Google Fred

Google Fred is the common codename for a search engine algorithm update which occurred on March 7, 2017. Its implementation and existence went unconfirmed by Google until March 24th. Google, however, "refused to comment on specifics, instead directing people to their Webmaster Quality Guidelines to understand why they might have been adversely affected." Despite the lack of transparency, a lot of speculation exists regarding the nature of the changes:

Th[e Fred] update ... penalized sites that prioritized monetization over user experience. If [a] site had low user engagement, was thin in content, or had content heavily geared toward conversions, pop-ups, and aggressive advertising, [it] lost ... rankings overnight.

Notes

  1. ↑ It was named this unofficially as part of an in-joke by a Google employee, which led to propagation elsewhere. Google never released an official designated name for the update.
  2. ↑ Some sites saw a steep decline, many even near 90 percent, in visitor traffic.

References

  1. ↑ Jarboe, Greg; Bailey, Matt; Stebbins, Michael (2023). Digital Marketing Fundamentals: OMCP's Official Guide to OMCA Certification. Wiley. p. 163. ISBN 9781119894575.
  2. ↑ Davies, Dave (August 10, 2021). "A Complete Guide to the Google Fred Algorithm". Search Engine Journal. Alpha Brand Media.
  3. 1 2 Ryan, Damian (2020). Understanding Digital Marketing: A Complete Guide to Engaging Customers and Implementing Successful Digital Campaigns. Kogan Page. p. 103. ISBN 9781789666021.
  4. ↑ Marks, Gene (March 10, 2017). "An unconfirmed change in how Google ranks web pages is freaking some people out". The Washington Post. Nash Holdings.
  5. ↑ Schwartz, Barry (March 27, 2017). "Google Fred Algorithm Confirmed & Cites Overall Quality Issues". Search Engine Roundtable. RustyBrick, Inc.
  6. ↑ Parikh, Rajiv (October 5, 2017). "How To Bounce Back From The Google Fred Algorithm -- And Prepare For Future Updates". Forbes. Forbes Media LLC.
  7. ↑ Brunson, Russell (2023). Traffic Secrets The Underground Playbook for Filling Your Websites and Funnels with Your Dream Customers. Hay House. p. 242. Phase #4—Mobilegeddon and Fred. ISBN 9781401973735.