Maccabees Google Algorithm Updates

Updated on January 15, 2025 by RGB Web Tech

In December 2017, the digital marketing world felt a significant shift in Google’s search rankings. Named the Maccabees Update by SEO expert Barry Schwartz, this series of algorithm changes stirred up the search engine results pages (SERPs). Unlike major updates like Panda or Penguin, Maccabees was not a single, well-defined update but rather a collection of smaller tweaks to Google’s core algorithm. These changes aimed to improve the relevance and quality of search results, impacting websites across various industries, especially during the busy holiday season. This guide dives deep into what the Maccabees Update was, its effects, and how website owners can adapt to ensure their sites thrive in Google’s evolving landscape.

What Was the Maccabees Update?

The Maccabees Update refers to a series of minor algorithm adjustments Google rolled out in mid-December 2017, with the most noticeable changes occurring around December 12 to 14. Unlike major updates that receive official names from Google, this one was informally dubbed “Maccabees” by Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable, in a nod to the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, which coincided with the timing of the update. Google confirmed these changes through a spokesperson, Danny Sullivan, who described them as “several minor improvements” aimed at enhancing search result relevance.

These tweaks were part of Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its core algorithm, which determines how web pages are ranked based on their relevance to user queries. While Google typically makes thousands of small updates annually, the Maccabees Update stood out due to significant ranking fluctuations reported by webmasters and SEO professionals. The update primarily targeted websites using aggressive SEO tactics, such as keyword stuffing and doorway pages, to manipulate rankings.

Although Google did not provide detailed specifics about the changes, the SEO community analyzed patterns and concluded that Maccabees focused on improving the user experience by penalizing low-quality content and rewarding sites with valuable, user-centric information. This focus aligned with Google’s broader mission to prioritize Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) in search rankings.

Key Features of the Maccabees Update

The Maccabees Update was not a single change but a collection of tweaks to Google’s core algorithm. Based on analyses from SEO experts and tools like SEMrush Sensor, several key areas were affected. Below are the primary features of the update:

Targeting Keyword Permutations: Maccabees cracked down on websites using excessive keyword variations to rank for similar search terms. For example, creating multiple landing pages with slight variations like “best running shoes,” “top running shoes,” and “great running shoes” was penalized.
Penalizing Doorway Pages: Doorway pages—low-value pages designed solely to rank for specific keywords—were heavily targeted. These pages often lack meaningful content and exist only to funnel users to other parts of a site.
Enhancing Relevance Scoring: The update refined how Google evaluates a page’s relevance to a user’s query, prioritizing content that directly addresses search intent over pages stuffed with keywords.
Mobile vs. Desktop Impact: Some SEO tools reported higher volatility in mobile SERPs compared to desktop, suggesting a possible connection to Google’s mobile-first indexing efforts, though this was not universally confirmed.
E-commerce and Affiliate Sites: Many e-commerce platforms and affiliate websites experienced ranking drops, particularly those with thin content or poor user experiences, such as excessive ads or cluttered designs.

These features highlight Google’s commitment to improving search quality by rewarding websites that prioritize user needs and penalizing those relying on manipulative tactics.

Impact on Websites and SEO

The Maccabees Update caused significant disruptions in the SEO community, with many websites experiencing sudden ranking drops or gains. The timing—mid-December during the holiday shopping season—amplified its impact, particularly for e-commerce platforms. Below is a breakdown of how different types of websites were affected:

1. E-commerce Platforms

E-commerce sites, especially those relying on aggressive SEO strategies, saw notable ranking declines. Sites with thin content, duplicate pages, or excessive ads were particularly vulnerable. For example, pages with minimal unique content or those overly optimized for keyword variations often dropped in rankings, leading to reduced organic traffic during a critical sales period.

2. Affiliate Websites

Affiliate sites, which often use keyword-heavy landing pages to drive traffic, were also hit hard. The update penalized pages that provided little value beyond affiliate links, pushing site owners to focus on creating in-depth, user-focused content.

3. Non-E-commerce Sites

Some non-e-commerce sites, including informational and niche blogs, reported ranking fluctuations. Sites with poor user experiences, such as slow load times or cluttered designs, were more likely to be negatively impacted.

4. Mobile vs. Desktop Fluctuations

SEO tools like SEMrush Sensor noted higher volatility in mobile search results, particularly in categories like Autos & Vehicles, Law & Government, and Hobbies & Leisure. This led to speculation that Maccabees was tied to Google’s mobile-first indexing, though some sites reported greater desktop visibility changes, creating mixed signals.

