
Google ranking algorithm updates are a regular and recurring part of online life. The objective is always to improve the quality and relevance of search results. While there have been many major updates in the past such as Hummingbird, Panda, Penguin, BERT, and the Core Web Vitals update, they are also regular monthly updates/adjustments aimed at fine-tuning the search operations and functioning. Unfortunately, the disruption this often causes to traffic patterns can affect website performance and leave webmasters frustrated while they wait for traffic to return to normal.
What Happened In May
The May 2023 updates followed a familiar pattern – confusion to start with, complaints about sharp and unexpected drops in visitors to websites and so on. There is normally no advance notification of these updates occurring and the situation only comes to light when webmasters find significant fluctuations in visitors to their sites – usually negative. This translates into changes in search rankings, once again usually negative. The situation typically stabilizes in a few days and functional balance is regained.
This month the updates came out between:
What Google Tracking Tools Say
Google tracking tools routinely track ranking updates. The tracking data often varies significantly. For example, Mozcast shows a significant rise in ranking on 22nd May while Semrush reports a noticeable drop. SERPmetrics shows a sharp spike in ranking for 4 days starting 14th May after which the volumes returned to a more-or-less stable plane. Advanced Web Rankings showed significant ranking fluctuations throughout the month. Additionally, the effect on individual websites can vary greatly – some may find a drop in rankings and traffic, others may find an increase and some may remain unaffected. It is best if each webmaster analyses the situation after each update to know where the site stands and to make any changes that may be needed.
What Webmasters Say
Webmaster’s reaction to the updates have not, overall, been positive. Among the common comments being posted are:
- 30% of websites have lost rankings.
- It appears to have the greatest effect on low DA sites.
- This morning my USA traffic is -60%, UK is -22% and Search is-29%.
- There has been a slight uptick this month.
- A decrease in organic traffic is noticeable.
- Traffic returned to normal after a few days.
- I notice massive ranking changes in the middle of the night.
- Traffic will grow for a few days and then start dropping again.
- It seems the updates are rewarding Walmart, Amazon and other big businesses.
- Yesterday everything snapped right back into the old traffic pattern and all of the sections of my site which were down 40%-80% since Easter were back to their old levels.
While Google ranking algorithm updates are nothing new, it appears, from the preponderance of negative reactions, that the May updates caught people off guard and the reactions, at least among those who vocalized their response, have been one of frustration and being left with no option but to wait for the situation to stabilize and hope that lost ground can be regained.
As for how ranking and traffic will be affected by future updates, it is a wait-and-watch situation.
Semrush

