On August 22, 2023, Google announced the rollout of its latest core algorithm update, the second of the year following the March 2023 update. These core updates are significant events in the world of search engine optimization (SEO), as they have the potential to significantly impact the visibility and performance of websites in Google’s search results.
Understanding the August 2023 Core Update
The August 2023 core update, like previous core updates, is designed to improve the overall quality and relevance of Google’s search results. According to Google, these updates are not targeted at specific websites or pages, but rather aim to ensure that the most helpful and reliable content is surfaced for users’ queries. One of the key focuses of this update is on the concept of E-E-A-T, which stands for Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Google has emphasized that these factors are crucial considerations for website owners who want their content to rank well in search results.
Potential Impacts of the Update
The impact of the August 2023 core update can vary widely across different websites and industries. Some sites may see significant gains in their search rankings, while others may experience a decline. Early industry chatter suggests that the update has had a particularly noticeable impact on certain sectors, such as the financial, hospitality, and e-commerce industries. However, it’s important to note that these are just initial observations, and the full extent of the update’s impact may not be fully understood until it has completed its rollout.
Navigating the Update
For website owners and SEO professionals, the key to navigating the August 2023 core update is to focus on improving the overall quality and relevance of their content. Google has provided guidance on the types of questions website owners should consider when evaluating their content:
- Is the content well-researched and written by an expert or enthusiast who clearly knows the topic well?
- Does the content have any easily verifiable factual errors?
- Does the content provide a satisfactory answer to the user’s query, or does it fall short in some way?
By addressing these questions and continuously working to improve the quality and relevance of their content, website owners can position themselves to weather the changes brought about by the core update.
Recovering from Negative Impacts
If a website does experience a decline in search performance following the August 2023 core update, it’s important to remember that this does not necessarily mean there is something inherently wrong with the website or its content. Google has emphasized that a drop in rankings is not an indication of a spam or quality issue, but rather a result of the changes made by the core update itself. In such cases, Google recommends that website owners focus on improving the overall quality and relevance of their content, rather than looking for quick technical fixes. This may involve conducting a thorough review of the pages that have been impacted, identifying areas for improvement, and making the necessary changes to better align with the update’s focus on E-E-A-T. It’s important to note that recovery from a core update can be a gradual process, and website owners may not see immediate results. Google has stated that it can take several months for pages to recover rankings lost due to a core update, and that the most significant changes may only be seen after the next core update is released.
Ongoing Monitoring and Adaptation
As with any major Google algorithm update, it’s crucial for website owners and SEO professionals to closely monitor their website’s performance in the aftermath of the August 2023 core update. This may involve regularly checking analytics data, tracking keyword rankings, and staying up-to-date with the latest industry chatter and insights. By staying vigilant and adapting their content and strategies as needed, website owners can position themselves to not only weather the changes brought about by the August 2023 core update but also capitalize on any new opportunities that may arise.
Conclusion
The August 2023 Google core update is a significant event in the world of search engine optimization, with the potential to significantly impact the visibility and performance of websites in Google’s search results. By understanding the focus of the update, evaluating the quality and relevance of their content, and continuously monitoring and adapting their strategies, website owners and SEO professionals can navigate the shifting landscape of search and position their sites for long-term success.