Whether you’re a business constantly working to optimize your SEO or simply using the search engine for personal research, most Google users don’t think that the Google team is continuously updating the platform. That is because, on its face, the Google search experience has remained relatively consistent throughout the years.

However, Google has been making core updates to the search engine’s processes a few times per year since the company’s founding. The company marks these core updates to its ranking algorithm to enhance the quality and relevancy of user search results. According to Google, these updates optimize the search experience for everyone, from the casual user to the business owner.

Generally, when Google makes a core update, some businesses notice a difference in their online engagement data. Specifically, updates can affect the number of clicks a company receives from online searches and their ranking among similar search results for Google users.

Back-to-Back Google Algorithm Update 2021

Though Google usually rolls out major core updates a few times a year, the team will be releasing two updates back-to-back—one update in June 2021 and one in July 2021. The June 2021 update concluded its rollout process on June 23, and the July 2021 update is currently rolling out.

A core update for Google typically takes about two weeks to completely take effect, as it impacts all languages and operates on a global scale. Google will publicly confirm when each rollout is complete.

According to Google’s Danny Sullivan, a significant feature of the latest Google update is a change to the platform’s algorithm targeting spam. After completing the June update on the 23rd of the month, Google planned and executed a second update to the spam-fighting software about a week later to fix bugs and streamline operations.

The Latest Google Update Announcement

Google prioritizes regular updates to its platform to remain competitive in the search engine market. According to Google, the company receives queries in the billions from countries worldwide asking for changes and improvements to the platform’s design.

Due to this user input level, Google is constantly making minor updates to the platform, averaging dozens per week. The company does not generally announce these updates; however, when Google pushes out a core update, it makes sure to keep its users abreast of the changes with announcements across all of its social media platforms.

Google’s Most Recent Core Updates

Google issued its announcement of the June Google algorithm update (2021) on the second of that month. The rollout officially began that afternoon around 3:30 p.m. (PT). Before this Google core update (June 2021), the last core update took place in December 2021, and the few previous took place in May 2020, January 2020, and September 2019.

According to many webmasters and SEO experts, the September 2019 core update was the weakest in terms of its impact on user experience from both sides. Subsequent updates made a more significant difference in search rankings, and the July 2021 update is expected to optimize the changes made in the most recent June 2021 update.

What Businesses Should Expect

Whenever Google updates its ranking systems and algorithms, businesses that utilize the platform to attract customers may see a change in their analytics. Some sites see an increase in visits to their platform, some see no change at all, and some see a dip in online engagement.

Google insists that most individual sites won’t see any significant changes in engagement or revenue, but that SEO experts who manage several sites may notice dips and spikes across the board. Additionally, businesses that have been negatively affected by the update should expect an improvement after the rollout of the July 2021 update.

Why It Matters

In today’s climate, many businesses conduct most if not all of their marketing online. Therefore, your company’s ranking in a Google search of your product or service in your geographic area could greatly impact the conversion of online browsers to paying customers for your business.

In addition to positive SEO, the development of a good page experience for consumers and an intentional marketing strategy are crucial to the success of your business’s online presence.