Hey there! I recently stumbled upon a fascinating topic while browsing the Search Engine Journal, and I thought I’d share my findings with you.
In an article published on January 19, 2022, they discussed whether Google algorithm updates roll out on weekends or not. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what was said by some key people at Google and how it affects us as SEO professionals or website owners.
Google’s Stance on Weekend Algorithm Updates
According to both Danny Sullivan and John Mueller from Google, the search giant does not typically launch or begin the rollout of a search algorithm update right before the weekend. Danny Sullivan mentioned on Twitter that it’s fairly unusual in his experience for an update to occur during this time. However, he also noted that this doesn’t mean it has never happened or that it’s against Google’s policy.
The Potential Impact of Weekend Updates
Imagine if an algorithm update happened over the weekend, causing rankings to go haywire. It could lead to disastrous consequences for businesses, as they might spend days tanking in the search engine results pages (SERPs) before someone notices and takes action. This is why it’s probably a good thing that Google claims not to release updates on weekends.
Nuances and Company Culture
Both Danny Sullivan and John Mueller emphasized that there is a lot more nuance to launching updates than just flipping a switch. They also mentioned that most Google employees work from home and prefer not to work on weekends. This means they are unlikely to launch critical updates and then leave the office without monitoring the situation.
Community Thoughts and Reactions
In the article’s comments section, some users shared their thoughts on the matter. While some agreed that the bulk of core updates and other large updates have historically been kicked off on Monday mornings, others argued that this pattern has changed recently. Additionally, some users believe that Google doesn’t care about the impact of these updates, as they constantly tweak their algorithms and assess the consequences before rolling them out.
Are you a visual learner? Then, check out my video titled “Does Google push algorithm updates on weekends?” from my YouTube channel.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do you still have questions? Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about Google updates.
Do Google algorithm updates typically roll out on weekends?
While it is possible for Google algorithm updates to roll out on weekends, it is generally considered to be unlikely. Google representatives Danny Sullivan and John Mueller have stated that launching updates right before the weekend is fairly unusual, although not against the company’s policy.
Why is it a good thing that Google usually avoids rolling out updates on weekends?
If Google were to release an algorithm update over the weekend, it could potentially cause rankings to go haywire, leading to disastrous consequences for businesses. Companies may see their website rankings tank in the SERPs, and it might take days before the issue is noticed and addressed. By avoiding weekend updates, Google helps to minimize the potential negative impact on businesses.
What factors contribute to Google’s preference for not launching updates on weekends?
According to Danny Sullivan and John Mueller, there is more nuance to launching updates than just flipping a switch. They also mentioned that most Google employees work from home and prefer not to work on weekends, making it less likely for critical updates to be launched without proper monitoring and oversight. This company culture contributes to Google’s tendency to avoid releasing updates on weekends.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while it is possible for Google algorithm updates to roll out on weekends, it seems unlikely based on statements from Google representatives and the company’s general culture. This information should provide some reassurance to SEO professionals and website owners who fear unexpected changes during weekends.
That concludes this article. What do you think? Let me know in the comments below (I read and reply to every comment). If you found this helpful, check out my full blog and subscribe to my YouTube channel. Thanks for reading!