Google’s Algorithm Update: April 2015
On Sunday 19th April, Google launched its not-unexpected algorithm update that means non mobile-friendly websites are penalised in the rankings. However, as per usual, it snuck in a few other changes at the same time. In this case, it has made multiple changes to the way Google Maps search results appear.
The change appears to be associated with Google’s acquisition of restaurant, bar, hotel and accommodation rating service Zagat. Although it is not used much in Australia, it is a common feature of search results for restaurant and accommodation terms in Europe and America. Google will most likely move into further changes that will boost their affiliate-type revenue, collecting a portion from restaurant or hotel bookings, much like the affiliation they already have with several travel and flight booking websites.
The below screenshot shows how ‘Pubs Melbourne’ search results now appear (21 April, 2015). Exact street addresses are removed, there is no use of the A,B,C map location thumbnail previously used, nor is there a visible website address.
However, the below are the results for a search of ‘Physiotherapist Melbourne’. The A,B,C map thumbnail is still used, the whole street address for each physiotherapist is shown, as is their website.
Both still use the star rating system and a link to reviews.
Mobile is a must
The change that everyone’s talking about in this update, however, is the mobile update. Google has launched a change to its mobile search results. This means that searches made using Google on a mobile will rank those websites with mobile friendly pages higher than those with just a desktop suitable website.
“As more people use mobile devices to access the internet, our algorithms have to adapt to these usage patterns,” Google stated on a blog post.
This means that companies such as Coca-Cola Amatil and Domino’s Pizza as well as 66 per cent of the nation’s websites will rank lower in Google search results as they do not have mobile specific websites.
This is Coca Cola’s desktop friendly website in comparison to how it is displayed on a mobile phone.
These changes are important in keeping the things we see and search for on the internet relevant for our needs and appear appropriately on the device we are using, particularly as we are seeing huge increases in the use of mobile search.
Our job as a Digital Agency is to stay up to date with changes and updates across all media. If you’d like to find out more about how this latest update could be affecting your business, and to ensure you’re protected against future updates, feel free to get in touch.
