Google algorithm May 2022 core update explained

Google introduced a new broad update to its core algorithm on May 25 th , 2022. This is the algorithm used to determine where your site ranks for keywords, and which results are shown for each search term. Understanding this update, as well as the Google algorithm in general, is key to successful SEO campaigns.

Here we investigate the update and will continue to add to this post as more information is revealed or discovered.

When will the update affect you?

The quick answer is that it has probably already started to affect your rankings. The slightly longer answer is that it will almost definitely affect different sites in different ways. For example, a Google Medic algorithm update in 2018 heavily affected industries with pages focused on sales – what we call ‘Your Money, Your Life’ pages. Unfortunately, it is unclear at this point whether there is a specific focus to the May 2022, but we are keeping our eyes and ears peeled for the latest information and will share with you as soon as we know – check back here for details.

Google have warned that the update will be fully rolled out within 1 to 2 weeks – and that during that time you could see very volatile rankings. It is important not to panic and start making lots of changes without being fully informed.

Any advice from Next Chapter

Our current advice is to wait until the algorithm rollout has completed, and then start to tackle any major drops in ranking once the focus of the update is clearer.

The most important thing to remember is the algorithm updates help improve search relevancy, which in turn should help bring the right users to your site who are willing to convert. Therefore, the more updates google releases, the better you should rank for relevant keywords.

And of course, we always advise you seek advice from SEO experts like Next Chapterif you are still unsure.

Any advice from Google?

So far, Google have been tight lipped regarding the specific contents of this core update, however they are directing users to their generic core updates guidefor more information. They also have a blog postwhich they aim to update in the coming weeks.

If you’d like us to do the research for you, check back here for more advice and insights from Next Chapter as information is released.

What’s next?

With the update fully rolled out, we should all now be able to see the effects. It is likely shown by a jump or drop in average rankings between May 25 th and June 8 th , information which can viewed in Google Analytics. It is important to look at the full list of your organic keywords and check how they have changed over that period. Even when your average ranking has increased, there could be an important term which has dropped.

But, what do you do if your rankings have dropped as a result of the algorithm update? Google has provided a list of questions to answer to try and identify the cause– so go through these and make changes accordingly.

Need help understanding the update? Or just general SEO advice? As a leading SEO marketing agency, we can help. Take a look at our expertise, get in touchand start a projectwith us today.