{"id":34063,"date":"2022-06-08T19:04:20","date_gmt":"2022-06-08T23:04:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crowdcontent.com\/blog\/?p=34063"},"modified":"2024-04-25T10:35:24","modified_gmt":"2024-04-25T10:35:24","slug":"googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Google\u2019s May 2022 Core Update: What You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_66_1 ez-toc-wrap-left counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #454545;color:#454545\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #454545;color:#454545\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#How_Googles_Search-Engine_Algorithm_Update_Could_Shape_Your_Website_Metrics\" title=\"How Google\u2019s Search-Engine Algorithm Update Could Shape Your Website Metrics\">How Google\u2019s Search-Engine Algorithm Update Could Shape Your Website Metrics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#What_Is_a_Broad_Core_Update\" title=\"What Is a Broad Core Update?\">What Is a Broad Core Update?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#What_Happened_in_Previous_Broad_Core_Updates\" title=\"What Happened in Previous Broad Core Updates?\">What Happened in Previous Broad Core Updates?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#What_Is_Unique_About_This_New_Broad_Core-Algorithm_Update\" title=\"What Is Unique About This New Broad Core-Algorithm Update?\">What Is Unique About This New Broad Core-Algorithm Update?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#Takeaways_From_Googles_May_2022_Core_Update\" title=\"Takeaways From Google\u2019s May 2022 Core Update\">Takeaways From Google\u2019s May 2022 Core Update<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#1_What_Google_Did_Advise_With_the_Update_Announcement\" title=\"1. What Google Did Advise With the Update Announcement\">1. What Google Did Advise With the Update Announcement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#2_Focus_on_E-A-T_Expertise_Authority_Trust\" title=\"2. Focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trust)\">2. Focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trust)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#3_Volatility_in_Website_Rankings_Is_Common_After_Broad_Core_Updates\" title=\"3. Volatility in Website Rankings Is Common After Broad Core Updates\">3. Volatility in Website Rankings Is Common After Broad Core Updates<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#4_Which_Search-Engine_Features_Had_Definite_Impacts\" title=\"4. Which Search-Engine Features Had Definite Impacts?\">4. Which Search-Engine Features Had Definite Impacts?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#The_Impact_on_FAQ_Snippets\" title=\"The Impact on FAQ Snippets\">The Impact on FAQ Snippets<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#The_Impact_on_Featured_Snippets\" title=\"The Impact on Featured Snippets\">The Impact on Featured Snippets<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#5_The_Big_Kahunas_What_Won_the_May_2022_Update\" title=\"5. The Big Kahunas: What Won the May 2022 Update\">5. The Big Kahunas: What Won the May 2022 Update<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-4' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#The_Rise_of_Video_Again\" title=\"The Rise of Video (Again)!\">The Rise of Video (Again)!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#Nobody_Likes_a_Know-it-All_Show_Why_Youre_the_Best_in_What_You_Know\" title=\"Nobody Likes a Know-it-All! Show Why You\u2019re the Best in What You Know\">Nobody Likes a Know-it-All! Show Why You\u2019re the Best in What You Know<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-4'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#Content_Is_King_More_Like_Context_Is_King\" title=\"Content Is King? More Like Context Is King!\">Content Is King? More Like Context Is King!<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/news\/googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know\/#Bottom_Line_Quality_Content_Is_the_Name_of_the_Game\" title=\"Bottom Line? Quality Content Is the Name of the Game\">Bottom Line? Quality Content Is the Name of the Game<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Googles_Search-Engine_Algorithm_Update_Could_Shape_Your_Website_Metrics\"><\/span>How Google\u2019s Search-Engine Algorithm Update Could Shape Your Website Metrics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Google implemented a \u201cbroad core update\u201d to its search-engine algorithm on May 25, 2022, as <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/blog\/2022\/05\/may-2022-core-update\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">announced by Danny Sullivan<\/a>, a Public Liaison for Google Search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Its full effects take a couple weeks to manifest because Google rolls out major updates gradually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is Google&#8217;s first broad core update in over six months since November, 2021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>An algorithm update is a big deal. It means Google is refining how its search engine interprets webpages, which impacts your company\u2019s rankings, traffic and, subsequently, revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is hard to assess, let alone prepare for, a broad core update. Google doesn\u2019t specify what the update is nor how it will affect your website metrics because broad core updates have wide scopes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what\u2019s the deal? How will this Google algorithm update modify your website\u2019s performance? How will website content play a role? And, ultimately, what does this mean for your business?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We\u2019ll go over everything you need to know about Google\u2019s May 2022 core update!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_a_Broad_Core_Update\"><\/span>What Is a Broad Core Update?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Broad core updates represent an overall tweaking of the algorithm instead of a targeted effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of it in terms of car maintenance. An engine tuneup maintains overall performance but isn&#8217;t a particular fix meant to identify a specific problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Google\u2019s broad core updates impact search-engine ranking factors across the board without addressing any one component in detail. That\u2019s why Google calls them \u201cbroad.