Google’s latest core update is shaking things up, and the SEO world is watching closely.
Google has launched its highly anticipated core update, causing a stir in the SEO community. It’s still early, but there’s already a lot of talk about how this update will affect websites, especially those heavily impacted by previous updates like the September 2023 Helpful Content Update. So, what exactly are we observing at this point? Let’s analyze it.
What’s Happening with Google Search?
Google began rolling out the August 2024 Core Update. Just hours later, a ranking bug was confirmed, adding a layer of volatility to an already unpredictable situation. This bug is still ongoing, making it tricky to pinpoint the full impact of the update just yet.
For those in the SEO and publishing world, Google Search is more unstable than usual. Some are noticing changes, both positive and negative, in their rankings. But what stands out the most is that sites previously hit by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update show some signs of life.
Insights from Google Search Central
Google has been clear about the purpose of this core update: to enhance the quality of search results by prioritizing genuine content. The goal is to push down content created solely to perform well in search rankings without providing real value.
But it’s important to keep a few things in mind:
- The ranking bug is still affecting Google Search.
- The core update will take about a month to roll out.
- AI Overviews have expanded, showing more links, including to users who have signed out.
What We’re Seeing So Far
So, what’s the consensus? In short, many are seeing nothing significant just yet. However, for the first time, some movements were seen at sites that were negatively affected by September 2023.
While it’s too early to call this a recovery, some sites are experiencing surges in visibility and ranking. SEO consultant Glenn Gabe has been monitoring over 380 sites affected by the Helpful Content Update. He reports that 47 sites show signs of resurgence, with some seeing spikes in visibility.
Notably, sites like House Fresh and Retro Dodo, which have struggled with ranking issues, have also reported fluctuations over the past few days. Though these aren’t full recoveries, they are noteworthy changes that could indicate a positive trend, if they hold.
Why This Matters
With the core update in its early stages and a ranking bug in play, it’s hard to predict where things will land. Will these sites continue to improve? Or could they face new challenges in the coming days?
The fluctuations we’re seeing might be the start of a longer-term recovery, but there’s also a chance that rankings could dip again as the update fully rolls out.
For now, the best course of action is to stay patient, keep an eye on your analytics, and be ready to adapt as needed.
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Insights from: –
Google Search Central
Search Engine Land
Search Engine Journal