Did you know that Google changes its algorithm about 500-600 times per year? Updates happen all the time and there are a couple of new ones we wanted to make you aware of.

• Yesterday Google rolled out its Page Speed update, which focuses on the slowest-of-the-slow sites on the Internet.

• • • For the last year, the Treehouse has been improving our site content and code to ensure your customers get a fast experience. We will continue to make updates as needed.

• Google also rolled out the long-awaited Mobile-First Index change. What is it? Google describes it as, “Mobile-first indexing means that we'll use the mobile version of the page for indexing and ranking, to better help our – primarily mobile – users find what they're looking for.” Google will email us if this affects a website as it happens.

• • • This is just part of why the Treehouse moved our websites to be responsive roughly 2.5 years ago to make sure you are covered - because we’ve all seen mobile grow in importance each year as both users and companies.

For more algorithm updates, check out the following article: https://www.mariehaynes.com/algo-changes-and-more/. As always, our Performance Team members will continue working hard to keep your site in top performance shape.

By the way... Google also removed all “Anonymous User” Google My Business reviews in an attempt to combat fake reviews.

BrightLocal reports the average star rating of anonymous reviews was .2 lower than named reviewers. This is across the board, so all businesses are affected - you're not alone! This should be helpful in the long-run as you continue to respond to your customer reviews. Keep WOWing your customers and getting those great reviews!