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Past updates like <a href=\"https:\/\/moz.com\/learn\/seo\/google-panda\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Panda<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/moz.com\/learn\/seo\/google-penguin\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Penguin<\/a> were targeted, specifically looking at the quality of backlinks and content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Other updates are more specific still. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.searchenginejournal.com\/google-algorithm-history\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Search adjusted<\/a> how product reviews and spam impact relevant rankings in December &amp; November, respectively, of 2021.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But broad core updates? They change how the algorithm values a webpage in a more wide-ranging way. Who knows what could happen!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So then how in the heck are you supposed to respond to broad core updates?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You just need to ensure you&#8217;re nailing all the essential best practices. Know <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/seo\/how-to-optimize-content-for-seo\/\">how to optimize content for SEO<\/a>, provide great user experiences, have fast page speeds and build healthy backlinks!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Happened_in_Previous_Broad_Core_Updates\"><\/span>What Happened in Previous Broad Core Updates?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>We mentioned the most recent broad core update before this one was in November, 2021. But the June\/July 2021 update is what actually takes the cake for the most website impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s because the update was so large, Google split its deployment into two, launching the first half of it in June and then finishing up in July. This was largely unprecedented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Data analysts observed a lot of <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/googles-june-2021-core-update-was-slow-to-roll-out-here-is-what-the-data-providers-saw-349349\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">volatility for website performances across many industries<\/a> as Google Search rolled out the June\/July 2021 broad core update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One analyst described it as \u201cone of the largest core updates we\u2019ve seen from Google yet.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Will this May 2022 update have the same punch? How will it impact your company\u2019s website? Importantly, how will it affect your business and what do you have to do? Let\u2019s try to find out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_Unique_About_This_New_Broad_Core-Algorithm_Update\"><\/span>What Is Unique About This New Broad Core-Algorithm Update?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In a way, nothing. Or, at least nothing that the public can confirm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, when it comes to broad core updates, Google never provides any specific details. All we know is these updates have the potential to significantly disrupt rankings on Google Search.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The SEO community had (correctly) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seroundtable.com\/google-search-ranking-update-33430.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">speculated about an impending core update<\/a> about a week before it happened, causing many to guess that data changes during that time were casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But <a href=\"https:\/\/searchengineland.com\/google-releases-may-2022-broad-core-update-385435\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">according to <em>Search Engine Land<\/em><\/a>, John Mueller, a Webmaster-Trends Analyst at Google, said that, \u201cwhen we announce core updates, we start the rollout at that point, not beforehand.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And broad core updates tend to be rolled out over time. So any noticeable differences in website traffic from late May into mid-June we can safely assume were influenced by this new update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Takeaways_From_Googles_May_2022_Core_Update\"><\/span>Takeaways From Google\u2019s May 2022 Core Update<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start by researching some of the data related to this broad core-algorithm update and what we can glean for brands and content marketers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_What_Google_Did_Advise_With_the_Update_Announcement\"><\/span>1. What Google <em>Did<\/em> Advise With the Update Announcement<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As is typical, Google doesn\u2019t provide any specific feedback, preemptive or otherwise, about how content marketers and website managers can prepare for or adjust to a broad core update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/blog\/2022\/05\/may-2022-core-update\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google tried to impart<\/a> on many, \u201cdon\u2019t try to fix the wrong things,\u201d shortly before acknowledging that, for some, \u201cthere might not be anything to fix at all.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But surely there must be some way to narrow down a particular takeaway and receive actionable advice from Google?!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, actually, kind of, yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whenever Google announces a broad core update, as general advice, they always point to <a href=\"https:\/\/developers.google.com\/search\/blog\/2019\/08\/core-updates\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">documentation for search-ranking best practices<\/a> unchanged since 2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here, Google explains that content marketers and SEO specialists can best spend their energy after a broad core update by \u201cfocusing on ensuring you&#8217;re offering the best content you can.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means providing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Original information, reporting, research or analysis;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A substantial, complete or comprehensive description of the topic; and<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insightful analysis or interesting information that is beyond obvious.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>As a rule of thumb, if your site\u2019s rankings increased, your content probably already exhibits these practices. Conversely, if your rankings dropped, you likely need to up your content game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Focus_on_E-A-T_Expertise_Authority_Trust\"><\/span>2. Focus on E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trust)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>No, not food!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>E-A-T is the acronym that Google uses to describe best practices for optimizing content to rank well on their search engine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It stands for Expertise, Authority, Trust. Simply put, does your content a) demonstrate expertise in your field, b) come from a position of authority and c) compel readers to find you trustworthy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your goal as a website marketer responsible for online leads and digital sales should be to answer \u201cyes\u201d to all these questions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no concrete ranking factor in Google\u2019s algorithm that represents E-A-T directly, but Google confirmed in 2019 that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mariehaynes.com\/resources\/eat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">multiple ranking factors do encompass the principles of E-A-T<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And Google explicitly encourages focusing on E-A-T in their documentation mentioned above about core-algorithm updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We can therefore safely assume a connection between ranking drops from the May 2022 broad core update and content that underwhelms at exhibiting E-A-T.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, content marketer Will James claimed that some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nichepursuits.com\/may-2022-google-core-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">victims of the core update lost ground on search engines because of their lack of E-A-T<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because the update hurt rankings for generalist websites more than for specialist websites with a narrower scope of topics, James induced generalist websites were diluting their expertise.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, how can you guard against future performance setbacks of your website and optimize for E-A-T?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Follow a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/seo\/the-complete-guide-to-google-e-a-t-what-is-it-why-is-it-and-how-do-you-create-it\/\">Google E-A-T checklist<\/a> and ensure content is comprehensive; authoritative by focusing on a niche; written by reputable authors; and commentated on by experts where needed.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/?utm_source=crowd+content+blog&amp;utm_medium=banner&amp;utm_campaign=googles-may-2022-core-update-what-you-need-to-know&amp;utm_content=never+worry+about+writing\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"354\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Google-Core-Algorithm-Update-2022-SEO-Banner.png\" alt=\"Google-Core-Algorithm-Update-2022-SEO-Banner\" class=\"wp-image-34576\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Google-Core-Algorithm-Update-2022-SEO-Banner.png 730w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Google-Core-Algorithm-Update-2022-SEO-Banner-320x155.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Volatility_in_Website_Rankings_Is_Common_After_Broad_Core_Updates\"><\/span>3. Volatility in Website Rankings Is Common After Broad Core Updates<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your website rankings bounced all over the place after the May 2022 Google broad core update, we can assure you that you are not alone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s not uncommon after a broad core update for websites to see volatile rankings because Google rolls out their algorithm updates gradually.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s why these updates always take a couple of weeks to settle and why we saw volatility for multiple days following both the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/google-july-2021-core-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">June\/July 2021 update<\/a> &amp; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/google-november-2021-core-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">November 2021 update<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But so far, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/blog\/google-may-2022-core-update\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the May 2022 update had a briefer but more intense volatile period<\/a> that has leveled out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is significant despite the leveling-out because the results could foretell potential long-term impacts yet to happen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what do we know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the two Semrush graphs below, all industries (except real estate) had slightly smaller ranges of rank volatility than from before\u2014but also higher (or at least even) peak volatilities.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"452\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Volatility-Change-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-730x452.png\" alt=\"Data showing most verticals experienced a smaller range of short-term volatility in search-engine rankings following Google's May 2022 broad core update compared to the November 2021 broad core update.