What You Need To Know About Google’s Newest Algorithm, Hummingbird

What’s the buzz?  Here’s what you need to know about Google Hummingbird.

So you’re not tech-savvy person, but you keep hearing all about Google’s newest algorithm, Hummingbird, and how it is affecting the future of search engine optimization (SEO).  If you’re like most people, you really don’t need to understand how it all works; but you do need to know about how it affects your website’s performance.  Let’s try to break it down in simple terms:

Hummingbird focuses on “conversational search”.  This means that instead of just narrowing in on the search words or phrases used (the query), it now tries to interpret the meaning behind the words, and display results featuring relevant content.

Example 1:  If you were to search “closest place to buy an MacBook to my home” prior to the new algorithm, Google’s search engine results pages (SERP) might display results showing pages that say the words “buy” and “MacBook.”

With Hummingbird, Google endeavors to provide results that are better tailored to what you mean.  It might recognize the location of your home if you have shared that information (or by your IP address), it may interpret that “place” means you are seeking an actual store or provider, and that “MacBook” is a particular product sold by certain stores.

Example 2: If you were to search “Pay your bills through PNC Bank” on the old algorithm, Google would bring up the homepage for PNC Bank. 

Now, Google will look for the specific pages on the PNC Bank website that are relevant and trustworthy for “paying bills” and display relevant content.

So how will your website respond to Hummingbird?  Well, a lot will depend on the quality of your content and site’s SEO.  Hummingbird will search for sites that can best answer the query (relevant), avoid shady SEO techniques (trustworthy), and are considered to be a reputable content sources by other websites from which they are linked (authority).  Remember, just because your site has an appealing design does not mean that it will perform well for search spiders and Hummingbirds!

The key is to provide meaningful and useful content for your site visitors.  This includes information about the cost of your service, how long it takes to complete the job, or what makes you different from other companies.  Provide an FAQs page, or, better yet, BLOG!  Ask yourself the same questions asked by your clients and prospects.  If they are asking these questions, imagine how many others are typing them into search engines first!

But, be patient!  It might take time and effort to obtain – and maintain – good SEO results.  But with a comprehensive approach to content creation, link-building, and online marketing, you can achieve increased traffic, inquiries, and opportunities.

Google’s new algorithm is flocking toward sites that deliver content on a silver platter.  Make sure your platter is optimized and filled with sugar water that will attract those Hummingbirds!