Google Dance is a term used in the SEO industry for the period of time in which Google rebuilds its rankings, and as a result of this, rankings of websites on Google’s SERP may experience unexpected fluctuations. This generally happens once a month but it can also occur when Google updates its algorithms.
What is Google Dance?
The phrase was coined in reference to the way Google's results would materially change during the period that the new rankings were being implemented, and the results would 'dance' around depending upon when and where the search was requested. The dancing was more pronounced in Google’s early years when the index was small and less frequently updated.
Nowadays, Google’s index is significantly larger and updated in a near real-time manner. Therefore, the implementation of new rankings is more subtle and less noticeable to webmasters and SEOs, although it can still affect rankings for those closely monitoring their positions.
Why is Google Dance important?
Understanding Google Dance is crucial for SEO professionals, digital marketers, and website owners for a number of reasons. Firstly, it informs users about potential ranking fluctuations and uncertain website traffic, which can be alarming if taken out of context. Secondly, having knowledge about Google Dance can help professionals to accurately strategize their SEO plans.
Those working in the realm of SEO should understand that fluctuations are a part of the process and an indication that Google’s algorithms are doing their job. Frequent drastic changes in rankings can be stressful but are often just part of the dance and nothing to worry about. Google is simply examining the web content and serving it to its users in the best way it sees fit.
Lastly, understanding Google Dance can better equip SEO professionals to anticipate changes and optimize their websites accordingly. This can help webmasters avoid unnecessary web page modifications that are often implemented as a panic response to ranking fluctuations. In a nutshell, understanding Google Dance leads to better SEO strategies and stable website performance.
Types of Google Dance
There are mainly two types of Google Dance. First, the major Google Dance, as stated, happened when extensive updates were rolled out affecting a large number of web pages. These types of dances would see larger shifts in rankings. The second type of Google Dance was due to minor algorithm tweaks by Google, leading to smaller day-to-day changes in rankings.
The frequency and impact of Google Dance are now less profound due to the real-time nature of updates. Google now relies heavily on artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to constantly update search rankings, instead of the monthly update model that was used in its early years.
Examples of Google Dance
The Florida update
The Florida Update in 2003 was one of the famous examples of Google Dance. When Google rolled out this update targeting keyword stuffing, many websites experienced drastic ranking drops, and it was a prime example of a Google Dance Event.
The Panda update
The Google Panda update was another example of a significant Google Dance. Rolled out in 2011, this algorithm change affected up to 12% of search queries. Designed to penalize websites with poor-quality content, the update led to significant shifts in website rankings.
The Penguin update
Introduced in 2012, the Google Penguin update was another Google Dance mover. This update targeted websites violating Google’s guidelines with manipulative link schemes, resulting in a noticeable dance in SERP.
Handy tips about Google Dance
Managing Google Dance requires understanding, patience, and a proactive SEO strategy. The following points should help to form a proficient plan to deal with Google Dance.
Don’t panic
Fluctuations in your ranking are natural, so panicking should be avoided.
Keep producing quality content
Quality content is always valued by Google algorithms. This leads to stability in the SERP ranking.
Always follow Google Webmaster Guidelines
Adhering to Google’s guidelines can help avoid major shifts during a Google Dance.
Conclusion
The Google Dance was historically a troublesome event for SEO professionals and webmasters, leading to often unanticipated shifts in SERP rankings. However, with an evolved understanding of Google’s algorithms and constant updates, Google Dance has become a manageable aspect of SEO today.
Understanding Google Dance is not just about monitoring rankings and traffic. It’s also about appreciating the dynamic nature of Google’s algorithms and recognizing that patience and quality content are key to achieving sustainable rankings. Acknowledging the dance for what it is can turn it into a tool rather than a hindrance, developing a more robust SEO strategy and leading to more stable website performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Google Dance?
Google Dance refers to changes in SERP rankings due to Google’s algorithm updates. It is a term used historically when these updates were less frequent and more disruptive, often causing significant changes in search engine rankings.
Why is understanding Google Dance important?
Understanding Google Dance helps SEO professionals and webmasters anticipate changes, stay informed about their rankings, and not react prematurely to any fluctuations. It guides them to focus on the long-term stability of their SEO strategies.
How can you manage Google Dance?
Managing Google Dance requires understanding and patience. In addition to this, adhering to Google Webmaster Guidelines, producing quality, relevant content, and staying informed about Google’s algorithm updates can help manage the fluctuations in SERP rankings better.