Introduction and History of Google Hummingbird
– Google announced Hummingbird in September 2013.
– It had been in use for approximately one month before the announcement.
– Hummingbird was the first major update to Google’s search algorithm since the 2010 Caffeine upgrade.
– Amit Singhal described Hummingbird as the most dramatic change to the algorithm since 2001.
– The name ‘Hummingbird’ represents the speed and accuracy of the algorithm.
Features of Google Hummingbird
– Hummingbird considers the context of different words in a search query for more relevant results.
– It aims to make interactions with the search engine more human-like by understanding concepts and relationships between keywords.
– It places greater emphasis on page content and authority, leading users to specific pages.
– Hummingbird is a significant improvement in understanding user intent and providing meaningful results.
– The update focused on improving the overall search experience.
Changes in Search Engine Optimization due to Google Hummingbird
– Natural language usage was encouraged instead of forced keywords.
– Technical website features like page linking and on-page elements became more important.
– High-quality, relevant content without duplication was emphasized.
– Long-tailed keywords gained more significance.
– Google started showing more theme-related results instead of exact phrases or keywords.
Related Google Algorithms and Concepts
– Google Panda (2011)
– Google penalty
– Google Penguin
– Google Pigeon
– Google Knowledge Graph
References
– Grind, Kirsten; Schechner, Sam; McMillan, Robert; West, John (November 15, 2019). How Google Interferes With Its Search Algorithms and Changes Your Results. Wall Street Journal.
– Sullivan, Danny (September 26, 2013). Google Reveals Hummingbird Search Algorithm, Other Changes At 15th Birthday Event. Search Engine Land.
– Sullivan, Danny (September 26, 2013). FAQ: All About The New Google Hummingbird Algorithm. Search Engine Land.
– Hull, Jeremy. Google Hummingbird: where no search has gone before. Wired.
– Elran, Asher (November 15, 2013). What Google Hummingbird Means for Your SEO Strategy. Entrepreneur.
Hummingbird is the codename given to a significant algorithm change in Google Search in 2013. Its name was derived from the speed and accuracy of the hummingbird. The change was announced on September 26, 2013, having already been in use for a month. "Hummingbird" places greater emphasis on natural language queries, considering context and meaning over individual keywords. It also looks deeper at content on individual pages of a website, with improved ability to lead users directly to the most appropriate page rather than just a website's homepage.
The upgrade marked the most significant change to Google search in years, with more "human" search interactions and a much heavier focus on conversation and meaning. Thus, web developers and writers were encouraged to optimize their sites with natural writing rather than forced keywords, and make effective use of technical web development for on-site navigation.
