Google has officially launched its August 2024 Core Algorithm Update, which aims to further improve the quality of search results by prioritizing content that users find genuinely helpful and original. This update builds on Google’s continuous efforts to refine its algorithm, ensuring that search results highlight the best content across the web—especially from small or independent sites that create valuable and unique content.

According to the Google Search Status Dashboard, the August 2024 core update was first released on 15th August 2024 and the full rollout was completed by 3rd September 2024. This timeline gives website owners insight into when ranking changes may have started to take effect and when they should expect to see the full impact of the update on their websites.

For many website owners and SEO professionals, these core updates often bring mixed outcomes. While some sites may see improvements, others may face setbacks. In this blog, we’ll discuss the key elements of the August 2024 core update, how it’s affecting websites, and what steps you can take to align your SEO strategy with the latest changes.

Key Takeaways from the August 2024 Update

According to Google, this update considers feedback from content creators and aims to:

• Show more genuinely useful content: Google is doubling down on its mission to connect users with content that provides real value, steering away from websites that are primarily optimized to perform well in search engines without delivering substance.
• Highlight improvements made by websites: If your site has recently improved in quality, relevance, or usability, this update will better capture those changes, potentially resulting in improved rankings.
• Support small or independent sites: The update is designed to help smaller websites with high-quality content gain visibility, balancing the playing field against larger, more established sites.

These changes reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to showcasing the best content across the web, based on user needs and preferences. If your website has seen a drop in rankings, here are some proactive steps you can take to adapt and recover.

Steps You Can Take to Recover from the August 2024 Update

Focus on Creating Genuinely Useful and Original Content

With this update, Google is making it clear that quality content is key to success in search rankings. If your content isn’t providing genuine value, it’s time to rethink your strategy.

• Avoid content made solely for SEO: Content that feels like it was created only to rank well in search will continue to be deprioritized. Instead, focus on creating informative, original, and helpful content that genuinely addresses your audience’s needs.
• Engage with user feedback: Pay attention to comments, reviews, or social media discussions to understand what your audience values most about your content. Use this feedback to guide future content creation.

Assess Your Website’s Content Quality and Relevance

Conduct a thorough content audit to ensure your website offers relevant and updated information.

• Update outdated content: Regularly refresh old blog posts or pages with new data, trends, and insights. This not only improves the quality of your site but also signals to Google that your content is current and valuable.
• Ensure content relevance: Make sure your site provides content that aligns with your audience’s search intent. Use tools like Google Search Console to identify which pages are underperforming and how you can improve them.

Enhance User Experience (UX)

A website’s user experience continues to play a vital role in its ranking. Google wants to reward sites that offer seamless, intuitive experiences for users.

• Optimize for mobile-first: With Google’s focus on mobile-first indexing, make sure your website is fully optimized for mobile devices. Pages should load quickly, and navigation should be easy on smaller screens.
• Improve site speed: Slow websites are a turn-off for both users and search engines. Use tools like Google Page Speed Insights to identify areas where you can enhance your site’s speed and performance.
• Reduce clutter: A clean, well-organized website structure makes it easier for users to find the information they need, which also improves your SEO performance.

Optimize Your Technical SEO

Good technical SEO practices remain a critical component of maintaining or improving search rankings after any Google update.

• Ensure proper indexing: Use Google Search Console to identify crawl errors, broken links, and indexing issues. Fix these promptly to make sure your site is being properly crawled and indexed.
• Secure your site with HTTPS: Websites using HTTPS encryption are favored by Google. If you haven’t already made the switch, it’s time to do so.
• Use structured data: Implement Schema markup to help search engines better understand your content and improve your chances of being featured in rich snippets.

Monitor Changes with Google Search Console

After any core update, it’s crucial to keep a close eye on your website’s performance using Google Search Console and other SEO monitoring tools.

• Track keyword performance: Identify which keywords have experienced ranking changes and adjust your strategy accordingly.
• Analyze traffic drops: If specific pages have seen a significant drop in traffic, investigate potential causes like outdated content, poor user experience, or technical issues.

FAQs

What is the August 2024 Google Core Update?

The August 2024 Core Update is a significant algorithm change by Google, designed to improve search result quality by prioritizing genuinely useful and original content. It was released on August 15, 2024, and fully rolled out by September 3, 2024.

How does the August 2024 update affect my website?

The update aims to reward high-quality, relevant content and websites that offer a great user experience. Sites that provide genuine value and have made recent improvements are more likely to see positive changes, while those that focus primarily on SEO tactics may experience ranking drops.

What should I do if my website’s rankings have dropped?

If you’ve seen a drop in rankings, focus on creating genuinely useful and original content, improving user experience, and optimizing your technical SEO. Conduct a content audit, update outdated information, and ensure your site is mobile-friendly and fast.

How can I assess if my content is considered high-quality by Google?

Google values content that addresses user needs and provides real value. Engage with user feedback, ensure your content is original and informative, and align it with your audience’s search intent.

What are some technical SEO improvements I can make?

Ensure your site is properly indexed, secure with HTTPS, and uses structured data like Schema markup. Additionally, fix crawl errors, broken links, and other indexing issues using Google Search Console.

How can I monitor the impact of the core update on my website?

Use Google Search Console to track changes in keyword performance and traffic. Analyze any drops in traffic or rankings to identify potential issues and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.

Will the August 2024 update affect all websites equally?

No, the impact of the update varies. Websites with high-quality, user-focused content and good technical SEO practices are more likely to benefit, while those with lower-quality or outdated content may see negative effects.

Where can I get help if I need assistance with SEO?

If you need expert help to recover from the update or improve your SEO strategy, consider reaching out to SEO professionals or agencies. They can provide tailored advice and strategies to help optimize your website for success.

Conclusion

The August 2024 Google Core Algorithm Update serves as a reminder that quality content, user experience, and technical optimization should always be at the forefront of any SEO strategy. By focusing on creating content that truly benefits users and improving the usability of your site, you can recover from this update and prepare for future ones.

As Google continues to refine its algorithm, the best approach is to stay informed, stay proactive, and always prioritize the needs of your audience over simply optimizing for search engines.

Looking for expert SEO assistance to recover from the latest Google update? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you optimize your website for success in the ever-changing search landscape.