In August 2024, Google introduced a significant core update aimed at improving the quality of search results by prioritizing content that users find genuinely useful. Following the March 2024 version, this update highlighted relevant, helpful content while reducing the visibility of content created primarily for SEO purposes.
At first, Google thought it would take a month to roll out, but it finished in 19 days. Google confirmed they had rolled it out by September 3rd. During the 15-day rollout, people noticed the usual “Google dance”—changes in rankings. This update aimed to impact how Google ranks web pages and to revolutionize the way content creators think about their work.
It has already been observed that there are changes in ranking and traffic among websites, which is why webmasters and SEO professionals pay attention to the relative performance of the keywords and organic traffic. In order to rank well and remain relevant with them, website owners need to guarantee that the content on their site is valuable, pertinent, and user-focused.
In the August 2024 core update, Danny Sullivan, Google’s Search Liaison, emphasized that these updates aim to improve search result quality. Google ensures that it keeps providing relevant and trustworthy information by rewarding top-notch, user-centered content. In his interview with Barry Schwartz, Sullivan compared core updates to big software changes, saying they have a more significant effect than the thousands of small changes Google rolls out each year.
Key Highlights of the August 2024 Update:
- Focus on Site Improvements: Websites that have made positive changes since previous updates may see better rankings, though the effects can take time to show.
- Addressing Previous Issues: Following the September 2023 helpful content update, which caused many to lose their rankings, Google has been working to resolve issues from past updates.
- Support for Smaller Publishers: This update includes changes specifically designed to better reward smaller, independent publishers producing high-quality content. Future updates are expected to make further improvements.
Sullivan also noted that this update’s extended 19-day rollout meant gradual changes in rankings rather than sudden shifts. The update might not have shown its full impact until its completion on September 3. He suggested that website owners wait at least a week before analyzing the effects and comparing data from the Search Console before and after the update to get a more accurate assessment.
Important Points About the Rollout:
- Gradual Ranking Changes: Sites might have observed ranking shifts over time, rather than sudden jumps.
- Delayed Effects: The full impact of the update could take time to materialize, with some sites only seeing changes after the rollout ended.
- Guidance for Website Owners: Google recommends analyzing the data a week after completion and comparing it with a week before the update.
Sullivan also reassured content creators, especially those who faced the changes in the previous updates, stating that Google’s aim is still to rank the useful and high-quality content. He encouraged them to continue creating valuable content since Google algorithms are programmed to distinguish worthwhile efforts in the long term.
Feedback Form Insights:
- 12,000 Submissions: Following the March 2024 core update, Google received over 12,000 feedback submissions, which provided valuable insights into content creators’ challenges.
- Content Marketing Struggles: Some submissions highlighted difficulties faced by businesses with generic content, like local sites trying to rank for broad topics.
- Spam and Black Hat SEO: Feedback revealed attempts to manipulate rankings using questionable tactics, such as expired domains.
- Authentic Content Creation: Google learned that many creators focus on producing great content without extensive knowledge of SEO practices.
While Google made no manual adjustments based on the feedback, Sullivan noted that the submissions were instrumental in refining its ranking systems. The feedback underscored the challenges content creators face and highlighted Google’s ongoing commitment to improving how it identifies and rewards user-focused, high-quality content.
Also Read: Difference between an algorithm update and refresh
How Will the August 2024 Update Affect Rankings?
Google announced the rollout of its much-anticipated August 2024 core update on August 15, 2024. This update aims to improve search quality, responding to concerns about the rise of irrelevant and spammy results appearing at the top of search pages. According to announcements made through Search Central’s X and LinkedIn accounts, the update intends to prioritize genuinely useful content over content created to game the search algorithm.
The August 2024 core update builds on feedback from web content creators, incorporating their suggestions to refine search results. It aims to improve search results and address concerns raised by small businesses that were negatively affected by previous updates, like the September 2023 helpful content update. While the March 2024 update made some changes, they weren’t as significant as expected. This new update is designed to make a bigger impact on search rankings.
If you believe your website has been negatively impacted by the August 2024 core update , it’s crucial to hire an experienced SEO services company for effective damage control.
The August 2024 core update focuses on:
- Enhancing search quality with user-focused, high-quality content.
- Lowering the rankings of content made solely for search engine performance.
- Recognizing and rewarding sites that have improved their content.
Google confirmed that the update was completed on September 3, 2024, after 19 days. In a note shared by John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, the company reiterated its commitment to showing useful, original content from both large and small sites. Mueller emphasized that this update incorporates the feedback Google has gathered from creators over the past months, and further improvements will continue to be made in future updates.
