Google launched the Hummingbird algorithm update in August 2013 to make search results more conversational. The update allows Google to provide direct answers to questions searched by users. While Hummingbird impacted 90% of searches, the effects were usually small and SEO was largely unaffected. However, long tail keyword opportunities emerged as a result. The Hummingbird update strengthened the importance of original, relevant content that provides useful information to users.

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Hummingbird Algorithm Update
Dharam Tripathi
@eZdia

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eZdia.com
To celebrate their 15th birthday, Google launched a new
algorithm.
Calling it an update, the Hummingbird update carries
Google’s goal to make search more conversational.
A more human way to interact with its users, the update allows
the engine to provide direct answers to searched for
questions.
Google started using Hummingbird on about August 30th,
2013 and announced the update officially on September 26,
2013.

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Impact? What Impact?
Hummingbird effects 90% of all searches
but usually to a small degree. - Matt Cutts
Google stated that the release of its Hummingbird
could potentially go unnoticed and that SEO would
remain largely unaffected.

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Did Hummingbird Go Unnoticed?
Yes, for the most part
With the exception of long tail keyword
opportunities.
Any current initiatives to optimize websites using
a real content strategy should continue to be the
focus …

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Re-emergence of Long Tail Keyword
a welcome site for web masters!
a welcome site for web masters!
Example:
Single term search:
“shoes”
vs
Long tail search:
“shiny red women’s shoes”
2.5 times more
effective
on
average,
long
tail
keyword searches convert
2.5
times
better
than
searches with just 1 or 2
keywords.

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Hummingbird Style
conversational search just got a promotion!
conversational search just got a promotion!
A brave new style for content writers as they strive to provide the
kind of how-to ar ticles and blog posts that will best serve the
search hungry public along with Hummingbird’s new ability to
serve up results based on the style of the search conversation the
searcher is using.
Content marketers are seeing
the benefits of providing
content that answers common
questions of search users like:
“how to”
“compare”
“vs”
“where can I
find?”

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Got Useful Content?
vs
vs that offered a creative and
Panda asked for original content
engaging read for audiences. Sharing and interacting was the
primary. goal
Hummingbird is now asking for useful content. Keep these
top 5 considerations in mind:
1. Create original content
2. Publish and curate interesting content
3. Use long tail keywords
4. Provide useful information
5. Keep calm & carry on with SEO

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Once upon a time …
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Content was King
& Context was Queen
The hummingbird update
strengthened the kings
rule.
image by Ewan-M on flickr.com used under CC BY 2.0
Original, relevant,
compelling, well-liked
content still rules the
land of search.

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No Need To Change!
eZdia.com
Solid, intentional, best-practice SEO tactics that were
effective before Hummingbird’s release will continue to
be effective post update:
•
•
•
Original and engaging content is still king.
Legitimate back links that are earned using proper SEO are still
important.
Keywords will still need to be carefully placed and used in moderation.

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eZdia.com
Thanks for Reading!
Reach
Dharam at
sales@eZdia.com
888.870.8744
www.eZdia.com
Linkedin linked.com/ezdia
Twitter twitter.com/ezdia