One of the goals of the Google August 2024 core update is to highlight valuable content from smaller, independent websites, giving them greater visibility in search results.
Google has launched the August 2024 core update, which will take about a month to fully roll out. This update is significant because it addresses feedback from the September 2023 helpful content update, which had a negative effect on many small and independent publishers. The August 2024 update aims to refine search results by incorporating this feedback and improving the overall user experience.
John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, announced the launch of the August 2024 core update, highlighting its purpose to improve search quality by prioritizing content that users find genuinely useful. This update particularly focuses on elevating content from small and independent publishers, a move influenced by feedback received following the March 2024 core update. Mueller emphasized the ongoing effort to reduce the visibility of content created solely to rank well on search engines.
John Mueller emphasized that the August 2024 core update considers feedback from creators and aims to promote high-quality content, including from small and independent sites. The update focuses on surfacing useful, original content in search results and reflects ongoing efforts to ensure that improvements made by sites are recognized. Mueller also mentioned that this approach will continue in future updates, highlighting Google’s commitment to connecting users with the best content on the web.
Google has updated its help page with new guidance related to core updates, providing more detailed advice for those who might notice changes in their site’s performance after an update. This updated guidance is intended to help website owners understand the impact of core updates and how they can improve their content to align with Google’s evolving search quality standards.
Google has informed publishers to anticipate the upcoming core update, following concerns and anxiety among many in the community about its potential impact. This announcement comes as publishers seek clarity on how their sites might be affected and how they can adapt to the changes. The update is expected to bring significant adjustments, making it essential for publishers to stay informed and prepared.
Recently, there has been significant volatility in Google search rankings, raising concerns among publishers. Despite this, Google had not confirmed any core update or similar changes. This morning, further spikes in ranking fluctuations were reported on Search Engine Roundtable, adding to the growing uncertainty in the SEO community.
What to do if you are hit. If your site is negatively impacted by a core update, Google advises reviewing its past guidance. There’s no specific action to guarantee recovery, as a drop in rankings doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with your pages. Google suggests focusing on creating helpful content for users, not just to rank in search engines. Improvements might be seen between updates, but the most significant changes occur after another core update. Consider Google’s list of questions to evaluate your content.
Google has stated that there’s nothing new or special that creators need to do for the August 2024 core update if they have been consistently producing satisfying content aimed at users. For those whose rankings have declined, Google strongly recommends reviewing their guidance on creating helpful, reliable, people-first content.
