Search came a long way this past year. We saw the appearance of the zero-result SERP, featuring knowledge cards for answers such as conversions and times.
We welcomed the mobile-first index[1] and the mobile speed update[2]. With the focus on mobile, we saw meta description[3] lengths shorten from 300+ to 150 or so.
We saw minor changes to image search[4] and a renewed emphasis on “compelling and shareable content.” After testing video carousels on desktop SERPs for a while, Google decided to roll the feature out by replacing video thumbnails with video carousels across the board. Understandably, we’ve since seen more focus on producing video[5].
Some algorithm updates occurred overnight, some happened incrementally. Some caused only ripples, and some turned the SERPs updside down.
As we say hello to 2019, we want to take a moment to reflect on this past year. The algorithm changes[6] we saw last year can be indicators of changes or trends to come. Search engines often make incremental adjustments to their filters.
So, our friends over at E2M have created a visual and entertaining overview of what went down in Google Search over 2018 — and which might help give us an idea of where we’re going next.
Google’s biggest Search algorithm updates of 2018 – A visual representation by E2M[7][8][9]
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