What is Google Hummingbird?
Google Hummingbird can be described as a brand-new search engine launched in September 2013. This version changed the way people use Google search as it was able to give significance to the words users typed into their investigations. Instead of merely matching terms in the query to terms in search results, the new algorithm tries to determine the intent of the question and compare it with relevant developments.
Through Hummingbird, Google took the significant technology that helped propel earlier innovations like the Knowledge graph and used it on the millions of pages that are available online.
Google provided a handful of examples of the way Hummingbird changed search results. For instance, if you were searching for “pay your bills through citizens bank and trust bank” prior to the change, your search would lead you to the homepage of the bank. After Hummingbird is installed, you will receive a hyperlink directly to the page on paying bills.
Latest Google Algorithm Updates
How will the Hummingbird update affect SEO?
The most obvious consequence of the Google Hummingbird update on SEO was a decrease in emphasis on keywords. It’s no longer crucial that the keywords that you include in your content are exactly the keywords you use in your search.
Some have argued that this was a sign that keywords were outdated; it really signifies that their significance has changed. Nowadays, instead of writing content based on specific keywords, you must note content that is targeted to particular areas. Keyword research, just like the features you can get from your BrightEdge Data Cube, remains essential since it provides insight into the subjects that people are searching on the internet most. This research can aid in aligning the process of creating content with what your target audience wants to be able to see.
How do I optimize my content to be optimized for Google Hummingbird?
As part of the Hummingbird update, Google made it even clearer that their main focus is on the experience of the user. In order to optimize your content, it is essential to adhere to these guidelines:
- Define your buyer’s personas and the steps they’ll take on their way to making a purchase.
- Utilize tools, such as BrightEdge’s Data Cube from BrightEdge, to find subjects and keywords that people frequently search for on the internet.
- Create content that naturally incorporates the keyword throughout the piece, which includes both the H1 tag and H2 tags, as well as in the body. The keyword should ideally be included in the alt tags of images and on the Meta description to be able to clearly communicate to potential visitors as well as to Google that your website is relevant to this specific topic.
- Include semantically related keywords on occasion in your writing to show your value.
- Monitor the metrics of your work, such as engagement, traffic, and influence on conversions, so that you have a better idea of whether or not your work will reach your intended people and achieve your objectives. This will allow you to modify and adapt your strategy moving forward.
It is believed that the Google Hummingbird algorithm was an important modification in the field of SEO since it significantly affected the way that search engines evaluated websites and determined the best results for the users. Businesses that want to remain relevant should ensure that they are aware of how to optimize their website for semantic search while also creating content that is beneficial to the end user.
