What is Google's August 2024 Core Update Rollout?

Google confirmed the completion of the August 2024 core update on Sept 4. The rollout began on August 15 and concluded on Sept 3.

They posted on X handle ‘Google Search Central’ August 15 –

“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.”

Since now the rollout is complete, website owners can now analyse the data of their websites’ search performance to understand any ranking changes. If the updates have not impacted a website’s ranking, they must have worked on its content quality. Whereas websites that are witnessing severe ranking shifts, need to put more effort into overcoming the results.

August 2024 core update is not just a normal update!

The latest core update was considered after Google got to know the feedback of the September 2023 helpful content update because it left a negative influence on several small and independent publishers that never recovered from the impacts. Though many websites had positive surge as well and some of them had no impact at all (neither negative nor positive).

One important thing to know is, as soon as Google announced the August 2024 core update rollout, within 24 hours, they confirmed a search ranking bug, which was impacting Google search results and sites’ organic search traffic. However, they fixed this issue on August 20. Thus, if a website showed ranking changes during that period, it was more likely to happen due to the ranking bug and not the core update.

But, for the first time in the last few months, many websites are showing positive performance that were negatively impacted through September 2023 helpful content update. Now after rollout completion, there will be drastic changes to many websites’ search ranking and visibility.

Notable aspects of the August 2024 core update

• Focus on content quality

  The August 2024 update reinforces Google’s ongoing commitment to high-quality, relevant content. Websites that provide original, comprehensive, and well-researched information are more likely to perform better post-update. Google’s search algorithm is getting better at recognizing content that demonstrates expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (Google’s guidelines on E-E-A-T).

• User experience and page experience signals

  With a continued emphasis on user experience, this core update places a stronger weight on-page experience signals, including mobile-friendliness, page load speed, and overall site usability. Websites offering a seamless user experience, both in terms of content and technical performance, are expected to see positive results.

• Broader impact across all industries

  As with most core updates, the August 2024 rollout impacts a wide range of industries and sectors. This includes health, finance, ecommerce, and more. Website owners and SEO professionals need to monitor their performance metrics closely to understand how the update affects them and take necessary actions to adapt.

• Re-evaluation of thin or low-quality content

  Sites with ‘thin’ content offer little value to users or are heavily duplicated from other sources. Such websites are likely to see a decline in their rankings. Google’s update seeks to reduce the visibility of such sites in favor of those that offer unique, in-depth content.

Respond before it’s too late!

Sites that have seen major fluctuations in their performance, must act immediately to overcome the negative impacts.

• Monitor site performance regularly using Google Analytics and other data. It will help to track site traffic and search performance. Sudden drops or increases can signal how the update is affecting and what areas need special focus.
• Review and enhance content to ensure it meets Google’s quality standards. High-quality content is comprehensive, unique, and provides substantial value to users. Make sure to incorporate updated information and credible sources.
• The website’s technical elements need to be optimized, including site speed, secure browsing (HTTPS), and mobile friendliness. Use Google’s core web vitals as a guideline for optimizing these technical facets.
• Focus on providing a positive user experience by reducing intrusive ads, improving navigation, and ensuring a responsive design that works well across all devices.

In a nutshell,

The Google August 2024 core update is part of Google’s ongoing mission to refine its search algorithms and enhance the quality of search results. Website owners and SEO professionals should remain vigilant focusing on every small aspect of the website to maintain or improve their ranking.

While the immediate effects may be unpredictable, a consistent strategy of providing valuable, user-focused content will always align with Google’s goals and yield long-term success.

If you think you have been impacted by the latest Google Core Updates, our dedicated SEO team will help you to identify and helping to limit the potential negative impact of core updates. We provide comprehensive search engine optimization services , including SEO audit, on-page SEO, off-page SEO, technical SEO, local SEO, international SEO, custom analytics, and more. Reach out [email protected]https://www.skynettechnologies.com/seo-service-company.