HummingBird Algorithm

On September 27, 2013 Google launched a new “Hummingbird” algorithm at its 15th anniversary event. The name Hummingbird was used as searches are turned to be “precise and fast.” with this latest update.

Hummingbird 

Hummingbird is an entirely new updated search algorithm incorporating new technology combined with older features of the existing algorithms. It approaches search engine queries in an intelligent way that instead of looking at the individual words that match with the keywords of finding page, the algorithm aims to understand what the users intention was – figuring out the reason what exactly the user looking for to search.

This release is basically a platform that enables Google to better handle “conversational” search queries.

Working strategies of Hummingbird

The major change what made Hummingbird to be so special than past versions of the Google algorithms is that its conversational search.

For example, if you search for ‘shipping companies near me’, then Hummingbird knows that ‘near me’ might mean where you are when you’re searching, it understands the user searches for the shipping services in his nearby locality. This clearly indicates many people are searching for results without using the appropriate keywords.

Hummingbird breaks this dismay by introducing Conversational Search concept-  allowing user to ask Google a question, as you would a friend, and it answers you using contextual and background knowledge (just like a real person would). Hence the importance to keyword slackens behind.

Few new post-Hummingbird SEO best practices

•  Long-tail phrases have to be given more importance than keywords in order to prepare for more semantic search.
•  Website content has to be clear and concise that answers all the questions what user may have.
• Need to answer the “5 Ws” (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) and also “How” when it comes to product or service the company present.

SEO and page Rank strategies

The implementation of this new algorithm has raised number of queries in the users’ side whether this new methodology will forfeit SEO and page ranking strategies. But Google strictly answers with its strong words as”NO” .Google says there is nothing new or different SEO guidelines has been introduced. Guidance remains the same, it says: have original, high-quality content. Signals that have been important in the past remain important. The keywords within a query still play a major role. Hummingbird just allows Google to process them in new and hopefully better ways.

Benefits VS opportunities -Hummingbird

The release of Hummingbird creates the perfect scenario for smaller websites to gain more exposure. As long tailed keywords are to possess more priority, content stands top that holds the ability to answer search engine queries. The algorithm broadens the horizons by expanding number of entrance pages that answer the questions being posed by the target audience. Answering more questions is now considered as the vital part of the new Hummingbird algorithm.

The new algorithm was designed in the sense to address all users search conveniently. Many users are not aware of using keywords that direct to appropriate page they try out with the normal conversation as they talk with their friends. This issue was greatly analyzed and brought out with the solution which is “Humming bird”.

Future with Hummingbird algorithm

The Hummingbird algorithm is meant to turn the SEO into the marketing strategy. It will take little time to get familiar with the new methodology but it’s an evolution of Google in elevating preference for quality content that address user’s actual needs in their own natural language. Google is increasingly concerned to find content that is relevant and trusted, in essence content with authority. The algorithm has grabbed more attention with common users. In future, it is no doubt that Hummingbird will extend its wing in elevating the search experience to new level.