Google is always changing its algorithms and adding new features to its search engine. Why? They're trying to make sure that their search engine keeps their users happy. After all, nothing is more frustrating than using a search engine that brings up results that are irrelevant or of low quality to the user. Unfortunately, these changes and updates to the search engine algorithms mean that the way you optimize your website for Google Search can change from year to year.

Fortunately, optimizing for them isn't impossible! Here are some of the recent changes to Google Search that you should be aware of, as they may affect your SEO efforts in 2022:

1. Mobile-First Indexing

Google is now using mobile-first indexing for all websites. This means that Google will primarily use the mobile version of your website to determine your rankings. They've done this because the majority of all online searches are done on mobile devices, and so they want to ensure mobile-friendly websites show up! If you don't have a mobile-friendly website, your SEO will suffer, so make sure that it is.

2. Page Experience

Google is now taking into account the "page experience" of websites. This includes factors like load time, interactivity, and visual stability. All these factors affect a user's experience when using a website, and so ensuring those factors are great also helps to keep users happy. So, if you're dealing with a website that lacks any of those factors, make the appropriate changes!

3. Sitemaps

Google updated its search consoles to make it easier for webmasters to submit their sitemaps and track their website's performance in Google searches. So, to make use of the new update, make sure that you have a sitemap for your website and that you submit it to Google Search Console. You should also track your website's performance in Google search so that you can quickly identify any issues.

4. BERT and AI

Google is now using a new algorithm, called BERT, along with artificial intelligence to better understand the context of search queries to provide the links that users will find most useful. For you, this means that your website needs to be well-written and informative in order to rank well.

5. EAT

Google is now using a new ranking factor, called EAT, to determine the quality of websites. This factor takes into account the Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness of a website. After all, no user will use a website that doesn't look secure and trustworthy, let alone a search engine that brought it up. So, if you want to rank well, your website needs to be high-quality and trustworthy.

Ensure Your Website's Updated for 2022

Keep these recent changes to Google Search in mind as you optimize your website for 2022. If you make sure to keep your website up-to-date and of high quality, you should see success in your SEO efforts. That said, if you are having trouble meeting these new demands, don't be afraid to reach out to SEO professionals to assist you in helping you get the best rank possible!

The Stack Group is a digital agency that offers a variety of online services to help businesses find success in the digital world. If you are looking for affordable SEO in the US, work with us today!