\" class=\"wp-image-34267\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Volatility-Change-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-730x452.png 730w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Volatility-Change-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x198.png 320w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Volatility-Change-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-768x476.png 768w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Volatility-Change-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-1536x952.png 1536w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Volatility-Change-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Outside of real estate, all major verticals experienced a smaller range of short-term volatility in their websites&#8217; search-engine rankings following Google&#8217;s May 2022 broad core update compared to the November 2021 broad core update.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"317\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Peak-Volatility-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png\" alt=\"Data showing all major verticals saw a higher or as-high short-term peak volatility in search-engine rankings following Google's May 2022 broad core update compared to the November 2021 broad core update.\" class=\"wp-image-34084\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Peak-Volatility-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 512w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Peak-Volatility-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x198.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">All major verticals saw a higher or as-high short-term peak volatility <meta charset=\"utf-8\">in their websites&#8217; search-engine rankings following Google&#8217;s May 2022 broad core update compared to the November 2021 broad core update.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>This consistency makes it difficult to pinpoint specific impacts by industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Couple the consistency with the intensity itself of the volatility and it\u2019s more likely a stronger sign than of anything else that Google is both improving &amp; expediting their rollouts of these updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance, take a look below at contrasting examples from industry pros about the same industry: healthcare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Several of our health-focused &amp; ecomm sites are seeing 30-80% increases since the update.<br><br>In some cases, the health site&#39;s articles are now ranking above government sites, which usually tend to keep the #1 spot for those keywords.<br><br>Also, massive fluctuations w\/ featured snippets <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5tTmQ74lvH\">pic.twitter.com\/5tTmQ74lvH<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Lily Ray \ud83d\ude0f (@lilyraynyc) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lilyraynyc\/status\/1531268574714683392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 30, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">i run non english medical blog too, and lost 60% of organic traffic due to update<\/p>&mdash; Przemek Klein (@PrzemeKlein) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PrzemeKlein\/status\/1531013997297795074?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 29, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Different results, but same vertical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Could we attribute the lost rankings to a skew against non-English sites, as the commentary suggests is plausible? It\u2019s possible, but then again, that factor isn\u2019t consistent across industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What this all means is that the best practices moving forward are agnostic towards industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All industries need content and Google applies the same principles of content to all industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Implementations, messaging, use cases, etc., may differ\u2014but the underlying principles to gauge value are the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Take a look at this last data set below:<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"730\" height=\"1050\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Average-Position-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-730x1050.png\" alt=\"Data showing most verticals saw parity between short-term average gains and short-term average losses in search-engine rankings following Google's May 2022 broad core update.\" class=\"wp-image-34243\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Average-Position-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-730x1050.png 730w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Average-Position-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x460.png 320w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Average-Position-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-768x1105.png 768w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Average-Position-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-1068x1536.png 1068w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Average-Position-Changes-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 1112w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 730px) 100vw, 730px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><meta charset=\"utf-8\">Most major verticals saw parity between short-term average gains and short-term average losses in search-engine rankings following Google&#8217;s May 2022 broad core update.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Most industries (except some like Arts &amp; Entertainment and Books &amp; Literature) more or less saw high-level parity between average gains and average losses in search-engine rankings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, this analysis reinforces the idea that valuable content with quality checks\u2014including E-A-T but also branding guidelines to compel your audience\u2014is both relevant and universal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Which_Search-Engine_Features_Had_Definite_Impacts\"><\/span>4. Which Search-Engine Features Had Definite Impacts?