Confirmed: Google Has Accelerated its Updates in 2021

There has been a lot of talk as of late concerning an apparent string of unannounced Google algorithm updates, hitting something of a peak during September and October. Online forums were inundated with website owners and SEO agencies alike venting their frustrations, having seen major declines in traffic that still have not recovered.

Now, we have a close approximation of confirmation that Google has indeed been stepping things up this year. Specifically, Mordy Oberstein over at SEMrush took to Twitter to share his own findings, confirming what most had suspected all along:

The volatility of Google’s SERP listings and general functioning has been off the charts in 2021.

Mordy’s series of posts on Twitter included a series of graphs and charts, indicating that Google’s mobile results were a whopping 84% more volatile this year than last. As for desktop, a huge 68 per cent increase in volatility was noted compared to last year.

Desktop 2020 vs 2021:

Desktop 2020 vs 2021

Mobile 2020 vs. 2021:

Whichever way you look at it, this amounts to a major headache for many (if not most) online businesses. Particularly when Google fails to offer any advice or information regarding its updates, the effects of such volatility can be catastrophic.

Unfortunately, it does not appear as if Google has any intention of taking its foot off the accelerator pedal anytime soon. October brought a raft of seemingly major changes to its core algorithm; this continues to have a major effect on desktop and mobile traffic for website owners worldwide. We can therefore only expect more to come throughout November, along with whatever tricks Google decides to get up to over the festive season.

Craig Upton
 

Craig Upton supports UK businesses by increasing sales growth using various revenue streams online. Creating strategic partnerships and keen focus to detail, Craig equips websites with the right tools to increase traffic. Craig is also the CEO of iCONQUER, a UK based SEO agency and has been working in the digital marketing arena for over a decade. A trusted SEO consultant and trainer, Craig has worked with British brands such as FT.com, DJKit, UK Property Finance, Serimax, Bridging Finance and has also supported UK doctors, solicitors, builders, jewellers, to mention a few, to gain more exposure online. Craig has gained a wealth of knowledge within the digital marketing space and is committed to creating new opportunities working with UK companies.