Here\u2019s the Lowdown on the BERT Google Algorithm Update (And What it Means for Your Website)<\/h1>\n

For many years, Google has ignored common words such as \u201cand\u201d, \u201cor\u201d, \u201cof\u201d, \u201cto\u201d, \u201cfor\u201d, \u201ca\u201d, and others. The reasoning was mainly due to the amount of time and lack of relevance many of these terms had affected search inquiries. But in a recent algorithm update, a few of these words have become a pivotal aspect in deciding where search results will rank.<\/p>\n

As only one piece of this major Google update, common words are part of a much larger emphasis that is now being placed on long-tail keywords and the natural language people use in search inquiries.<\/p>\n

There are a few things everyone should be aware of as it appears this update is only the beginning of a much larger plan to change the entire mindset behind search engine optimization.<\/p>\n

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What Was the Recent Google Update?<\/h2>\n

Known simply as BERT, this algorithm change made a significant impact on the rankings<\/a> of about 10% of sites and pages across search results. The update placed an emphasis on improving the search engine\u2019s understanding of the context within an inquiry as opposed to simply looking at each word individually.<\/p>\n

In their statement about the changes, Google said that it will have a better grasp of \u201cmore conversational queries, or searches where prepositions like \u2018for\u2019 and \u2018to\u2019 matter a lot to the meaning\u201d. In turn, the update will make it easier for people to search in a more natural way that they would normally speak, as opposed to trying to think of the relevant keywords they need to include within the search query.<\/p>\n

Looking deeper at the way someone would naturally search for something means that Google is placing an even bigger priority on its ability to answer questions and understand the real search intent behind every search.<\/p>\n