Moz Cast

Advanced Web Ranking

Categories
- E-Commerce Site Search – Best Practices to Increase Conversion (Part – 2)
- E-Commerce Site Search – Best Practices to Increase Conversion (Part – 1)
- What Is E-Commerce Merchandising and How Can It Help Improve Sales?
- Top 5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs a Website in 2023
- What Are the Major Elements of an Ideal E-Commerce Website?
- How Does an Ecommerce Website Work?
- Essential Rules and Strategies for Effective Healthcare Content Marketing
- Healthcare’s Content Revolution: Statistics and Strategies for Reaching Today’s Patients
- Healthcare Marketing: Loyalty-Building Techniques and Basic Healthcare Marketing Content Ideas
- The Essential Guide to Content Marketing for Modern Healthcare Organizations
- Statistics That Will Convince You About the Importance of Medical Content Marketing
- 9 Beginner Mistakes Most Small Businesses Make in SEO
- 7 Actionable On-Page SEO Factors You Need to Know
- Cracking the Code: Mastering On-Page SEO for Website Excellence
- Off-Page SEO – Best Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies to Employ
- Off-Page SEO Ranking Factors That Everyone Should Know About
- Off-Page SEO – What Is It and How Can You Get the Best Out of It?
- Top 5 SEO Mistakes to Avoid
- How to Market using Social Media for Different Generations
- Tips to Handle Digital Branding Like an Expert
- WhatsApp Ads Decoded: Everything You Must Know About This Marketing Game Changer
- Digital Marketing vs. Digital Branding – What’s the Difference?
- Website vs. Social Media: Is a Website Still Necessary for a Business?
- What should small businesses post on social media (a complete guide)?
- Schema Mark-up in SEO: A Guide to Types, Benefits, and Importance
- How to Track Website Calls and Email Clicks in GA4 Using Google Tag Manager
- How to Set Up Google Tag Manager: A Step-by-Step Guide
- What is Google Tag Manager? How does it work and what are the Benefits of using Google Tag Manager?
- The Ultimate Guide to Profile Page Structured Data
- Mastering Schema Markup: Unravelling the Secrets of Schema, Supported Formats, and Implementation
- Healthcare Marketing through the Ages: The Vital Role of Digital Transformation
- Empowering Women in Digital Marketing: Job Opportunities, Career Paths, and Top Interview Questions Answered
- Update your Address or be prepared to lose Business
- A Beginner’s Guide to Web Development
- Google Algorithm Updates – March 2024
- Google Ranking Algorithm Updates – February 2024
- How to Create a Demand Generation Campaign in Google Ads
- Demystifying Demand Gen Ads: Understanding the Power of Awareness and Engagement
- Why Is Search Engine Marketing Important?
- Top Search Engine Marketing Tools to Use to Save Time and Money – Part 2
- Google Ranking Algorithm Updates – September & October 2023
- Top Search Engine Marketing Tools to Use to Save Money and Time – Part 1
- Google Ranking Algorithm Updates – August 2023
- Google Ranking Algorithm Updates – July 2023
- Google Ranking Algorithm Updates – June 2023
- Google Ranking Algorithm Updates – May 2023
- Choosing the Right E-Commerce Web Development Company: A Comprehensive Guide
- ChatGPT Is at Capacity Now – How to Fix This Error?
- Difference Between Copywriting and Content Writing
- How Does Video Content Help Improve SEO?
- Brand Loyalty – Why Does It Matter and How to Build It?
- 5 Ways to Convert Your Visitors into Customers
- Top 5 Reasons Why Your Website Needs a Blog Corner
- How to start a digital marketing agency from scratch and run it successfully? | Part 2
- How to start a digital marketing agency from scratch and run it successfully? | Part 1
- What Is the Difference Between Google My Business and Google Business Profile?
- What to Expect from a Professional SEO Company?
- What is the Role of SEO in the Web Design/Development Process?
- What is the Process of Web Design and How Does It Differ from DIY Solutions?
- What are the Newest Trends in Website Design?
- A Complete Guide on Google Business Profile (GBP)
- The Significance of Meta Description in 2024
- How to Write a Product Description for eCommerce Websites
- Digital marketing tips for preschool owners
- What are the 9 basic rules Google follows for Featured Snippets?
- What are brand pillars, and why do they matter?
- Is Trying To Rank SEO without an SSL (HTTPS) Pointless?
- What is agile marketing?
- How to Get the Results You Want through Your Digital Marketing Plan?
- Demystifying the Debate Around Influencer Marketing (How to Do It Correctly)
- How We Brought Down the Bounce Rate from 93% to 5% (Case Study)
- Google Ads Checklist for 2024
- Reasons Why Google May Penalize Your Website
- Difference between Organic and Paid Search Results
- How to Rank Higher on Voice Searches
- The making of the first ever Digital Women Economic Forum
- How to Use Customer Service as an Online Marketing Strategy
- The Importance of Commenting in Forums for SEO
- 10 Clear Signs Your Website Needs a Redesign and Why It’s a Smart Investment
- The Importance of UI/UX Design in Web Development
- What Are the Phases Involved in Web Development?
- Top 5 CMS Platforms for Website Redesign and Blogging – Part 2
- Website Redesign Mistakes Businesses Should Avoid
- Top 5 CMS Platforms for Website Design and Blogging
- What Is CMS and How Can It Be Used in Website Development?
- Why Should You Consider Redesigning Your Website?