Columnists

The Smart Lab: All About Google’s Algorithms

ColumnistsJul 08, 2020

The Smart Lab: All About Google’s Algorithms

Smart Age’s Emmanuel Raheb on why it’s important to always stay up-to-date with the latest changes to Google’s frequently altered algorithms.

2018_Emmanuel-Raheb_copy.jpg
Emmanuel Raheb is the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner. Contact him at eraheb@smartagesolutions.com.
Google’s search algorithm can be a powerful tool to boost your website, but if you don’t know how to use it, things might take a turn for the worst.

Some of the algorithms are widely known. They’ve impacted search engine optimization (SEO), and, thus, the rankings of websites.

This, of course, translates into revenue.

Google updates its algorithms constantly, and it can be a bit difficult to keep up with the changes. You might be working with an obsolete notion of Google’s SEO algorithms.

But, first things first, so let’s start with the basics.

What Is a Google Algorithm Update?

Google’s updates to its algorithms directly influence the way it positions your website when someone uses its search engine.

Updates on Google’s algorithms affect:
• Search ranking and visibility;
• Organic search traffic;
• Conversions;
• Return on investment (ROI); and
• Revenue.

But before you see it as punishment, think of these algorithms as a way to reward websites that value excellent user experience and provide relevant content.

Google aims to give the most accurate results when someone asks a question; therefore, if you want your website to be ranked first, be precise.

Build expertise, authority, and trustworthiness into your content, which brings us to ...

Google’s E-A-T
If you haven’t heard of E-A-T, you’re in need of some important information ASAP.

E-A-T stands for exactly what we were just talking about: expertise, authority, and trustworthiness.

The acronym came about after Google’s broad core update in August 2018, which, according to the company, is supposed to promote and encourage high-quality content.

It’s all about being relevant and accurate because the information you give affects users’ well-being.

By now you might already know the answer to the next question, but just in case …

Why Are Google’s Updates So Important?
Because they can make you or break you. It’s as simple as that.

Nowadays, user experience is what needs to be prioritized. Not only in the sense that the flows on your website must be intuitive for them, but also in the way you present information.

If your content is relevant and accurate (and these are words you should always keep in mind), then your ranking will be good.

If it isn’t, the algorithms are there to make you see it, and, most importantly, change it.

OK, but …

How Do I Track Google’s Updates?
Well, Google updates its algorithms thousands of times a year. 

This is not a reason to panic because not 
all of them will affect you. Some are very specific, so they might not be relevant for the type of content or service you provide. 

But it helps to keep track of the big changes, as that’s valuable information. It gives you the chance to be ahead of the game, to check whether these updates will impact you or not.

It also contributes to your understanding of how often Google implements its algorithms, so maybe you’ll even be able to anticipate what’s to come.

There are great SEO blogs that indicate algorithm updates, and Google itself will rank the best source when you ask it for the most recent changes.

Just google “most recent changes to Google algorithm,” and you’ll see what I mean. 
Emmanuel Rahebis the CEO of Smart Age Solutions, a digital ad agency and coveted Premier Google Partner.

The Latest

Stock image of police cars with their lights on
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
5 Security Tips for Las Vegas Jewelry Market Week 2026

This year, it’s what could happen outside of show hours that worries JSA Executive Vice President Scott Guginsky.

Couture The Iridescence designers Aziza-Abdullah Nicole, Cindy Liebe, Danyell Roscoe, Jessica Liu, Marie Helena from Rebel Jewelry, Julia de Souza, and Xiao Wang
Events & AwardsMay 27, 2026
Couture’s ‘The Iridescence’ Will Showcase 7 Emerging Jewelry Designers

The designers are the third cohort of mentees from the show’s Belonging @ Couture mentorship program.

JCK Talks panel on stage
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
12 JCK Talks Sessions to Add to Your Las Vegas Schedule

The trade show’s education series returns, with sessions on retail trends, AI, watches, marketing, corporate responsibility, and more.

PG-05-SHOT-2-LUCIDA.033 1.png
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in Vegas

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

CBG Curated Designer Project Logo
Events & AwardsMay 26, 2026
CBG Brings Its Curated Designer Project to Las Vegas Show

The Curated Designer Project has expanded to highlight eight independent jewelry designers during CBG’s Las Vegas show.

Weekly QuizMay 21, 2026
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Walters Faith
TrendsMay 26, 2026
Amanda’s Style File: A Cooldown Is Coming

Bring a cool tone to your summer jewelry with these white metal pieces.

Shot of attendees at a JA New York jewelry trade show
Events & AwardsMay 22, 2026
Instore Buys JA New York Show

The deal closed this week, which means Instore will produce the JA NY show slated to take place this fall.

