Editing Google Search (section)

=== "Hummingbird" search algorithm upgrade ===
{{Main|Google Hummingbird}}
In 2013, Google significantly upgraded its search algorithm with "Hummingbird". Its name was derived from the speed and accuracy of the [[hummingbird]].<ref name="What it means for SEO">{{Cite web |last=Elran |first=Asher |date=November 15, 2013 |title=What Google 'Hummingbird' Means for Your SEO Strategy |url=https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229926 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=[[Entrepreneur (magazine)|Entrepreneur]] |archive-date=June 24, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220624221717/https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/229926 |url-status=live }}</ref> The change was announced on September 26, 2013, having already been in use for a month.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Danny |date=September 26, 2013 |title=FAQ: All About The New Google "Hummingbird" Algorithm |url=https://searchengineland.com/google-hummingbird-172816 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=[[Search Engine Land]] |archive-date=December 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181223110045/https://searchengineland.com/google-hummingbird-172816 |url-status=live }}</ref> "Hummingbird" places greater emphasis on [[natural language]] queries, considering context and meaning over individual keywords.<ref name="What it means for SEO" /> It also looks deeper at content on individual pages of a website, with improved ability to lead users directly to the most appropriate page rather than just a website's homepage.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Dodds |first=Don |date=December 16, 2013 |title=An SEO Guide to the Google Hummingbird Update |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-dodds/an-seo-guide-to-the-google_b_4104521.html |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=[[HuffPost]] |publisher=[[Oath Inc.]] |archive-date=June 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160604072816/http://www.huffingtonpost.com/don-dodds/an-seo-guide-to-the-google_b_4104521.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The upgrade marked the most significant change to Google search in years, with more "human" search interactions<ref>{{Cite web |last=Taylor |first=Richard |date=September 26, 2013 |title=Google unveils major upgrade to search algorithm |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-24292897 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=[[BBC News]] |publisher=[[BBC]] |archive-date=June 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626025853/https://www.bbc.com/news/business-24292897 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a much heavier focus on conversation and meaning.<ref name="What it means for SEO" /> Thus, web developers and writers were encouraged to [[Search engine optimization|optimize their sites]] with natural writing rather than forced keywords, and make effective use of technical web development for on-site navigation.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Marentis |first=Chris |date=April 11, 2014 |title=A Complete Guide To The Essentials Of Post-Hummingbird SEO |url=https://searchengineland.com/adapting-googles-2013-algorithm-shake-ups-navigate-win-todays-seo-188427 |access-date=December 10, 2017 |website=[[Search Engine Land]] |archive-date=June 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628010329/https://searchengineland.com/adapting-googles-2013-algorithm-shake-ups-navigate-win-todays-seo-188427 |url-status=live }}</ref>