The latest Google algorithm updates and what they mean for your website

With advancements in machine learning and artificial intelligence, Google will continue to rely on its AI-powered algorithms to provide the most relevant and accurate search results. The search engine giant will continue to evolve to keep up with changing user behaviours, new technologies, and trends.

Here are some potential SEO algorithm updates that could shape Google’s future in 2023, from our SEO agency in Melbourne!

1. Mobile-first indexing

Google has been rolling out mobile-first indexing since 2018, and by 2023, all websites may need to be mobile-friendly to rank well. Mobile-first indexing is a system where Google crawls and indexes a website based on how it appears on mobile devices, rather than desktop computers.

With mobile devices becoming the most common way for people to access the internet, Google will prioritize mobile-friendly websites in its search results. The search engine giant has already begun providing more personalized search results based on the user’s search history, location, and device type. Mobile-first indexing will become the norm, and sites that are not optimized for mobile devices will see a decline in search rankings.

2. Emphasis on user experience

Google will continue to place emphasis on website user experience. The search engine giant has already placed a high priority on user experience by providing faster and more relevant search results. Google’s Core Web Vitals update, which was released in June 2021, measures the user experience of a website based on speed, interactivity, and content stability.

In 2023, Google could update its algorithm to place even more importance on user experience metrics, such as page load speed, bounce rate, time on site, and click-through rate. Websites that provide a better user experience will have a higher chance of ranking well. This means that website owners will need to ensure their website is optimized for faster page speed, responsive design, and better website navigation.

3. Social media signals

Google already considers social media signals such as likes, shares, and comments when determining search rankings. However, in 2023, Google could place more emphasis on social media signals for SEO, as social media continues to play a significant role in online communication and information sharing.

With the rise of social commerce where people can buy directly from social media platforms, Google may place more importance on the user engagement and conversion rate of a website’s social media profiles. This could mean that websites with higher social media engagement and conversion rates will rank higher on search engine results pages (SERPs).

4. Voice search

Voice search is one of the fastest-growing search trends in recent years, and it is predicted to continue its upward trend in the future. Google already has a voice search feature that allows users to talk to their Google Assistant, but in 2023, voice search may play an even larger role in Google’s algorithm.

Google may update its algorithm to provide more accurate voice search results that are tailored to the user’s tone and intent. Websites that make use of voice search optimization, such as optimizing for voice search keywords and adding voice search-friendly content, will have a higher chance of ranking well.

5. Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a machine learning technique that allows computers to understand and interpret human language. Google already uses NLP to improve its search results, but in 2023, NLP could play an even more substantial role in Google’s algorithm.

Google may update its algorithm to better understand the intent of the user’s search queries and provide more personalized search results. Websites that use natural language in their content and optimize for semantic search will have a higher chance of ranking well as a result.

We’ll make your website Google’s best mate

All website owners will need to stay up-to-date on these changes and keep their website  optimized for these updates to rank well on Google’s SERPs – and that’s where our SEO services come in!

Our digital agency in Melbourne is here to do everything your business needs when it comes to staying in Google’s good books. We don’t use shortcuts, we don’t cheat the system, and we don’t overcharge. If that sounds too good to be true, just give our SEO specialists a buzz and book a FREE strategy call where we’ll tell you exactly what we can do for your business – and what we’ve done for our other clients. It’s just that easy!