What is Google Hummingbird

Very recently Google announced ‘Hummingbird’, a new algorithm rather than just an update or a refresh. Google themselves said 2001, was the last time the algorithm was so dramatically rewritten. Hummingbird, so-called because it is “precise and fast” is likely to affect around 90% of all searches.

Google Hummingbird is the codename of a major search algorithm update that was released by Google in September 2013. This update was designed to enhance the accuracy and relevance of Google search results by improving the way that the search engine understands user queries and provides answers.

Whilst Google doesn’t provide the full details of how the algorithm works, there are clear implications for the future of SEO and content marketing. “Algorithm” is a technical term for the recipe that Google uses to sort through the billions of web pages and other information it has, in order to return what it believes are the most useful answers.

Google provide some guidance on the type of activity you should be engaged in to assist your site’s relevance. These will still include such things as having original, high-quality content. Many of the SEO methods that have been important in the past remain important; Hummingbird just allows Google to process them in new more efficient ways.

One of the key features of Google Hummingbird is its ability to understand the meaning behind a user’s search query, rather than simply focusing on specific keywords. This is achieved through the use of natural language processing (NLP) and semantic search, which allow Google to analyze the context of a user’s search and provide more accurate and relevant results.

Another important aspect of Google Hummingbird is its emphasis on conversational search. This means that the search engine is able to recognize and respond to longer, more complex search queries that resemble natural language questions. This is particularly important for mobile users, who are increasingly using voice search to find information online.

In addition to these features, Google Hummingbird also introduced a number of other improvements to the search algorithm, including better support for synonyms and alternative words, enhanced knowledge graph integration, and improved ranking signals for local search results.

Authority and reputation, as determined by the methods Google has used and improved on for years, will remain crucial. Here is an infographic to help you get your head around it – however if you wish to talk to our SEO experts for a consultation please contact us at sales@matrixinternet.ie

Explore more infographics like this one on the web’s largest information design community – Visually.

Overall, the release of Google Hummingbird marked a significant milestone in the evolution of search engine technology. By focusing on understanding the meaning behind user queries and providing more conversational search experiences, Google was able to improve the accuracy and relevance of its search results and deliver a better user experience for millions of people around the world.

Spread the love
Share