NEW GOOGLE ALGORITHM FRED AND PIGEON
FRED:
The Fred algorithm is an unofficial term used to describe a significant update to Google’s search algorithm that surfaced in March 2017, causing noticeable shifts in website rankings. Though Google never released formal documentation or confirmed technical details, the SEO community quickly identified patterns in the affected sites, leading to the conclusion that the update targeted websites violating core quality standards. Named humorously by Google’s Gary Illyes, “Fred” became a symbol of a larger effort by Google to promote authenticity, user first content, and cleaner search results. The primary focus of the Fred algorithm is to penalize websites that prioritize profits over value, especially those filled with thin, shallow, or repetitive content designed to attract clicks rather than inform or assist users. Sites hit by Fred often rely heavily on ads, affiliate links, and misleading articles, with little emphasis on delivering trustworthy or meaningful information. Many of these sites were built around quantity, pushing out low effort content for SEO rankings while placing user needs second. After the update, webmasters saw dramatic traffic drops, particularly for pages designed mainly to generate revenue from advertisements, without offering real educational or practical benefit. What makes Fred different from other updates is its strong focus on overall site intent and content depth it evaluates whether a website’s purpose is truly to help users or simply to manipulate search visibility for monetary gain. Recovery from a Fred hit typically requires a complete shift in strategy: reducing ad clutter, rewriting or removing poor quality articles, and putting more effort into delivering original, well researched, and user focused content. It also means building credibility, demonstrating expertise and trustworthiness, and following Google’s best practices not just in structure, but in purpose. Although Fred is no longer mentioned by name in recent years, the algorithm’s influence is still felt today, as its quality focused principles have been integrated into Google’s broader core ranking systems. In essence, Fred marked a turning point in how Google combats low effort content, setting a new standard for creators and marketers alike. It sent a clear message: earning visibility in search results must come through genuine value, not tricks or shortcuts. As Google continues to evolve, updates like Fred serve as a foundation for algorithms that demand more integrity, substance, and transparency across the web. Whether you’re a blogger, business owner, or digital marketer, understanding the impact of Fred is crucial because it isn’t just an algorithm update; it’s a reflection of what modern search engines expect: content that puts people first.
PIGEON:
The Pigeon algorithm is a major local search update introduced by Google in July 2014, aimed at improving the accuracy, relevance, and proximity of local search results. Unlike previous updates that targeted spammy practices or low quality content, Pigeon specifically focused on how local businesses appeared in Google’s search and map results, connecting traditional web ranking signals more closely with local search factors. The goal of the update was to provide users with better, more location based results by refining how Google interpreted distance and geographic relevance. Prior to Pigeon, local search results were often inconsistent, and many small businesses struggled to compete with larger directories or companies with strong SEO budgets. Pigeon changed that by giving preference to businesses that had a strong presence both locally and organically, taking into account traditional ranking signals like domain authority, content quality, and backlinks, along with local signals such as business listings, reviews, and citations. One of the most noticeable effects of Pigeon was the increased visibility of local directories sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Yellow Pages began to rank more prominently in local search results. This signaled a shift where not just businesses, but platforms that aggregate local business information also gained authority. While Pigeon brought more refined results for users, it also required local businesses to rethink their online presence. To perform well after the update, businesses had to ensure their Google Business Profile was complete and accurate, maintain consistent NAP Name, Address, Phone Number details across directories, and gather genuine customer reviews. Moreover, content had to be locally relevant and optimized for both geographic and service related keywords. Pigeon also tightened the connection between Google Maps and web search, making it essential for businesses to be listed correctly across both. Though it wasn’t designed to penalize, many businesses that lacked optimization saw a drop in visibility, while those with a strong local SEO strategy benefited. In essence, Pigeon helped Google deliver more contextually accurate local search results, bridging the gap between traditional organic ranking and local intent. It marked a shift in the SEO world where location based optimization became just as important as keyword usage and link building. For users, this meant more relevant results that were genuinely nearby or better suited to their query. For business owners and marketers, it reinforced the idea that local reputation, digital consistency, and geographic targeting are key to search success. Even years later, the principles behind the Pigeon update continue to influence how local SEO strategies are built, making it one of the foundational shifts in Google’s approach to connecting users with businesses in their community. Ultimately, the Pigeon algorithm ensured that local search became smarter, more precise, and more aligned with real world user intent, forever changing how businesses appear in their neighborhood’s digital landscape.