What is a Google Phantom Update?
The Google Phantom Update is a change to the algorithm for search engine rankings that affects website quality. It is also known as the Core Algorithm Update. If such an update occurs, there are major changes to the positions of many websites in the SERPs. Google initially denies such updates, but subsequently confirms the changes. In the meantime, there have been two unannounced updates from Google in order to only list relevant and high-quality search results high up in the search results lists.
What does a Google Phantom Update mean for SEO?
Updates of this kind are of great importance for search engine optimization. After all, they have a major impact on the ranking of websites in the search results lists. Such surprising updates ultimately also require quick action in order to bring a website that is ranking poorly after the update back to the top.
Google wants to use such updates to make inferior websites appear further down the list. It is therefore important to attach great importance to quality. This includes high-quality content, good structure, easy readability, up-to-date content and good links. If you have already implemented this, you don't have to worry so much about a lower ranking.
However, websites that are only optimized for search engines with certain keywords and do not offer any particular added value must expect a loss of ranking after such an update.