The update’s broad impact underscored the importance of aligning with Google’s E-A-T principles. Websites that provided high-quality, relevant content tailored to user intent generally fared better, while those using outdated SEO tactics suffered.

Why Was It Called Maccabees?

The name “Maccabees” was coined by Barry Schwartz, a prominent SEO expert and founder of Search Engine Roundtable, due to the update’s timing during Hanukkah, a Jewish holiday commemorating the Maccabean Revolt. Unlike other Google updates like Panda or Penguin, which were officially named, Maccabees was an informal label adopted by the SEO community. Google itself referred to the changes as “several minor improvements” and avoided giving them a formal name, possibly to downplay their significance.

The choice of “Maccabees” was fitting, as the update seemed to “revolt” against manipulative SEO practices, much like the historical Maccabees fought against oppression. The name also added a touch of humor, reflecting the SEO community’s tendency to assign catchy names to significant algorithm changes.

How to Recover from Maccabees

If your website was negatively impacted by the Maccabees Update, recovery requires a strategic approach focused on aligning with Google’s quality guidelines. Here are actionable steps to regain lost rankings:

Conduct a Website Audit: Perform a thorough audit to identify issues like thin content, keyword stuffing, or doorway pages. Tools like Screaming Frog or Ahrefs can help pinpoint problematic areas.
Improve Content Quality: Focus on creating high-quality, original content that provides value to users. Ensure each page has a clear purpose and addresses specific user needs.
Optimize for User Experience: Enhance site navigation, reduce ad clutter, and improve page load speed. A clean, user-friendly design signals quality to both users and Google.
Refine Keyword Strategy: Avoid over-optimizing for keyword permutations. Instead, target a few high-value, relevant keywords per page and use them naturally.
Strengthen E-A-T: Build expertise by showcasing author credentials, citing authoritative sources, and ensuring your content is trustworthy and accurate.
Monitor Mobile Performance: Since Maccabees may have impacted mobile rankings, ensure your site is fully optimized for mobile devices, with responsive design and fast load times.

Recovery is not immediate—Google’s algorithm takes time to re-evaluate changes. Consistently apply these best practices and monitor performance using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console.

Long-Term SEO Strategies Post-Maccabees

The Maccabees Update reinforced Google’s focus on user-centric content and ethical SEO practices. To future-proof your website against similar updates, adopt these long-term strategies:

1. Prioritize High-Quality Content

Create content that answers user questions thoroughly and engagingly. Use data, case studies, and expert insights to add depth. For example, instead of a generic page about “best laptops,” provide detailed comparisons, user reviews, and technical specifications.

2. Focus on User Intent

Understand the intent behind search queries—informational, navigational, or transactional—and tailor your content accordingly. Use tools like Google’s “People Also Ask” section to identify common user questions.

3. Enhance Site Usability

Ensure your website is easy to navigate, with clear menus, fast load times, and a mobile-friendly design. Test your site’s performance using Google’s PageSpeed Insights.

4. Build High-Quality Backlinks

Earn backlinks from authoritative, relevant websites through guest posts, partnerships, or original research. Avoid low-quality link-building tactics like link farms, which Maccabees likely targeted.

5. Stay Updated on Algorithm Changes

Follow reputable SEO blogs like Search Engine Land, Moz, and Search Engine Roundtable to stay informed about Google’s updates. Adjust your strategies based on new insights and trends.

6. Leverage Structured Data

Use schema markup to help Google understand your content better. For example, adding schema for articles or products can enhance visibility in SERPs.

By adopting these strategies, you can build a resilient website that performs well regardless of algorithm changes.

Common Myths About Maccabees

The Maccabees Update sparked confusion and speculation in the SEO community. Here are some common myths and the truth behind them:

Myth: Maccabees was a single, major update. Truth: It was a series of minor tweaks to the core algorithm, not a single overhaul like Panda or Penguin.
Myth: It only affected e-commerce sites. Truth: While e-commerce sites were heavily impacted, informational and affiliate sites also saw fluctuations.
Myth: It was solely about mobile-first indexing. Truth: Although mobile SERPs showed higher volatility, desktop rankings were also affected, and the update focused more on content relevance than mobile optimization.
Myth: Recovery is impossible. Truth: With a focus on quality content, user experience, and ethical SEO, websites can recover lost rankings over time.

Understanding these myths helps clarify the update’s scope and guides effective recovery strategies.

