🔍 Why does Google pre-announce search updates that have minor ranking impact

Microsoft Advertising released new features for advertisers [View in browser]( | [Share]() [Search Engine Land]() Jan 12, 2022 Jan 12, 2022 Good morning, Search Marketer, did you ever wonder why Google pre-announces search algorithm updates that have minor ranking impact? I’ve been following Google’s algorithm updates for about two decades now and time-and-time again, the algorithm updates that Google gives us months or even years to prepare for, are often the ones that have the least amount of impact on rankings in Google’s search results. The most recent is the page experience update, it was [page experience update]() that was pre-announced in May 2020 but it didn’t start to [roll out until]() over a year later – oh and we have the [desktop version]() announced in November 2021 not rolling out until next month. Google even told us the page experience update is a minor factor and you should not see significant changes from it. This is the same for the [intrusive interstitials penalty]() where we had months of a heads up with little recourse after it launched. The same with [page speed update](), months of notice, little impact in reality. The list goes on and on, virtually all these long lead time search algorithm updates. It is the updates Google does not give us huge lead time to prepare for that impact the rankings the most, like the core updates, the Penguin and Panda updates from the past and most of the updates that go unconfirmed or unannounced. Why? Why keep us busy with updates where the outcome in ranking is minor? Well, Google might say it is because we can act on these pre-announced updates because they require technical changes to our sites. Core updates and quality updates are about the content and quality of your site, there isn’t one technical change to make. But again, there is no real meat in these pre-announced updates – so should we panic and put so much effort into working on them, when we can focus on overall site quality improvements? Barry Schwartz,Focused on what matters [Microsoft Advertising Shopping campaigns reporting enhancements]() Plus Microsoft Audience Network, Similar audiences and in-market audiences have been expanded. [Read More]() [Why server logs matter for SEO]() Server log analysis can provide unparalleled insights into crawl prioritization, enabling SEO teams to finetune their crawl budget management for better rankings. [Read More]() [Post-Cookie Marketing Playbook: Understand the first-party imperative]() The death of the cookie means only brands with access to authenticated first-party data will be set up to succeed in the future. The choice is clear: Be forced to rely on expensive walled gardens or move up the customer data maturity curve to thrive in a privacy-first world. Download this guide from ActionIQ to understand where you fall on the customer data maturity spectrum, what it takes to develop your frst-party data strategy and the best place to start based on your unique business needs. [Learn more.]() [Google’s page experience update coming to desktop next month]() This won't be a big update, but do expect new Search Console reports soon as well. [Read More]() [Should your SEO team invest in SEO tools?]() Before you purchase these essential tools, make sure your organization has the resources, and the right mindset, to practice search engine optimization effectively. [Read More]() [Become a master of search marketing in 2022]() Say hello to the SMX Master Classes… live, two-day deep dives into your search marketing specialty, featuring actionable tactics and invaluable Q&A with industry legends. [Learn more]() [The real-world impact of keyword stuffing in Google My Business]() Many businesses are rebranding completely to skirt Google's guidelines. But when everyone does it, it becomes a branding nightmare. [Read More]() From MarTech - [Constant Contact acquires Australia-based Vision6]() - [How to bring empathy to your customer experience strategy]() - [How to leverage intent and engagement in the buying cycle]() - [Tourism Ireland bets on marketing partnership with IMAX producer to bring back tourism]() - [RevOps teams struggle with integration and alignment]() Know someone who would like this newsletter as much as you? Copy this link to share the Search Engine Land newsletter via email, social, or text: [() [Search Engine Land]() Reach the Search Engine Land community. Learn about advertising/sponsorship [here](). This email was sent to {EMAIL}. [Unsubscribe.]() [We respect your privacy.]() This email was sent by: Search Engine Land - a Third Door Media, Inc. publication with headquarters at 88 Schoolhouse Road, PO Box 3103, Edgartown, MA 02539 [Manage my subscriptions.]() © 2006-2022 Third Door Media. All Rights Reserved. Safelist us. [To ensure delivery to your inbox, add us to your address book.]()