Google Hummingbird algorithm deployed in Sept 2013 to provide better conversational SERPs
Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird were some of the algorithm that Google launched to address specific issues. The Panda algorithm update started in Feb 2011, saw over 25 updates to the codes and spanned over 2 years where it was constantly enhanced to address any bugs.
In late September 2013, Google announced that they launched the Hummingbird codes to humanize and break down long term search queries. The key concept that they focused on addressing is to serve relevant content based on “User Intent”.
The traditional algorithm will weight the user query evenly, such as “Where is the best place to buy Microsoft Surface tablet?”, where all the words are weighted. The Hummingbird algorithm will take input from the user such as the user’s previous search preference, proximity to a store that sells the product, prices of the device, and appending social listening to the search engine results page (SERPs). Google will not disclose other things that the Hummingbird is set out to address.
Google’s algorithm update from 2011 to 2013 – Panda, Penguin, Hummingbird
| Initiative | Announced | Code | Goal | Results |
| Hummingbird | Sept 2013 | New code | Provide faster and more relevant results, especially conversational search | Google is trying to humanize search results through ‘conversational search’ such as putting a meaning behind the word and pulling in other factors like the user behavior, location – not just considering particular words. |
| Penguin | Apr 2012 | Update existing code | Sites that were spamming the web were flagged and rankings were devalued. | Google’s Penguin spam fighting algorithm focused on linking practices, especially link buying and link networks. Porn sites, game site and numerous focus on lead generation we the casualties of the Penguin update. |
| Panda | Feb 2011 | Update existing code | Preventing low quality content websites from ranking well. | Websites that were thin on original content, lifting content off other sites were targeted by the Panda update. Websites that scrapped data from other websites and arbitrage sites were targeted. |