The Biggest Online Trends and SEO Updates of 2014
As 2015 gets off to a rapid start, we’re taking a look back on the year that was 2014. Come with us as we take you through the biggest Google updates, online trends, Twitter New Year’s resolutions and our pick of the top marketing resources from 2014.
Google Updates
Google has a habit of changing its search algorithms on a regular basis. Sometimes these changes are minor (thank goodness, since each year sees around 500 of them), while other times they have a significant impact on website search engine rankings. Here are some of the big-uns of 2014:
May 19: Panda 4.0
June 28: Authorship Photo Drop
July 24: Pigeon
August 6: Google announces HTTPS is a ranking factor
August 28: Authorship removed
September 23: Panda 4.1
October 17: Penguin 3.0
December 2, 5, 6: More Penguin Updates: 3.1, 3.2, 3.3
December 9: Pigeon rolls out in Australia
What did we care about in 2014?
Global
Searches:
- Robin Williams
- World Cup
- Ebola
- Malaysia Airlines
- ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
People:
- Jennifer Lawrence
- Kim Kardashian
- Julie Gayet
- Tracey Morgan
- Renee Zellweger
Global News
- Ebola
- ISIS
- Malaysia Airlines
- Crimea / Ukraine
- Ferguson
In Australia we wanted to know
How to…
- Draw
- Kiss
- Crochet
- Meditate
- Knit
Who is…?
- Jesus
- ISIS
- Banksy
- Redfoo
- Ultron
What is…?
- Ebola
- ALS
- Love
- Gluten
- Tinder
Where is…?
- Sochi
- MH370
- Perth
- Glasgow
- Gallipoli
To check out more stats visit Google Trends.
Our Favourite Online Marketing Resources from 2014
Choosing your favourite resources is no easy task when you have a year’s worth of industry experts’ knowledge and insights to choose from. Luckily we like a good challenge, so, without further ado, here are our top picks of the year.
UX Crash Course: User Psychology
Joel Marsh has done an incredible job putting together this 31-part online course to help people understand user psychology and improve user experience. Kudos, Joel.
Quick SEO Wins: 31 Ideas from the Experts
Although most search strategies are long-term, there are some quick wins that can be used early on in the campaign. We asked 31 expert SEOs to share their quick wins – here’s what they said.
Announcing the All-New Beginner’s Guide to Link Building
Whether you’re an expert or new to the online marketing industry, this guide is well worth a read. In the extensive 7-part guide, Paddy Moogan takes you from the basics right through to advanced strategies and ideas.
No Words Wasted: A Guide to Creating Focused Content
Get into the intricate details of wordsmithing with this comprehensive guide from Kyra Kuik and Harriet Cummings at Distilled.
Problogger Conference 2014
We had a ball learning from some of the best minds in the business at the Problogger conference. This article is just a slice of content from the information packed weekend!
Youtube Trends
The top 5 trending YouTube Videos of 2014
- Mutant Giant Spider Dog (SA Wardega)
- Nike Football: Winner Stays. ft. Ronaldo…
- FIRST KISS
- The Voice IT | Serie 2 | Blind 2 | Suor Cristina …
- iPhone 6 Plus Bend Test
Top New Year’s Resolutions on Twitter
As the New Year rolled around, all the usual suspects turned up in Twitter as resolutions rolled in thick and fast – from fitness to quitting smoking and cutting back on technology (I think we’d struggle with that last one).
Here’s the most popular 2015 New Year’s Resolutions on Twitter:
- Work out
- Be happy
- Lose weight
- Stop smoking
- Unplug
- Be the best (at…)
- Stop drinking
- Love Myself
- Work harder
- Don’t f–k it up
What are your New Year’s resolutions for 2015?
We hope you enjoy looking back on 2014 and seeing what Google and the world have been up to behind the screen. Join us in keeping up to date with the latest industry news by following us on Facebook or Twitter.