In October 2019, Google rolled out its latest algorithm update, known as BERT (Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers). This update was touted as the biggest change to Google’s search algorithm in the last five years, and for good reason: BERT represents a significant step forward in the way search engines understand the intent behind user queries and the content on web pages.
So, what exactly is BERT, and how does it differ from previous Google updates? In short, BERT is a deep learning algorithm that is designed to understand the meaning and context behind the words in a search query, rather than just matching keywords in a query to keywords on a web page. It means that BERT can better understand natural language queries, including the nuances of phrasing and context, to return more relevant and accurate search results.
One of the key ways in which BERT differs from previous Google updates is its use of machine learning to analyze the context of search queries. It means that BERT can understand the intent behind a user’s search query, even if the query contains multiple terms or complex phrasing. For example, if a user searches for “best places to visit in Europe for families with young children”, BERT can understand that the user is looking for family-friendly travel destinations in Europe and can return results that are more relevant to this specific search query.
Another important aspect of BERT is its ability to better understand the context and meaning of words. It is achieved through the use of transformers, which are a type of neural network that can learn from vast amounts of data and identify patterns in language. By analyzing the context of words within a sentence or paragraph, BERT can better understand the overall meaning and intent behind a piece of content and can return search results that are more accurate and relevant as a result.
So, what does this mean for website owners and content creators? First and foremost, it means that content that is focused on answering specific questions or addressing specific user needs is more likely to rank highly in Google search results. It is because BERT can better understand the intent behind user queries, and can therefore return results that are more closely aligned with what users are looking for.
At the same time, BERT also means that keyword stuffing and other black-hat SEO techniques are likely to be even less effective than they were before. This is because BERT can identify content that is written solely for search engines, rather than human readers, and can downgrade this content in search results accordingly.
Overall, BERT represents a major step forward in the world of search engine optimization and digital marketing. By better understanding the intent behind user queries and the content on web pages, BERT can deliver more accurate and relevant search results, which benefits both users and website owners. As such, businesses that can create high-quality, informative content that addresses specific user needs are likely to see significant benefits in terms of search rankings and traffic, while those that rely on outdated SEO techniques are likely to fall behind.