On the eve of its 15^th birthday, Google released its new search algorithm, leaving website-owners and online marketing consultants begging the question, “What is Google going to do to my traffic this time?” Code-named “Hummingbird” for its “precise and fast” features, the new search algorithm focuses on three distinct targets: Queries, queries, and, yet again, queries.

Engineered to be more accurate and offer faster query results, Hummingbird concentrates more on user intent than individual search terms, striving for more precise and engaging user experience.

What does the Hummingbird Algorithm do?

In effect, Hummingbird pays more attention to the query as a whole — the entire meaning, conversation, question — rather than only a particular set of words. Ultimately, the goal is to interpret the meaning of the query better, instead of matching pages based only on a few random words.

In an age when mobile users are utilizing their devices and tablets to execute a verbal search, people are demanding more assistance for their web inquiries. And by better understanding the complexity of searches, Google can offer better solutions and more relevant information. This is Hummingbird’s underlying goal.

Bottom line: With its latest update, Google is trying to find the intent behind the queries, and offer a solution that will satisfy not the webmaster, but the web-browser.

Time to panic?

Indeed, business owners and SEO gurus often panic when a new Google-algorithm tweak begins filtering throughout the web-sphere. But there’s no need to panic, as long as you’re doing what you should be doing in the first place — and that is providing users with unique, high-quality content.

If you are already publishing useful and refreshing content, Hummingbird should not be a threat. In fact, while Google just recently announced the change, the algorithm has already been in place for over a month. So if you aren’t seeing notable changes in your web analytics, most likely your site has not been flagged.

Words of Wisdom

• Understand and adapt to semantic search methods.
• Become a provider of answers.
• Diagnose needs, identify problems, and provide solutions.
• Look at queries and identify what users are really seeking.

Social Media: It’s Critical!

One piece of Hummingbird advice experts are highlighting is the importance to keep content out of isolation, but instead funneling content that is shared across social networks through targeted leaders. This is where creating unique content comes into play. While Google has included similar criteria in former algorithm rollouts, Hummingbird takes this component to a whole new level.

If you publish a keyword-stuffed blog post that caters strictly to search engines, Google’s crafty little spiders will likely scoot on to the next page on its list. Conversely, engaging information that provides REAL VALUE to users will result in likable and shareable content.

The ultimate solution: Write engaging content and use Facebook, Twitter, and other social tools to get your content out there!

Go on and begin creating those splendid articles we know you can create!

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