Google algorithm updates

Usually a few times a year, often three or four. Google announces each one on its Search Status Dashboard when the rollout starts and marks it complete when it ends. Smaller updates, such as spam updates, come more often.

Google says a rollout can take up to about 14 days. Spam updates are often shorter, and some core updates have taken a little longer. Rankings can fluctuate during the whole rollout.

Wait until the rollout is complete before changing anything, then compare your rankings and traffic before and after the update. Google recommends improving the overall quality and usefulness of your content rather than making quick technical fixes.

From Google's official Search Status Dashboard. We check it every hour and list each ranking update with its dates and status; every entry links to Google's own announcement.

With a serp.ac account you get a message by email or Telegram (and Slack or Discord if you connect them) when a ranking update starts and when it's complete. Update periods are also shaded on your rank charts.