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Snippets! You love \u2019em? Well do we have great news for you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s right, the May 2022 Google broad core update has definitively impacted multiple snippet types for SERPs, like FAQ snippets and featured snippets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What has this looked like? And what will this impact mean for your company\u2019s SEO?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Impact_on_FAQ_Snippets\"><\/span>The Impact on FAQ Snippets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s start with FAQ snippets. Yes, those pesky little buggers that provide short, direct answers to variations of users\u2019 queries underneath webpage listings on SERPs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A fascinating result of the broad core update reported on by Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable is that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.seroundtable.com\/google-showing-more-search-results-with-faq-rich-results-33479.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FAQ snippets on SERPs have increased from 22% to 27% of queries<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Ranger-FAQ-Snippets-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png\" alt=\"Data showing FAQ snippets on SERPs appeared almost 23% more often following Google\u2019s May 2022 broad core update than before.\" class=\"wp-image-34102\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Ranger-FAQ-Snippets-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 512w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rank-Ranger-FAQ-Snippets-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x184.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">FAQ snippets on SERPs appeared almost 23% more often <meta charset=\"utf-8\">following Google&#8217;s May 2022 broad core update than before.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>That means FAQs are showing up on Google Search almost 23% more often than before. That\u2019s huge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Granted, the source data, from Rank Ranger, groups FAQ snippets and how-to snippets together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the conclusions have been validated externally, including by SEO expert and <em>Search Engine Land<\/em> columnist Glenn Gabe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Gabe analyzed multiple case studies to observe that \u201cGoogle [is] showing more search results with FAQ rich results.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Yep, this seems to be the case. Seeing FAQ jump when the 5\/18-ish update rolled out -&gt; Google Showing More Search Results With FAQ Rich Results<br><br>E.g. FAQ snippets surged for this site right when the update started (see below): <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/12V81EBI4s\">https:\/\/t.co\/12V81EBI4s<\/a> via <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/rustybrick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@rustybrick<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gzWGouwuN0\">pic.twitter.com\/gzWGouwuN0<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/glenngabe\/status\/1529433839352926208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 25, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>How is this significant?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, on one hand, FAQ results ostensibly enable Google to siphon clicks from your website (it\u2019s another clickable element on the SERP for users to find an answer to their query, isn\u2019t it?).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But they also empower your webpages to attract more clicks by adding credibility and expertise to your SERP listings themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plus, qualifying for FAQ appearances helps improve your main search rankings as a whole, since strong content for FAQ snippets could be what lifts your content to the top!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you <a href=\"https:\/\/contentmarketinginstitute.com\/2020\/10\/google-faq-rich-snippets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">mark up FAQ content with relevant structured data<\/a> on your website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And improve your content with information suitable for questions related to target keyterms. Do keyword research or even something as simple as analyzing \u201cPeople Also Ask\u201d questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Impact_on_Featured_Snippets\"><\/span>The Impact on Featured Snippets<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As for featured snippets? Recall the observation in the above-referenced tweet by SEO professional Lily Ray that there have been \u201cmassive fluctuations with featured snippets.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Well, Gabe echoed those observations, noting a distinct \u201csurge or drop in featured snippets\u201d from the May 2022 broad core update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">And as rankings surge or drop for sites impacted by a broad core update (based on site-level quality algorithms), you can also see a surge or drop in featured snippets. Here are 2 examples. One on the positive side &amp; the other on the negative side. FS can drive a ton of traffic. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ltCIHYBJZt\">pic.twitter.com\/ltCIHYBJZt<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/glenngabe\/status\/1530906326548848641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 29, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>That means all those information pieces at the top of SERPs above the traditional listings, including highlighted paragraphs, bullets, lists, tables or videos, have seen big gains or losses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And that\u2019s a big deal for a lot of businesses because featured snippets deliver relatively high proportions of organic traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Gabe elaborates, sites not \u201cseen as high quality\/relevant anymore can lose featured snippets when negatively impacted by a broad core update.