Google’s minor tweak to search algorithm is a major change

Google adjusts search algorithm

“Different searches have different freshness needs,” according to a recent Google statement. As part of Google’s unspoken quest to think like the human brain, they have tweaked their search algorithm a bit to bring recent results to the top of search which they say will affect roughly 35 percent of all searches. The change is designed for searches about recent events, regularly recurring events (NFL scores, Exxon earnings), and frequently updated information (camera reviews).

Google Fellow Amit Singhal explains how it works. Regarding recurring events, “If I search for [olympics], I probably want information about next summer’s upcoming Olympics, not the 1900 Summer Olympics (the only time my favorite sport, cricket, was played). Google Search uses a freshness algorithm, designed to give you the most up-to-date results, so even when I just type [olympics] without specifying 2012, I still find what I’m looking for.”

Seeking the latest and greatest

Consumers are reportedly increasing the volume of searches seeking current information, so Google is rewarding dynamic, frequently updated content by serving it more effectively to consumers. “This algorithmic improvement is designed to better understand how to differentiate between these kinds of searches and the level of freshness you need, and make sure you get the most up to the minute answers,” Singhal said.

Google’s last major search to their algorithm changed how websites came in results as it sought to punish content farms and although they have made minor tweaks since then, this is the first major alteration to the algorithm that has been publicly announced.