Google's search engines are constantly improving, and one of the most important ways this happens is through Core Updates. These changes can impact how sites rank in Google Search, so anyone operating a website should know them. If you've seen a drop in your website's ranking recently, it could be due to a Core Update. This blog will help you navigate these changes and make the best decision.
What is the August 2024 Google Core Update?
This Google Core Update is a significant update to Google's search algorithms targeted to improve the relevancy and quality of search results. As Google refines its evaluation of content quality, relevance, and user experience, these improvements frequently cause shifts in search ranks over multiple websites.
Steps to Take When a Core Update Affects Your Site
If you suspect that your site’s ranking drop links with a Core Update, follow these steps to assess and address the situation:
Confirm the Core Update Timing
Use the Google Search Status Dashboard to confirm the timing of the Core Update. The dashboard displays current status information for several Google Search services, including any ongoing service disruptions or outages related to ranking and serving content. Please keep track of the Core Update's start and end dates and ensure it has fully rolled out before assessing its impact on your site.
Wait a Week Before Analyzing Data
Wait at least a week after the update is completed before analyzing your site’s performance. It allows the update to settle, giving you a clear picture of its impact.
Compare Pre- and Post-Update Performance
Use Google Search Console to compare your site’s performance in the week before the update began with the week after it ended. This comparison will help you pinpoint specific changes and trends.
Review Your Top Pages and Queries
Assess how your top-performing pages and queries ranked before and after the Core Update. If the drop in rankings is small (e.g., from position 2 to 4), drastic changes may not be necessary. However, a significant drop (e.g., from position 4 to 29) could indicate the need for a deeper assessment.
Analyze Different Search Types Separately
Separating your analysis by search types—Web Search, Google Images, Video, or News—can help identify whether the ranking drop is specific to one search type or more widespread.
Assessing a Large Drop in Position
An unexpected drop in rankings can be concerning, but it’s crucial to approach the situation methodically:
1.Conduct a Self-Assessment
Does the content provide original information, reporting, research, or analysis?
Is the content comprehensive, insightful, and beyond the obvious?
Does it avoid copying or rewriting other sources, offering substantial additional value?
Is the content well-produced, without spelling or stylistic issue?
Would you trust this content, and would it be something you'd want to bookmark or share?
Use Google's self-assessment questions to estimate whether your site delivers helpful, reliable, and people-first content. Consider the following questions:
2.Evaluate the Most Impacted Pages
Take a closer look at the pages most affected by the update. Compare them to other high-ranking pages on the web. Are these competitors providing more comprehensive, valuable content? Consider if the main heading or page title accurately and helpfully summarizes the content without exaggeration.
3.Avoid Quick Fixes
Resist the urge to make hasty changes based on rumours or speculation. Instead, focus on sustainable, user-centric improvements. For example, restructuring content to improve readability or navigation can have long-term benefits.
4.Consider Content Deletion as a Last Resort
If some of your content is no longer useful or relevant, consider deleting it. However, this should only be done if the content cannot be salvaged and was initially created more for search engines than for users.
Expertise and Authority
Content that ranks well after a Core Update often demonstrates strong expertise and authority. To assess whether your content meets these standards, consider the following:
Does the content present information in a trustworthy manner, with transparent sourcing and evidence of expertise?
Is the content written or reviewed by an expert?
Does the content avoid easily-verified factual errors?
Would someone researching your site come away with the impression that it is a well-trusted authority on its topic?
Providing a Great Page Experience
Google’s core ranking systems reward content that provides a good page experience. Site owners should focus on creating an excellent user experience across multiple aspects, not just one or two. Consider the following:
Is your site fast and mobile-friendly?
Does it provide a secure and safe browsing experience?
Are your ads non-intrusive and user-friendly?
Review Google's guidance on understanding page experience in Google Search results for more detailed advice.
How Long Does It Take to See Results?
After making improvements, be patient. Some changes may take days to show results, while others could take months as Google’s systems learn and confirm that your site consistently produces high-quality, reliable content. If you haven’t seen improvements after a few months, it may be necessary to wait until the next Core Update for your changes to have an impact.
Adapt to Google's 2024 Core Updates by SEO Strategy
In Conclusion, Google Core Updates can be difficult, but they also provide an opportunity to improve your site and guarantee it gives the best possible content to users. By carefully analyzing the impact of these improvements and adopting clever, user-centred changes, you may help your site recover and even improve its rankings over time. Remember that SEO is a marathon, not a race; long-term success necessitates consistent, high-quality content that matches your audience's needs while providing a fantastic user experience.