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">When a site isn&#39;t seen as high quality\/relevant anymore (based on Google&#39;s site-level quality algorithms), they can lose featured snippets. They can still rank for some (it&#39;s not a ban on FS for a site), but they can lose many FS when negatively impacted by a broad core update.<\/p>&mdash; Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/glenngabe\/status\/1531241543356514305?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">May 30, 2022<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>So what should you do? Check your featured snippets; you can easily track them if you\u2019re not already with tools like <a href=\"https:\/\/ahrefs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ahrefs<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.semrush.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Semrush<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/search.google.com\/search-console\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Google Search Console<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find you\u2019ve lost any, you\u2019ll know where and how to improve your content quality as a result of the May 2022 broad core update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_The_Big_Kahunas_What_Won_the_May_2022_Update\"><\/span>5. The Big Kahunas: What Won the May 2022 Update<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Drumroll please! <em>*Drumroll sounds*<\/em> And the big winners of the May 2022 Google broad core-algorithm update are\u2026videos, content specialization and search-intent matching!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Okay, that\u2019s maybe not the sexiest sentence to read out loud, so let\u2019s parse these out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MalteLandwehr\/status\/1531346071183663104\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">analyses<\/a> came from Malte Landwehr, Head of SEO at idealo, the largest ecommerce publishing platform in Germany, from cross-referencing data from Semrush and SISTRIX.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With this data, we see some fairly consistent and convincing conclusions about SEO after the broad core update in three areas that could inspire amazing content ideas for your business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Rise_of_Video_Again\"><\/span>The Rise of Video (Again)!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>We know, we know. Digital marketers have been hailing the \u201crise of video\u201d for several years now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, we have to go that far back to get to when I first heard a now-former boss of mine proclaim to the audience at an industry seminar that \u201cvideos are the future\u2014and they\u2019re here!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just look at this sample SERP in the below image. Not a lot of diversity in the metatitles for these webpages that are themselves spread out over a few years, is there?<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"254\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Rise-of-Video-Marketing-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png\" alt=\"SERP showing lack of diversity among metatitles for\"the rise of video.\"\" class=\"wp-image-34132\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">There is not a lot of diversity away from the term &#8220;the rise of video&#8221; in high-ranking content about video marketing.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Of course, it all seems a bit silly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even that now-former boss of mine was mildly embarrassed by one of my then-colleagues who made an astute reflection in response. (Don\u2019t worry\u2014no one got fired!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That reflection? Video isn\u2019t always ideal because it\u2019s often easier to quickly scan well-organized text, such as a blog post, for specific answers to a particular query.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But the medium wouldn\u2019t hold back! TikTok has exploded the popularity of shorts, YouTube videos are well-structured with labeled sections and video-embedding is as effective as ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Landweher discovered that video websites improved their online visibility by a whopping 25% after the broad core update.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"469\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Video-Website-Increase-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png\" alt=\"Data showing video websites increased their average online visibility by a 25%\" class=\"wp-image-34141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Video-Website-Increase-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 469w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Video-Website-Increase-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x349.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 469px) 100vw, 469px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Video websites increased their average visibility metric (their capacity to be discovered on search engines) by a 25%.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The takeaway? If you\u2019re not already complementing your written content with videos, there is a huge missed opportunity for scaling your website traffic, lead volumes and your revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Nobody_Likes_a_Know-it-All_Show_Why_Youre_the_Best_in_What_You_Know\"><\/span>Nobody Likes a Know-it-All! Show Why You\u2019re the Best in What <em>You<\/em> Know<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember the above comment about how the broad core update hurt generalist websites more than specialist websites with a narrower scope of topics?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This observation corresponds with Landweher\u2019s take that websites like news publishers, \u201cknown for trying to rank for everything\u2014lost on average 4% of their Google rankings.