What You Need to Know About Google’s BERT Algorithm
Google has updated its search engine with a new algorithm called BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers), which is their biggest algorithm change in the past five years. BERT has to do with natural language searches, and this new algorithm affects 10 percent of all searches. What do you need to know about this algorithm change? The experienced professionals from Saba SEO, one of the premier San Diego marketing companies, offer answers to these FAQs about BERT.
When Did Google Make the Change?
Google began rolling out BERT for English on October 21st, 2019. All other languages will eventually get the algorithm change.
What Is BERT?
BERT has been implemented to fix language confusion. For example, “I am going to the store” is different from “I am working 7 to 4.” With this greater clarity regarding natural language, BERT will result in better search results.
What Searches Are Affected by BERT?
A tenth of all searches are affected by BERT. These are searches that make natural language requests using devices such as Alexa, Google Home, and Siri. Natural language searches are slightly different from written searches. BERT is working on closing the gap to provide users the search results they’re looking for.
Will BERT Affect Featured Snippets?
BERT will definitely affect featured snippets. If a search request is for “without milk,” then snippets with that phrase will be featured, which means keywords and descriptions should include those natural phrases.
What Changes Should I Implement for BERT?
Do you need to make site changes to adhere to BERT? No. Continue to create rich, authoritative content that shows your expertise. Content doesn’t need to be a certain amount of words if you create high-quality material. Google is creating a knowledge base that rewards the top content providers.
Knowing all about Google’s changing algorithms is one of the smartest things a business can do in today’s search-driven marketplace. If you need help keeping up with Google trends to remain competitive, reach out to the SEO and digital marketing experts from Saba SEO, a premier provider of SEO services and web design San Diego companies have relied on for more than a decade. Call one of our SEO specialists today at 858-277-1717.