1872x1052-NextGem-2026-National-Jeweler-Advertorial.jpg
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry Retailers

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

Buccellati Waikiki gold and diamond earrings
FinancialsMay 22, 2026
Richemont’s Jewelry Brands Lead the Charge in Q4

The company’s jewelry sales were up in Q4 and the fiscal year, with Richemont raising prices in part because of the cost of gold.

Leigh Maxwell Bauble Earrings
CollectionsMay 22, 2026
Leigh Maxwell Celebrates 5 Years at Couture With ‘Bauble’ Collection

The “Bauble” capsule collection of colorful one-of-a-kinds includes our Piece of the Week, the “Bauble” earrings, featuring rose zircon.

Stuller 2026-2027 packaging and display catalog
MajorsMay 22, 2026
Stuller’s New Packaging, Display Catalog Is Out

The updated catalog has a newly dedicated section for gift wrapping.

My Next Question, Episode 5: Amanda Gizzi, Michelle Graff, Frank Everett
PodcastsMay 21, 2026
Episode 5: Sotheby’s Frank Everett Puts the Auction Market in Perspective

Everett covers colored stones’ surging popularity, the mellow return of the “Mellon Blue,” and his “The Devil Wears Prada” doppelgänger.

Springer’s Jewelers new flagship rendering
IndependentsMay 21, 2026
Springer’s Jewelers’ New Flagship Will Serve Next-Gen Luxury Shoppers

Fourth-generation CEO Lilly Mullen wants to emphasize experience, connection, and personalized service.

Nina Pugliese
Events & AwardsMay 21, 2026
JA Announces Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship

The new award, created in partnership with Henne Jewelers, honors the late designer’s legacy through supporting jewelry education.

WFDB International Summit
SourcingMay 21, 2026
Botswana, Angola Join WFDB

The addition of the diamond-producing countries as nation affiliated members broadens the federation’s global representation, WFDB said.

Jewelry scam flyer and police officer handing flyer to elderly man
CrimeMay 20, 2026
NYPD Warns of Jewelry Swap Scams Targeting Seniors

The NYPD is warning elderly New Yorkers to keep their jewelry hidden when walking outside to avoid being a target.

New Adornment & Theory jewelry store in West Town, Chicago
IndependentsMay 20, 2026
Adornment & Theory’s New Store Feels Like Home

Designer Viviana Langhoff has realized her dream of owning a space for her Chicago jewelry store that looks and feels like her brand.

Couture Show Logo
Events & AwardsMay 20, 2026
Here Is Couture’s 2026 Education Lineup

The sessions will run from Friday, May 29, to Sunday, May 31, with one being a live taping of an episode of Couture’s podcast.

Morgan P. Richardson
Lab-GrownMay 20, 2026
Savannah Friedkin Jewelry Names New CEO

Former Stephanie Gottlieb Fine Jewelry executive Morgan P. Richardson is joining the lab-grown diamond jewelry brand.

Audemars Piguet x Swatch white Royal Pop watch
WatchesMay 19, 2026
Here’s the AP x Swatch Pocket Watch That Caused Pandemonium

The $400 pocket watch is a blend of Audemars Piguet’s iconic eight-sided Royal Oak and Swatch’s unserious Pop watches from the ‘80s.

Chris Ploof Modern Electrum Collection Milgrain Rows and Diamonds Ring
CollectionsMay 19, 2026
Chris Ploof’s New Collection Makes an Ancient Metal Modern

With gold prices on the rise, the “Modern Electrum” collection uses an alternative, non-tarnishing metal alloy composed of gold and silver.

Ellen and Michael Fruchtman
IndependentsMay 19, 2026
Ellen and Michael Fruchtman Retire, Sell Marketing Agency

Fruchtman Marketing has new owners, Erin Moyer-Carballea and Manuel Carballea, and will relocate to Miami.

Peter Smith and National Jeweler contributor
ColumnistsMay 19, 2026
Peter Smith: The (Mostly) Immutable Sales Truths

In a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Smith lists 10 time-tested principles about sales that still ring true.

Edahn Golan, Tenoris co-founder and National Jeweler contributor
ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine Jewelry

In a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.

Foundrae Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope Collection Campaign Imagery
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Foundrae’s New Collection Taps Into Joy

The “Limitless Expansion of Joy and Hope” collection evokes summer through colored gemstones and motifs of butterflies and florals.

Inchiquin emerald
CollectionsMay 18, 2026
Hancocks London Acquires Historic ‘Inchiquin’ Emerald

The jewel, circa 1890, is from the late Victorian era and was owned by descendants of the last high king of Ireland.

JCK Industry Fund Logo
Events & AwardsMay 18, 2026
Here Are the 2026 JCK Industry Fund Grant Recipients

This is what the nine recipients plan to do with the funds.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy