Last October 2019 Google has rolled out a major algorithm update that shook the digital strategy world. It is said that this update affected almost 10% to 15% of total searches. What’s more is many experts said that it is the biggest change they’ve encountered for the last five years. So you can only imagine its impact to many websites,site owners as well as digital marketers. Now,with all the things that happened,there are still uncertainties lying around which leave many confused. Even though it has been explained over and over again,it’s normal to feel lost when you’re confronted with tons of information
So to clear up some worries about Google’s BERT update,here are some details that can widen your understanding about it.
What Is BERT?
BERT which also stands for Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers is a major Google algorithm update that is focused on enhancing its understanding of natural language. With this framework,the search engine aims to create better interpretation of some of human’s complex language. This includes translating some commonly used nuances to provide users with accurate and relevant search results. It utilizes intricate formatting which analyzes the possible relation of search query to other words.
Rather than singling out a word,the BERT update aims to interpret it as a whole query. It’s like diving deeper into the semantics of the query to offer users the right set of answers.
The Effect of BERT to SEO
Unfortunately,there’s no way you can optimize your site for BERT,but there are some steps you can do to avoid getting hit by it. Most advanced search engine optimization (SEO) training programs provide a list of actions you can do to keep yourself invulnerable to its impact. Among those are the following:
â ¢ Focus on creating and publishing high quality content â it should be worth sharing and promotes valuable information for users.
â ¢ Think of search intent when writing content â it always matter to Google if whatever you’re publishing will address search queries.
â ¢ Always put users as your motivation â you must create content that will both answer user queries and improve their search experience. User intent must always be your top priority.
What to Watch Out For?
Just like any other updates or Hong Kong in digital strategy,the BERT update is also susceptible to myths. So don’t easily believe what you hear or read. Unless it is confirmed and proven by experts,you can’t make decisions based on those. Now,to keep yourself in good standing for an algorithm update as big as this will be launched,here’s what you should be aware of:
Targeted Keywords – You need to be careful about the phrases or words you’ll target. It should be relevant and must be structured on how human would use it. Thus,you have to check on the grammar,tenses and preposition since BERT has the ability to read and understand those.
Search Intent â Your content must be written with the intention of answering search queries.
Content Structure â You have to remember that before Google or search engines,you should be talking to people first. Thus,the way you write content should be plausible enough for humans to understand and read.
Google introduced BERT to provide users with results that they wanted to see. With all the data above,it’s pretty clear what Google wants you to do and that’s to optimize for humans not for search engines. So it only makes sense that you do. This is to prevent the worst from happening.
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