New Penguin 4 Algorithm Launch Imminent
Google’s Webmaster Trends Analyst, Gary Illyes, stated on Twitter this week that the much-anticipated Penguin algorithm update is expected to roll out within weeks. This tweet followed a period of growing speculation on social media, as website owners had noticed significant fluctuations in Google rankings. While Google frequently makes minor changes to its algorithms, these recent disturbances have heightened expectations of the impending Penguin 4 update.
New Penguin 4 Algorithm Launch Imminent
“I’ll go with weeks. We’re aiming for launching Penguin this quarter, but we don’t have a more precise timeframe,” Gary Illyes, Google Webmaster Trends Analyst.
Google has since confirmed that the ranking changes seen in the past few weeks were due to updates made to their core algorithm but clarified that this was not the launch of Penguin 4.
What is the Penguin Algorithm?
First launched in April 2012, the Penguin algorithm is designed to combat spam link tactics and assess the quality of backlinks to a website. Over the years, it has had a major impact on the digital marketing industry, with each update producing noticeable changes in search engine results. Although these updates often stir apprehension, Penguin generally benefits those who adhere to proper SEO practices. Conversely, those employing so-called ‘Black Hat’ techniques—tactics that aim to game the system—find it increasingly difficult to secure undeserved rankings.
What’s Different This Time?
The last Penguin update, Penguin 3, which rolled out in October 2014, was technically a “refresh.” A refresh simply penalises sites that have acquired spammy links since the previous update, while providing a chance for websites that have cleaned up their act to regain their rankings.
Penguin 4, however, is rumoured to be a real-time algorithm update. This means that as soon as Google detects a suspicious link, it will process and act on it immediately. Websites attempting to flout the rules can be penalised much faster, but on the flip side, those that make swift corrections to any spammy practices will see improvements in their rankings in real time.
What to Expect?
As with most Google updates, details are scarce, and we won’t fully know what Penguin 4 entails until its official launch. According to Gary Illyes, we can expect this to happen by the end of this quarter at the latest.
The introduction of a real-time Penguin algorithm underscores the need for businesses to maintain high-quality, legitimate SEO practices. At The Last Hurdle, we believe this update will reward those who follow best practices while cracking down on unethical tactics, helping to level the playing field for all businesses striving for authentic SEO success.
