Google’s August 2024 Core Update

by Harshad Ghodke

Google has just rolled out its August 2024 Core Update. This update, which began on August 15, 2024, is designed to improve the quality of search results by promoting genuinely useful content and demoting pages that are overly optimised for SEO.

Here’s everything you need to know about this update, including how it might affect your website’s ranking and how you can stay ahead.

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What is the Google August 2024 Core Update?

The August 2024 Core Update is a significant change to Google’s search algorithm. It’s part of Google’s ongoing effort to connect users with relevant, high-quality, and useful content. This update is particularly focused on rewarding websites that prioritise user experience and content quality over SEO tactics designed merely to game the system.

According to Google, the update aims to:

  • Improve Search Quality: By prioritising content that meets user intent, Google is making it easier for users to find genuinely helpful information rather than pages designed solely to rank high on search engines.
  • Support Smaller and Independent Websites: Google has made it clear that this update also aims to give smaller and independent sites a better chance to shine in search results, provided they offer valuable content.

How Will The Google August 2024 Core Update Impact Your Website?

If your website’s content is high-quality, user-focused, and aligns well with user intent, you may see an improvement in your rankings. However, if your content is primarily SEO-focused—packed with keywords but lacking in real value—you might experience a drop in visibility.

Here are some key points to monitor:

  • Organic Traffic Trends: Keep an eye on your non-branded organic traffic. Significant changes could indicate how the update is affecting your site.
  • Ranking Volatility: Use tools like Google Search Console, Semrush, or Ahrefs to track any fluctuations in your rankings, especially for high-intent keywords.
  • SERP (Search Engine Results Page) Changes: Pay attention to the content that starts ranking higher or lower. This can give you insights into the types of content Google is now favouring.

What Should You Do If You’re Affected By The Google August 2024 Core Update?

If you notice a decline in your website’s performance after the August 2024 Core Update, don’t panic. Google’s core updates are intended to improve the overall search experience, and sometimes, changes in rankings are unavoidable. However, there are steps you can take to mitigate negative impacts:

  1. Evaluate Content Quality: Review your content to ensure it is genuinely helpful, informative, and aligned with users’ searches. Avoid overly SEO-driven strategies that don’t provide real value.
  2. Check E-E-A-T Factors: Ensure your content meets Google’s E-E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) standards. This includes having clear authorship, reliable sources, and a trustworthy reputation.
  3. Optimise for User Experience: Make sure your site is user-friendly, fast, and mobile-responsive. Good UX is increasingly becoming a critical ranking factor.

FAQs About the August 2024 Core Update

1. How long will the update take to roll out?

The full rollout of the August 2024 Core Update will take about a month. This staggered approach propagates changes through Google’s index, ensuring a smooth transition.

2. Will small websites benefit from this update?

Yes, one of the main goals of this update is to support small and independent websites that produce original, high-quality content. You could see a positive impact if your site falls into this category.

3. What should I do if my rankings drop?

If your site’s rankings drop, focus on improving content quality. Ensure your content is aligned with user intent, trustworthy, and provides real value. For more detailed advice, review Google’s updated guidance on core updates.

Final Thoughts

Google’s August 2024 Core Update is another step in the search giant’s mission to deliver the best possible results to its users. This update underscores the importance of creating valuable, trustworthy, and user-friendly content by focusing on content quality and user intent. Stay vigilant, monitor your website’s performance, and adapt as necessary to maintain or improve your search rankings.