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"258\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Publisher-Website-Decreases-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png\" alt=\"Data showing publishing websites losing rankings after Google's May 2022 broad core update.own for\" class=\"wp-image-34144\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Publisher-Website-Decreases-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 512w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Publisher-Website-Decreases-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x161.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Publishing websites that cover a wide range of topics were hit particularly hard by the May 2022 broad core update by Google.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>So what is the take here? You try to rank for lots of things and you\u2019ll end up ranking for nothing. Know your niche and demonstrate your expertise there. Your organic metrics will reward you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Content_Is_King_More_Like_Context_Is_King\"><\/span>Content Is King? More Like Context Is King!<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Back in the day, it was easy to pump out semi-relevant content about any given topic and win high search-engine rankings by covering these topics with broad details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Encyclopedia- and database-style websites (think Wikipedia copycats, online dictionaries, song-lyric &amp; stock-photo websites and the like), were masters at this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Landweher describes it, such sites \u201ccontain pages for virtually any topic that seems relevant based on term frequency-inverse document frequency[to retrieve content info from an index].\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What does this mean and why is it a problem?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Term frequency-inverse document frequency looks at the relationship between keyword volume and the degree to which keywords are spread out when search engines retrieve data<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These websites were leveraging this method to rank for queries despite not going in depth to match more specific intentions behind the queries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The free ride is over, as evidenced by the below data.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"512\" height=\"219\" src=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Exact-Match-Intent-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png\" alt=\"Data showing ranking drops from encyclopedia-style websites not known for match intent of users' queries after the May 2022 Google broad core update.\" class=\"wp-image-34147\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Exact-Match-Intent-May-2022-Google-Core-Update.png 512w, https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/16\/Exact-Match-Intent-May-2022-Google-Core-Update-320x137.png 320w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">These ranking drops from websites not known for matching user intent from a search well show the importance of writing for your audience.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>Landweher notes these sites \u201crarely match the [user\u2019s] search intent.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that generic content about a particular topic could rank well even if it didn\u2019t specifically address a search query, but the May 2022 update is reigning this in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So focusing on contextual relevance in your content, deemphasizing exact keyword-matching (especially keyword-stuffing!) and providing real value for a search query is key to success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s actually simple. Ask yourself honestly: does your webpage\u2019s content provide helpful value relevant to the page\u2019s scope and reflective of typical queries that would lead visitors there?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If so, you\u2019ve created what\u2019s known as \u201csearch-intent matching,\u201d where your content closely matches the intention of the search-engine user based on their query.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Time to watch your website\u2019s organic traffic skyrocket!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bottom_Line_Quality_Content_Is_the_Name_of_the_Game\"><\/span>Bottom Line? Quality Content Is the Name of the Game<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If there\u2019s one thing Google\u2019s May 2022 broad core update is teaching us, it\u2019s that the time to raise your quality standards for website content was\u2026yesterday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s no secret that Google\u2019s own guidelines recommend following E-A-T best practices as evidenced by the results of this update rollout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From intense ranking volatility and impacted snippets to more attention on videos, content specialization and search-intent mapping, publishing great content is a must for online visibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Investing in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crowdcontent.com\/services\/seo-content\/\">SEO content services<\/a> can empower you to leverage subject-matter expertise and efficiently publish high-quality content on your website to start boosting your traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And with time, you can say goodbye to broad-core anxiety for good!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>How Google\u2019s Search-Engine Algorithm Update Could Shape Your Website Metrics Google implemented a \u201cbroad core update\u201d to its search-engine algorithm on May 25, 2022, as announced by Danny Sullivan, a Public Liaison for Google Search. Its full effects take a couple weeks to manifest because Google rolls out major updates gradually. This is Google&#8217;s first [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":67,"featured_media":34237,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Google&#039;s May 2022 Core Update: Essential Insights Revealed<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Google released a broad core update to their search algorithm with huge effects on rankings and traffic. 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