Google’s latest algorithm update impacts 35% of searches – impact on Real Estate

Google announced a new search ranking algorithm that will impact about 35% of searches.

Google says that the new search algorithm knows that different types of searches have different “freshness needs”, and will weigh them accordingly.

“Different searches have different freshness needs. This algorithmic improvement is designed to better understand how to differentiate between these kinds of searches and the level of freshness you need, and make sure you get the most up to the minute answers”

Google will start ranking results based on their ‘freshness’ but there are plenty of cases where results that are a few years old might still be useful for you – e.g. recipes.

Impact on Real Estate?

Nobody knows Google’s secret ranking formula (and it is based on a large number of factors) so it is difficult to estimate the exact impact on real estate websites. Based on the above ‘freshness’ info however, there is likely to be some kind of impact on real estate, as properties for sale and to rent are time based – and falls into the ‘freshness’ criteria. Google wouldn’t want you to find a property listings loaded 12 months or 2 years ago as it would likely be outdated.

We therefore assume that Google will indeed start to rank current listings higher than older ones. For estate agents, your best bet would be to ensure that your listing stock is up to date and new listings ar loaded as soon as possible.

Time will tell. Like us on Facebook to stay up to date with Google’s ‘freshness’ update and other up to the minute real estate technology news.

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