Google Algorithm Updates: What to Do

By Niranjan Yamgar
Google Algorithm Updates: What to Do

Google algorithm updates are something every website owner and business must understand to keep their online growth stable. Many times, people see sudden drops in traffic and panic, but most of the time it happens due to changes in how Google updates its rules for ranking. If your website follows correct practices like quality content, technical SEO, strong backlinks, and user experience, then updates will not harm you. In fact, they can give better results if you are genuine. Learning what to do during these updates is very important for small businesses, bloggers, freelancers, and eCommerce owners in India.

What are Google Algorithm Updates

Google algorithm is the system that decides which page will rank on top for a search. Updates are changes or improvements Google makes to show better results for users. These updates are made to remove spammy websites, reward sites with good content, and make search more fair. That is why many sites suddenly lose ranking if they use shortcuts or black hat SEO tricks.

Why Google Algorithm Updates Matter

For a business or a blogger, Google is a major source of traffic. When an update happens, your site may move up or down. If you are careless, you may lose customers overnight. But if you follow correct strategies, then each Google update can actually give you more visibility. This is why monitoring and adapting to changes is very important.

Types of Algorithm Updates

Update Type Main Focus
Core Updates Changes in ranking system for content quality, trust, and relevance
Mobile Updates Focuses on mobile friendliness and speed
Spam Updates Removes spam content and link manipulation
Product Review Updates Checks if reviews are genuine and detailed
Helpful Content Updates Rewards content written for humans not just search engines

What to Do During Algorithm Updates

Many business owners panic when traffic drops, but the right way is to take clear steps. Here is what you can do:

  • Check Google Search Console to see if any warnings or manual actions appear
  • Compare your rankings before and after using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush
  • Update old content with new useful details
  • Check site speed and mobile optimization
  • Focus on user experience like easy navigation and quick loading
  • Build quality backlinks and remove spammy ones
  • Write detailed, genuine content instead of short keyword-stuffed posts

Helpful Tools to Monitor Updates

You can track Google updates and site impact using these tools:

  • Google Search Console – check for indexing and ranking changes
  • Analytics – to see visitor drop or rise
  • MozCast – tracks Google volatility
  • SEMrush Sensor – shows update impact in different industries
  • Search Engine Land – publishes news about updates

Impact on Indian Businesses

A small tailor shop in Nagpur running a fashion blog saw traffic drop after a Google update. On checking, content was too thin with only 200 words per post. After updating with detailed guides, customer reviews, and adding FAQ schema, rankings improved again. This proves that Google rewards quality not shortcuts.

Mini Guide for Beginners to Handle Updates

If you are new and worried about Google updates, just follow this mini guide:

  1. Do not panic if you see traffic drops suddenly
  2. Check if your content really solves customer queries
  3. Update product or service pages with rich media like images, tables, FAQs
  4. Focus more on evergreen topics instead of relying on trends only
  5. Keep checking your backlinks and remove spammy ones

Role of AI and Automation in Staying Ready

AI and automation can make adapting to Google updates easier. For example:

  • Use ChatGPT to rewrite old thin content into detailed useful guides
  • Automate your SEO monitoring using n8n workflows pulling data daily from Google Search Console
  • Grammarly for improving readability and language
  • AI-based keyword tools to find low competition topics

Common Mistakes People Make During Updates

Instead of calmly analyzing, many people make big mistakes:

  • Deleting content completely instead of improving it
  • Buying spammy backlinks thinking it will boost ranking again
  • Changing whole site design without understanding root issue
  • Publishing random irrelevant blogs just to show activity
  • Not checking technical SEO errors like broken links and slow speed

Steps to Future-Proof Your Website

You cannot stop updates but you can prepare. Some steps are:

  • Keep publishing detailed evergreen content
  • Optimize mobile performance regularly
  • Make sure your website has clean structure and easy navigation
  • Add structured data for FAQs, articles, products
  • Focus on customer trust with reviews and testimonials
  • Follow only white hat SEO practices

Advanced Strategy for Bloggers and eCommerce

If you want to go further and stay prepared for all updates:

  • Create pillar content with 3000+ words covering complete customer problem
  • Regularly monitor keyword cannibalization where multiple pages target same keyword
  • Build social media presence in WhatsApp, YouTube, and Instagram to balance traffic sources
  • Use schema for reviews if selling products online
  • Run small Google Ads campaigns for top performing pages to maintain visitors during update fluctuations

Final Thoughts from Niranjan Yamgar

Google algorithm updates are not enemies but guides that help real businesses win. If you focus on users, keep your website technically strong, and publish genuine content, then you will benefit after most updates. Those who use shortcuts will keep struggling. I advise every blogger, shop owner, and online business to keep improving slowly instead of fearing changes. Remember, SEO is a journey and updates are part of it. If you feel you need more support in handling updates and long-term ranking stability, you can reach out to my top SEO and online growth consultant helping Indian businesses grow with simple but smart strategies.