Google Algorithm Updates Cheat Sheet (2020-2026)
A complete Google algorithm updates cheat sheet from 2020-2026 — what changed, who got hit, recovery patterns and what each update means today.
Every major Google algorithm update from 2020-2026 in one cheat sheet — what changed, who got hit, how to recover.
2020-2021: Core updates and Page Experience
Multiple broad cores. Page Experience rolled out CWV as a ranking signal. Thin affiliate content took the biggest hit.
2022: Helpful Content System
Sitewide demotion for sites with too much unhelpful, search-first content. Recovery required pruning, not just editing.
2023: Reviews updates and SpamBrain
Tightened standards on review content authenticity. AI-spun affiliate sites cratered.
2024: March core + spam update
Massive deindexing of low-quality AI-generated sites. Helpful Content System merged into core.
2025-2026: AI Overviews + EEAT depth
AI Overviews changed CTR distribution. EEAT signals became more decisive. Original data and demonstrated expertise win.
Recovery patterns
Prune ruthlessly. Strengthen EEAT. Earn topically relevant links. Improve CWV. Wait for the next core update — recoveries happen there.
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