Algorithm Update

An algorithm update is a change to the search engine's ranking system that affects how websites are evaluated and positioned in search results. Google makes hundreds of minor updates yearly, plus several major 'core updates' that can significantly shift rankings. Updates often target content quality, user experience, or specific spam tactics.

How This Applies to Home Care Marketing

Algorithm updates are particularly important for home care agencies because healthcare content faces extra scrutiny under Google’s YMYL (Your Money Your Life) guidelines. Updates like the Helpful Content Update and various core updates have significantly impacted healthcare websites, rewarding those with genuine expertise and penalizing thin or generic content.

Agencies that built their SEO on shortcuts—like auto-generated location pages or content written without medical review—often see dramatic drops after updates. Conversely, agencies with authentic, expert-reviewed content and strong E-E-A-T signals typically benefit from updates that filter out lower-quality competitors.

Key Takeaway

Don’t chase algorithm changes; focus on sustainable quality. Create genuinely helpful content, demonstrate real expertise through author credentials and medical review, and build your site for users first. This approach insulates you from negative impacts while positioning you to benefit from updates.

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