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Google's Hummingbird algorithm aims searches 'on the fly'
On its 15th birthday, Google gave the world a big surprise by introducing a new algorithm called the Hummingbird. Unlike its regular updates viz. Panda, Penguine and Cafeinne, this one is an actual algorithm devised by Google.
On its 15th birthday, Google gave the world a big surprise by introducing a new algorithm called the Hummingbird. Unlike its regular updates viz. Panda, Penguine and Cafeinne, this one is an actual algorithm devised by Google. Adding gravity to the matter is that its last algorithm was brought to light in 2001. So, the search engine giant is bound to bring in some revolutionary change this time.
Owning to the flood of tablets, high tech mobile phones and mobile websites, Google has refined it search capability to suit those who are on the fly. In a layman language, it is going to be more language specific than keyword specific. The searches would be more directed towards the answers of questions than searches based on keyword or related items.
Shift to semantic search:
The root of this algorithm also goes deeper into Google's initiative to find an apt solution for voice searches. As people are using voice search technology, the search engine Magnate wanted to give accurate results to the long search queries which include 'where', what', 'how' etc. So, Hummingbird aims at bringing semantic searches to understand the query of mobile website user.
Due to the considerable increase in the number of mobile and searches, Google has brought this concept of 'conversational search' which focusses on the meaning of the query rather than the matching phrase. It wants to give accurate answers to searches made through mobile websites and questions. This way it has simplified the task of searcher but for the SEO experts this can be nerve wracking.
The competitive edge:
Experts hints that the reasons for bringing this algorithm might not be just 'a superlative user experience' but also plans to promote Google products underneath. It would now be competitive with Yelp and WolframAlpha which gives answers to voice search done on Apple iPhone's Siri. Thus, Google gives a smell of a strong competitive edge behind the Hummingbird.
Conclusion:
Much more needs to be explored in the reasons, mechanism and results behind latest innovation of Google. SEO professionals need an alert observation to bring in more precise results. Mobile searchers can just relax as their questions would be answered with much accuracy and at a faster rate. So, all you mobile website users, get ready with your questions as Google is there to give perfect answers now.
