users? (Search Engine Land)
• Google Fred Update Targets Ad Heavy, Low Value Content Sites (Search Engine Roundtable)
• Google Fred Update: Big Google Algorithm Update Links Related (Search Engine Roundtable)
• Video: Google Fred Update Analyzed, Google Targets Fake & Hateful Content & Google Home Ads (YouTube by Barry Schwartz)
• Video: Google Fred Search Update, SEO, AMP, Links, Snippets, AdWords & More (YouTube by Barry Schwartz)
• Google Algorithm History and Change (Moz.com)

Conclusion

Continue to have a content strategy for your website, make sure to add valuable timely updates and use your social media wisely for a balanced content strategy.

Posted in: SEO / SEM