Google's search algorithm is in a constant state of flux, with the company making 500-600 changes each year. While most of these are minor tweaks, some are major game-changers that can affect the way we approach SEO.

In this blog, we'll take a look at how often Google updates its search algorithms and how to keep track of them.

The Ever-changing Landscape of SEO

The landscape of SEO is always changing, especially with Google's search algorithm. The algorithm is constantly being updated and changed, which can impact SEO strategies.

This means that SEO professionals need to be constantly adaptable and up-to-date with the latest changes. While this can be a challenge, it also provides an opportunity to stay ahead of the competition.

By being proactive and keeping up with the latest changes, businesses can ensure that their SEO strategies are effective and can help them maintain a strong online presence.

How often Google updates its search algorithms?

Google's search algorithm is constantly evolving, with hundreds of changes made each year. While most of these changes are small and go unnoticed by users, they can have a significant impact on a website's visibility in search results.

While Google doesn't disclose how often its algorithm changes, industry experts estimate that it happens several times a day. This constant tweaking can make it difficult to keep up with the latest SEO best practices, but it also means that there are always opportunities to improve your website's ranking.

4 Helpful Ways to Keep Track of Google's Search Algorithms

Website Traffic and Analytics

There are several methods to stay on top of Google's frequent website updates and algorithm changes. One way to stay up-to-date is to frequently check your traffic in your analytics platform to stay on track of your progress. Also, performing a Google search for your site will give you the opportunity to see your current ranking among your competitors.

While analysing your website’s performance, you may notice that your visitors engage with it in a certain way. If you keep track of this type of behaviour, you’ll have a clear idea of when and which update had an impact on the overall performance of your website.

Google Webmaster Blog

This is Google’s official blog where they announce upcoming algorithm changes, sometimes weeks or even months in advance. It’s highly recommended to keep an eye on this resource to stay up on the latest changes straight from Google and make the adjustments you require accordingly without being late for the party.

SEO News Sites

In addition to the Google blog, there are other reputable sources of information on SEO. It's important to read through various news websites and blogs to get a well-rounded understanding of the topic. By doing so, you can stay up-to-date on the latest developments and ensure that your website is optimally ranking in search results.

Google Alerts

If you want to stay ahead of any algorithm changes, setting up a Google alert is one of the easiest ways to do it. You can customize your alerts to focus on specific phrases, topics, sources and so on. This will ensure that you stay up-to-date on any potential changes that could impact your website.

Tools to Track Algorithm Updates

Here are some effective tools you can use to track Google algorithm updates:

The Google Search Console: This free tool provides valuable insights into your website's search traffic and performance, helping you to identify any issues. By understanding the issues, you can make informed decisions to optimize your site and improve your overall online presence.

SERPWatcher: This tool provides comprehensive analytics and tracking for both your website's ranking and SERP changes. By keeping an eye on these metrics, you can make necessary changes to maintain a top position on search engines.

MozCast: This free tool offers daily updates on Google's algorithms, displayed in a clear and concise "weather report" format. This valuable resource provides crucial insights for keeping your website content up-to-date and optimized for search engine ranking.

Algoroo: This tool uses a metric called a 'risk-oriented object' (ROO) to measure volatility. A higher ROO value indicates greater risk.

SEMrush Sensor: SERP volatility is one of the best things to track when it comes to algorithms and this tool does just that. It breaks SERP volatility down into categories like device and location, which makes it even more useful.

CognitiveSEO Signals: This keyword monitoring tool can keep track of over 100,000 keywords on a daily basis, and receive notifications when Google is experiencing volatility.

Accuranker: This tool can help you identify how Google is feeling at any given time. By customizing the device and country settings, you can get a better idea of whether Google is confused or relaxed. This information can be valuable in understanding how algorithms may change in the future.