In a Webmaster Central hangout, Google’s John Mueller answered a question about when link algorithms are updated and also revealed how long it takes for links to take effect in Google.
The original question was concerned with when links take effect and if it was tied to core ranking algorithms.
The question was a long one, below is the relevant part of it:
“I was wondering about when these big announced core updates happen, are there some parts of the linking algorithm updated as well?”
John Mueller began his answer by describing what the core algorithm is and how it’s made up of a lot of algorithms, not just one giant core algorithm.
This is what Mueller said:
“So in general, a core algorithm update, the way that we have it defined is somewhat vague.
Because it’s not that we have this one piece of machinery that is the core algorithm and when we change one screw there, then that’s a core algorithm update.”
Next, Mueller described what actually happens during a core algorithm update. He divided into two different things going on.
The first one was a significant changes in many algorithms. The second one is a significant change in “interpretations” which may be a reference to changing how much emphasis any given signal is given or how it’s emphasized.
Mueller continued:
“But rather, we have so many different algorithms that work in search. And when we make significant changes across a number of them or significant changes in the way that we interpret them, then that’s something that we would call a core algorithm update.
So, from that point of view, it’s not that we would say… the way that we handle links never changes or the way that we handle links always changes when we make a core algorithm update.”
Next Mueller says that a change in a link algorithm can happen at any time, not just during a core algorithm update.
“These changes can happen essentially at any time. And they can also coincide with core algorithm updates.”
How Long it Takes for Links to Affect Rankings
Finally, he circles back to how links themselves are processed and folded into search ranking. Many people say that the effect of a link can take anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Here is John’s answer to how long it takes for a link to take effect in Google:
“The way that we process links is something that is continuous. So it’s not that we have to wait for a specific time frame to see the new effect of the links.
But rather when we see links on the web we can take them into account essentially immediately.”
Link Algorithm Updates and How Long for Links to Work
Google’s John Mueller provided useful insights into the relationship of links and core algorithm updates.
His confirmation that links can take effect “essentially immediately” might seem startling to some. That may be that it takes weeks or months to see an effect on rankings because it may take more than just one or five or ten links to see an effect in rankings.
Watch Mueller answer question about link algorithms and how long it takes for links to take effect:
