New Google Core Update Coming Soon: What You Need to Know
Heads up, digital marketers and SEO enthusiasts! Google’s next core update is just weeks away, and it’s time to get ready. If you’re feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety, you’re not alone. Core updates can shake things up, affecting search rankings and traffic. But don’t worry—we’re here to break down what you need to know and how you can prepare
Google’s August 2024 Core Update: Navigating the Volatility and Ranking Bug
On Thursday morning, Google released the highly anticipated August 2024 core update. Within less than 24 hours, the SEO community was hit with another piece of news: Google confirmed a ranking bug that’s still ongoing. If your head is spinning with all this news, you're not alone. With the search landscape in flux, many SEOs and publishers are scrambling to make sense of the changes and their impacts. In this detailed guide, we’ll break down what’s happened, how it affects you, and what steps you can take to navigate this turbulent period.
What’s the Big Deal with Google Core Updates?
Let’s start with the basics. Google’s core updates are major changes to how the search engine evaluates and ranks content. Unlike updates that focus on specific issues like spam or local search, core updates are broader. They aim to enhance the overall quality of search results. This means they can impact a wide range of sites, and their effects can be unpredictable.
Why Should You Care?
Well, if your website relies on organic search traffic (and let’s face it, most do), a core update can mean big changes. Rankings might shift, which could either boost your site’s visibility or push it down the search results. For example, the June 2021 core update saw some sites lose up to 30% of their traffic, while others experienced a nice uplift. It’s a mixed bag, but understanding the update’s impact can help you stay ahead.
So, What Can We Expect This Time?
While Google doesn’t share all the details, past updates can give us some clues about what might be coming. Here’s a rundown of what we’ve seen in the past and what might be in store.
1. Content Quality Takes Center Stage
Google’s recent updates have shown a clear trend: high-quality content is king. If your site has been cranking out well-researched, valuable content, you’re in a good spot. The August 2021 core update, for example, emphasized the importance of original and insightful content. If your content isn’t up to scratch, this update might put it to the test.
**2. User Experience Matters More
Google cares about how users interact with your site. This means factors like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and ease of navigation are crucial. Sites with a smooth, enjoyable user experience are likely to fare better. If your site’s slow or hard to navigate, now’s the time to fix it.
3. E-A-T Is Still a Big Deal
Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) have been key factors in Google’s evaluations. Sites that showcase credible expertise and authoritative content tend to perform well. So, if your content creators are experts in their field, make sure that’s clear on your site.
How Can You Prepare for the Update?
Preparation is key. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get ready and make the most of the upcoming core update.
1. Do a Content Check-Up
First things first: audit your content. This means taking a close look at what you’ve got and figuring out what needs an update.
- Review and Refresh:** Check if your content is still relevant and up-to-date. For instance, if you have blog posts from 2018, see if they need new data or insights.
- Add Value:** Make sure your content isn’t just good—it should be excellent. Add details, examples, or multimedia elements to make it stand out.
- Align with User Intent:** Ensure your content addresses the questions and needs of your audience. Use tools like Google Analytics to see what topics your users are interested in.
2. Boost User Experience
Next, focus on how users interact with your site.
-
Speed Things Up:** Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights to check your site’s speed and fix any issues. Aim for a load time of under 3 seconds—every second counts
Go Mobile-Friendly:** Ensure your site works well on mobile devices. With mobile-first indexing, Google is looking closely at how your site performs on phones and tablets.
Simplify Navigation:** Make it easy for users to find what they’re looking for. A clear, logical site structure helps both users and search engines.
3. Tackle Technical SEO
Technical SEO might not be as glamorous as content, but it’s crucial.
- Fix Errors:** Check Google Search Console for crawl errors and fix them. Broken links or missing pages can hurt your rankings.
- Optimize Your Structure:** Make sure your site’s architecture is clean and organized. A well-structured site helps search engines index your content better.
- Use Structured Data:** Implement schema markup to give search engines more context about your content. This can help improve how your pages appear in search results.
4. Strengthen Your E-A-T
Building credibility is key for ranking well.
- Show Off Your Experts: Highlight the credentials and expertise of your content creators. Author bios and qualifications can make a big difference.
- **Earn Quality Backlinks:** Work on getting backlinks from reputable sites in your industry. Quality links can boost your site’s authority.
- **Engage with Your Audience:** Respond to reviews and feedback to build a positive reputation. Engaging with your audience shows that you’re trustworthy and responsive.
**5. Monitor and Adapt
Once the update is live, keep an eye on how your site is performing.
- rack Changes:** Use Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor traffic and rankings. Look for patterns or changes in your site’s performance.
- Be Ready to Adjust:** If you notice a drop in rankings, analyze what might be causing it and make adjustments as needed. SEO is an ongoing process.
- Stay Updated:** Keep up with SEO news and Google’s updates. Being informed helps you adapt to future changes more effectively.
A Real-Life Example: Adapting to a Core Update
Let’s look at a real-world example to see how these strategies play out.
**Case Study: The June 2021 Core Update**
During the June 2021 core update, many sites saw significant changes. A health and wellness site, for instance, experienced a notable drop in organic traffic. While the site had high-quality content, it wasn’t regularly updated, and some technical issues were overlooked.
What They Did:
1. Content Overhaul:** The team refreshed their content, adding new information and improving existing articles.
2. Technical Fixes:** They addressed technical SEO issues, including crawl errors and slow page speeds.
3. Enhanced E-A-T:** They highlighted their content creators' expertise and worked on building more high-quality backlinks.
The Result:
A few months later, the site’s rankings and traffic began to recover. The updates aligned their site with Google’s evolving standards, proving that proactive changes can make a big difference.
Wrapping Up
With the new Google core update on the way, it’s time to take action. By auditing your content, improving user experience, fixing technical issues, and focusing on E-A-T, you can prepare your site to handle the changes and possibly even benefit from them.
Core updates are a part of the dynamic nature of SEO, but with a bit of preparation and strategy, you can navigate these changes effectively. Keep monitoring your site’s performance, stay informed about industry trends, and be ready to adapt. With the right approach, you’ll be in a strong position to tackle the upcoming update and continue thriving in search rankings.
