Google Hosts Website Creators as Search Complaints Grow

Any creator who relies on Google search to drive readers to their websites is used to changes in the search engine’s powerful algorithm. But some recent updates have been so disruptive that Google made a rare overture to these small publishers: In late October, it invited several to its Mountain View, Calif., headquarters to hear their complaints. 

Google paid for flights and hotels of several website creators for a meeting in which Google staff gave some insights on how its search algorithm works, according to four creators who attended. The web publishers explained how recent changes to the search algorithm have upended their businesses.