Google’s August 2024 Core Update: What it is & How to Prepare?
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Alright, folks, it’s that time of the year, where we spend sleepless nights refreshing our analytics page and praying to the Google gods for mercy.
That’s right, it’s time for another core update!
Let’s dive into Google’s August 2024 Core Update!
This isn’t just any ordinary tweak; this latest algorithm shake-up is designed to give high-quality content the spotlight it deserves while nudging those low-value, SEO-chasing pages down a notch in the search results.
Google first dropped the news on X and then laid it all out for us on their blog. So, let’s get prepped and make sure our content shines brighter than ever in the wake of this update!
1 Breaking Down August 2024 Core Update
Today we released the August 2024 core update. It continues our work 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.https://t.co/T6Qt0JUoWt
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) August 15, 2024
Alright, let’s dig deeper into what makes this core update tick!
Google is on a mission to ensure that what you see on your search results are the real deal—content that’s genuinely useful (and none of that fluff).
With the feedback they’ve gathered from creators and the community, they’re fine-tuning their algorithm to shine the light on those unique, independent voices in the content jungle.
1.1 Key Focus Areas of the Update
1.1.1 Quality Over Quantity
- Emphasising high-quality content that resonates with users.
- Out with the SEO gimmicks and in with authentic value!
1.1.2 Creator Feedback
- Incorporating insights from content creators to better shape search results.
- Aiming for a fresher perspective that highlights original content.
1.1.3 Supporting Small and Independent Sites
- Helping undiscovered gems—or small sites—gain exposure when relevant.
- Ensuring a diverse range of voices and views in search results.
1.1.4 Reflecting Improvements
- Acknowledging updates and advancements made by sites post-update.
- Highlighting the best of the web and improvement journey of creators.
1.1.5 Core Update Guidance
- Updated help page with detailed insights for navigating potential changes.
- Providing resources to help content creators adjust effectively after updates.
Stay tuned, because Google is keeping us on our toes and giving us every chance to step up our content game!
1.2 When will the rollout be over?
So, when can we finally breathe easy?
According to the Google Search Status dashboard, this core update’s full rollout might take up to a month to wrap up.
Yup, that’s right—it’s not a sprint, it’s more of a leisurely stroll!
This gradual rollout is pretty standard for major updates, giving Google ample time to let these changes ripple through their massive index.
So grab your favourite snack, kick back, and keep an eye on those analytics, because we’re in this together for the long haul!
2 Quality Over Quantity
When crafting your content for this update, it’s crucial to put on your user-centric hat. Think of your audience as your best friend—it’s all about giving them what they need, not just what you think they want to see.
Let’s break it down step by step!
2.1 Step 1# – Understand User Intent
Before you start writing, ask yourself, “What questions are my users asking?”
What problems are they trying to solve?
Google is on a mission to provide content that people find genuinely useful, emphasizing that;
This update is designed to continue our work 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.
So, your content should aim to answer these questions directly and thoroughly.
2.2 Step #2 – Answer First
When users click through to your page, make sure they can find the answer to their question immediately.
Start with a clear, concise response to the main query before diving into related content. This approach keeps users engaged and shows you respect their time.
2.3 Step #3 – Craft Compelling Content
After you’ve addressed their primary concern, enrich your content with relevant details, examples, and insights that add value. This helps reinforce your message and keeps readers on your page longer, which Google loves!
2.4 Step #4 – Engage with Authenticity
Ditch the SEO gimmicks. Focus on creating authentic, high-quality content that reflects your unique voice. Google wants to highlight original content, so let your personality shine through in your writing!
2.5 Step #5 – Refine and Review
Once your content is written, review it through the lens of user intent. Does it genuinely serve the reader’s needs?
Would you find it useful if you were searching? If not, don’t hesitate to make adjustments until it feels right.
By honing in on user intent and providing genuine value, you’ll not only align well with Google’s latest update but also cultivate a loyal audience who appreciates the quality of your work. Remember, it’s about creating a connection first and worrying about the algorithms second!
3 Google Updated Core Guidance for Webmasters
Google has spiced things up with its latest core algorithm update guidance, rolling out some new additions while giving a snip here and there to previous sections. Let’s break down what’s hot and what’s not so your website can waltz smoothly through these algorithmic changes!
3.1 New Sections Added
3.1.1 Check if there’s a traffic drop in Search Console
This section guides you step-by-step on how to see if your website has taken a hit after the core update. Here’s the lowdown:
Confirm the update’s completion: Head over to the Search Status Dashboard to check the timeline.
Wait a week: Give it at least a week post-update before diving into your analytics.
Compare performance: Look at your search performance from before and after the update to spot any ranking shifts.
Analyze by type: Don’t forget to dissect performance by different search types—web, image, video, and news—individually!
3.1.2 Assessing a large drop in position
If you’ve experienced a nosedive in rankings, this section has your back. It emphasizes the importance of a thorough evaluation:
- Review content against quality guidelines: Check your content against Google’s quality benchmarks, especially for those pages that got hit hard.
- Focus on impacted pages: Pay special attention to those pages where the ranks have dropped significantly and consider what changes might enhance their value.
3.2 Other Additions
3.2.1 Things to keep in mind when making changes
This new gem encourages you to steer clear of quick fixes. Instead, focus on making meaningful improvements that cater to your users. Here are the essentials:
- Prioritize substantive changes over cosmetic edits.
- Content deletion? Only as a last resort! Removing content can give the wrong vibe, suggesting it was created purely for search engines rather than readers.
3.2.2 How long does it take to see an effect in Search results?
Google has laid out the timeline for you. Expect to see changes take several months as your content evolves, and it might require waiting until the next core update to see the full effect. Patience is key!
3.3 Content Which is Removed
A few sections have been kicked to the curb in this update:
- The previous statement equating core updates with spam policy violations has been wiped clean.
- Say goodbye to the old “Assessing your own content” section; it has morphed into the “Assessing a large drop in position.”
- The details around recovery time have also been trimmed down, with less specificity surrounding timing and cadence.
3.4 In Summary
Here’s a quick snapshot of the changes in Google’s updated Core Algorithm Update Guidance:
- Added: Sections on traffic drops, large position drops, and best practices for making changes.
- Removed: Outdated comparisons and recovery timing details.
With these updates in your toolkit, you’re ready to tackle Google’s latest shifts and keep your content rocking its best performance!
4 Wrapping Up!
In conclusion, staying ahead of Google’s ever-evolving algorithm updates is like trying to dance to a tune that keeps changing. By honing in on user intent, crafting engaging content, and embracing authenticity, we can ensure our websites not only pass the algorithm’s scrutiny but also resonate with our readers.
Remember, it’s all about connecting with your audience and providing genuine value—no gimmicks required! So, take these insights, sprinkle in some creativity, and get ready to watch your content shine in the spotlight, proving that quality always reigns supreme. Keep dancing, keep adapting, and let your unique voice lead the way!
