A week ago Friday, September 2nd, we reported on a Google algorithm update, which turned out to be seen by the vast majority of SEOs and webmasters out there. Now I am seeing some more early chatter, it is unclear if it is related to that September 2nd update or if it is something else. If I had to guess, I'd say it is tweaks to whatever Google did on September 2nd.
Just a reminder, Google really didn't give us a comment on that September 2nd update but they did tell us that whatever it was, it was not Penguin.
But over night, I've been seeing chatter both at Black Hat World and WebmasterWorld, as well as on Twitter and many many emails and direct messages about a potential Google update in the past 12 hours. I really suspect it is related to the 9/2 update but I am not sure.
Here are some quotes from those threads in the past 12 hours:
Seems to be, so much flux going on, serps changing with almost every search (not new, just more frequent lately).
I still see a fluctuation in rankings, as well.
Yep, same here in the UK too. Longest spell of turbulence I can remember, and I was here before Google.
Still noticed some drop, and some KW came back to their initial position, top 3 on page.
I'm thinkin this is Penguin 4. This looks a lot like the last refresh.
@rustybrick Chatter going on reporting major fluc. with SERPs. Major.
— Vladrpt (@vladrpt) September 12, 2016
Again, I do not think this is Penguin, it would be a lot noisier if it was. No word from Google on this or the earlier update. If we hear anything, we will let you know.
The Google tracking tools all show consistent levels right now, but it may be too early for them to pick up on this?
Forum discussion at Black Hat World, WebmasterWorld and Twitter.