Lessons Learned from Maccabees

The Maccabees Update offered valuable lessons for website owners and SEO professionals:

Quality Over Quantity: Creating fewer, high-quality pages is better than producing numerous low-value ones. Focus on depth and relevance.
User Experience Matters: A clean, fast, and intuitive website enhances user satisfaction and aligns with Google’s priorities.
Ethical SEO Wins: Avoid shortcuts like keyword stuffing or doorway pages. Sustainable SEO practices lead to long-term success.
Adaptability is Key: Google’s algorithm evolves constantly. Stay informed and be ready to adjust your strategies to maintain visibility.

The Maccabees Update was a reminder that Google’s primary goal is to deliver the most relevant, high-quality results to users. By aligning your website with this goal, you can navigate algorithm changes successfully.

In conclusion, the Maccabees Google Algorithm Update of December 2017 was a pivotal moment for SEO, emphasizing the importance of user-focused content and ethical optimization practices. While it caused disruptions, particularly for e-commerce and affiliate sites, it also provided an opportunity to refine strategies and prioritize quality. By conducting thorough audits, improving content, and focusing on user experience, website owners can recover from ranking drops and build sites that thrive in Google’s ever-changing search landscape. Stay proactive, keep learning, and always put your audience first to succeed in SEO.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What was the Maccabees Google Algorithm Update?

Answer: The Maccabees Update was a series of minor tweaks to Google’s core algorithm in mid-December 2017, aimed at improving search result relevance. Named by SEO expert Barry Schwartz, it targeted websites with low-quality content, keyword stuffing, and doorway pages, impacting rankings across various industries, especially e-commerce and affiliate sites.

2. Why was it called the Maccabees Update?

Answer: The update was informally named “Maccabees” by Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable, as it coincided with the Jewish holiday Hanukkah, which commemorates the Maccabean Revolt. Google did not officially name the update, referring to it only as minor improvements to the core algorithm.

3. Which websites were most affected by the Maccabees Update?

Answer: E-commerce and affiliate websites were heavily impacted, particularly those with thin content, excessive ads, or aggressive SEO tactics like keyword permutations and doorway pages. Informational sites with poor user experiences, such as slow load times, also saw ranking fluctuations.

4. How did the Maccabees Update affect mobile search results?

Answer: Some SEO tools reported higher volatility in mobile search results compared to desktop, suggesting a possible link to Google’s mobile-first indexing efforts. However, both mobile and desktop rankings were affected, with a focus on content relevance and user experience.

5. What are doorway pages, and why were they targeted?

Answer: Doorway pages are low-value pages created solely to rank for specific keywords and funnel users to other parts of a site. The Maccabees Update penalized them for providing little user value, prioritizing content that directly addresses search intent.

6. How can a website recover from a Maccabees-related ranking drop?

Answer: Recovery involves conducting a site audit to identify issues like thin content or keyword stuffing, improving content quality, enhancing user experience, and optimizing for mobile. Aligning with Google’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) principles is crucial for regaining rankings.

7. Was the Maccabees Update related to mobile-first indexing?

Answer: While mobile search results showed higher volatility, the update was not exclusively tied to mobile-first indexing. It focused broadly on content relevance and quality, impacting both mobile and desktop SERPs.

8. How can I prevent my site from being impacted by future updates like Maccabees?

Answer: Focus on creating high-quality, user-focused content, optimizing for user intent, improving site usability, and building authoritative backlinks. Avoid manipulative tactics like keyword stuffing and stay updated on Google’s algorithm changes through reputable SEO sources.

9. Did Google officially confirm the Maccabees Update?

Answer: Google confirmed “several minor improvements” to its core algorithm in December 2017 through spokesperson Danny Sullivan but did not officially name it Maccabees. The name was coined by the SEO community based on observed ranking changes.

10. What role does E-A-T play in the Maccabees Update?

Answer: The Maccabees Update emphasized Google’s E-A-T principles—Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Websites with high-quality, trustworthy content aligned with user intent performed better, while those lacking E-A-T were more likely to lose rankings.

If you found this article helpful, we encourage you to share it on your social media platforms—because sharing is caring! For more information about article submissions on our website, feel free to reach out to us via email.

Send an email

Written by RGB Web Tech

SEO Checklist - Boost Your Website Ranking

Enhance your website performance with our Complete SEO Checklist. This detailed guide covers essential aspects like On-Page SEO, Off-Page SEO, Technical SEO, Backlink Building, Mobile Optimization etc. Follow our step-by-step SEO Checklist to improve search rankings, boost organic traffic, and achieve sustainable online growth. Start optimizing today!

Web Design and Development Company

Maccabees Algorithm