Google’s Core Update: What You Need to Know, Part 1
Google has officially begun rolling out its August 2024 Core Update, and marketers should prepare for potential changes in visibility and traffic. The update, which started in mid-August and is expected to continue through September 15, aims to prioritize truly valuable content—while reducing visibility for material created primarily to rank well in search engines.
What This Update Means
Google states that the goal of the update is to:
“Improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.”
This continues Google’s direction from previous Helpful Content updates, favoring websites that provide users with original, relevant, and valuable information.
What to Watch For
As with all core updates, expect increased movement in search results as Google adjusts rankings. You may notice:
- Changes in organic traffic
- Shifting keyword positions
- Changes in competitor visibility
If you manage SEO or content strategy, now is a good time to review your analytics, keyword rankings, and user engagement metrics to understand potential impacts.
How to Respond
- Stay calm. Fluctuations are normal during the rollout period.
- Maintain focus. Continue creating high-quality, user-first content.
- Keep stakeholders informed. If you work with clients or team members, update them about potential traffic changes.
- Track your performance. Monitor key metrics through tools like Google Search Console and GA4 throughout the coming month.
Remember that SEO is a long-term strategy. These updates, while potentially disruptive in the short term, ultimately aim to improve user experience. Your best approach is to make sure your content provides genuine value, is well-structured, and aligns with what your audience is searching for.
