# Algorithm Update

> Changes Google makes to its ranking systems.

Source: https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/algorithm-update

Algorithm updates are changes Google makes to how it ranks search results. They range from minor daily tweaks to major core updates that can significantly impact rankings. Google announces major updates but not minor ones.

## Example

A core update might cause sites with thin content to drop 30% while quality sites improve. The Helpful Content Update targeted AI-generated fluff.

## How to apply it

Monitor rankings around announced update dates, compare to industry trends, analyze impacted pages for patterns, focus recovery on content quality.

> **Pro tip:** If you drop after an update, don't panic-edit everything. Wait for the dust to settle, analyze patterns, then make strategic improvements.

## Related terms

- [Core Update](https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/core-update)
- [Helpful Content Update](https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/helpful-content-update)
- [Spam Update](https://anotherseoguru.com/en/glossary/spam-update)