The May Core Algorithm Update 2020

Launched in May 2020, this was the second major core algorithm update of the year. Like other core updates, it was a broad change to Google’s ranking algorithm, aimed at improving the overall quality and relevance of search results.

 

Fallouts and Highlights from the Update

The May 2020 Core Update caused significant ranking fluctuations across various industries, with some websites experiencing dramatic changes in their search visibility. This update was particularly notable as it occurred during the global COVID-19 pandemic, a time when many businesses were already facing unprecedented challenges.

One of the most notable impacts was in the news and media sector. Several large news websites reported substantial traffic gains, while others saw unexpected drops. For instance, some local news sites saw significant increases in visibility, possibly due to increased interest in local information during the pandemic.

The update also had a significant impact on the e-commerce sector. Some online retailers saw dramatic increases in visibility, while others experienced substantial drops. This led to speculation about how Google was assessing product and category pages.

Google’s Danny Sullivan confirmed the update on Twitter, advising webmasters to focus on providing high-quality content as the best way to perform well in search results. He also acknowledged the unique timing of the update, given the ongoing pandemic, but emphasised that these core updates are regular occurrences.

The SEO community’s reaction was mixed, with many expressing concern about the timing of such a significant update during a global crisis. This led to discussions about the ethics of major algorithm changes during periods of economic instability.

 

Strategy Evolution

The May 2020 Core Update necessitated several shifts in SEO strategy:

1. Increased focus on creating timely, relevant content that addresses current user needs
2. Greater emphasis on E-A-T signals, particularly for YMYL pages
3. More attention to technical SEO factors, including site speed and mobile-friendliness
4. Development of strategies to improve content freshness and update frequency
5. Renewed importance of understanding and catering to changing user behaviour and search patterns

This update underscored the importance of adaptability in SEO strategies. It encouraged SEO professionals to be more responsive to changing user needs and search behaviours, particularly in light of global events like the pandemic.

For many websites, this meant reassessing their content strategies. There was a greater focus on creating timely, relevant content that addressed current user concerns and questions. News sites and e-commerce platforms, in particular, had to ensure they were providing up-to-date, accurate information.

The update also led to an increased emphasis on demonstrating expertise and trustworthiness, particularly for health and finance-related content. Many sites began to place greater emphasis on author credentials and citations to authoritative sources.

Overall, the May 2020 Core Update pushed the SEO industry towards more agile, user-centric practices. It highlighted the need for SEO strategies that could quickly adapt to changing circumstances and user needs, while still maintaining a focus on overall content quality and relevance.