However, early indications suggest mixed results. According to SEO Round Table’s recent poll:
- 29% of sites saw no change.
- 44% experienced drops in rankings and traffic.
- 27% saw increases in rankings and traffic.
Google completed the update on September 3, 2024, after 19 days. Although it is too soon to assess the impact fully, the update represents a significant step towards improving search quality and addressing previous issues. Future updates will continue to build on these objectives.
Google Search Bug
On August 15, 2024, at 17:15 (US/Pacific), Google encountered a ranking bug that caused temporary fluctuations in search results. This issue, unrelated to the August 2024 core update, did not affect the core update’s goals or implementation. Google swiftly identified and resolved the problem.
Key points about the bug:
- Temporary Impact: The bug caused short-term ranking changes, which are not permanent.
- Resolution: Google acted quickly to address and fix the issue.
- Unrelated to Core Update: The bug was a separate incident and did not influence the core update’s objectives.
If you were affected by this bug:
- Monitor Rankings: Track your website’s performance over the coming weeks to determine if there are any lasting effects.
- Focus on Quality: Maintain high-quality, relevant content in accordance with Google’s search quality guidelines.
Timeline of Events
- August 15, 2024, 22:48 PDT: Google acknowledged the ranking issue, identified its cause, and confirmed it is unrelated to the core update rollout. They committed to providing a follow-up update within 12 hours.
- August 16, 2024, 09:29 PDT: Google continued addressing the ranking issue and indicated that the next update would be available within 72 hours.
- August 19, 2024, 03:21 PDT: Google reported ongoing work to resolve the ranking issue and promised a new update within 48 hours.
- August 20, 2024, 05:10 PDT: Google confirmed the resolution of the ranking issue and stated that no further updates will be issued.
Also Read: Google’s Update E-A-T — How it Affects Your Industry (and What to do about it)!
How To Boost Your Website’s Rankings After A Core Update: Steps To Follow
If the latest core update hasn’t affected your site or has improved your rankings, it indicates your content aligns with Google’s quality standards. However, if you’ve experienced a decline, it’s essential to adjust. Focus on improving the quality and expertise of your content by ensuring it is well-researched and authoritative.
Improving page speed, mobile responsiveness, and navigation enhances user experience. Align content with user intent through thorough keyword research. Address technical SEO issues, and keep content updated. Building high-quality backlinks can further engage users. These steps help recover and maintain performance during core updates.
Review Your Content
Conducting an audit helps identify areas where your content may lack quality, relevance, or engagement. It provides insights into improving content to better meet your audience’s needs. Addressing these gaps will make your content more relevant and engaging.
Studying your competitors’ successful content can also provide valuable insights. By analyzing their high-performing topics and strategies, you can refine your approach and implement effective practices to better capture and retain your audience’s attention.
Understand User Intent
Google aims to deliver results that match user intent. Ensure your content aligns with what users are searching for. If users are looking for simple ‘how-to’ guides, a detailed white paper might not meet their expectations. Your content should address the format and depth users seek, improving its relevance and ranking.
Prioritize Quality Content
Google rewards content that provides genuine value. Focus on producing original, helpful material that addresses your audience’s needs. Regularly offer fresh insights and real solutions to stay relevant.
To evaluate your content’s quality, refer to Google’s self-assessment checklist for helpful content. This tool helps ensure your content remains accurate, relevant, and engaging, supporting your site’s credibility and search rankings.
Monitor Website Performance
A fast-loading site is crucial to maintaining rankings and user engagement. Slow speeds frustrate visitors and can lead to higher bounce rates. Ensure your site loads quickly and is optimized for mobile use. A user-friendly and responsive site is essential, as poor usability can impact even the best content.
Track Website Metrics
After updates, monitor key metrics such as traffic, engagement, and conversions. This will help you determine the effectiveness of your updates and identify any new issues. Use analytics tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to monitor changes and ensure your site continues to perform well.
What’s The Latest Update That Just launched?
The Google August Core 2024 update, completed on September 3rd, 2024, has introduced notable fluctuations in site rankings, which are reflected in the data provided up until that date. Any further significant changes in rankings observed in the upcoming days may prompt an additional update to capture the latest shifts.
The current analysis indicates that this update may partially reverse ranking positions. Specifically, the performance of sites can be grouped into winners, losers, and neutrals, as shown below:
| Category | Average change | Median change |
| September+March Winner | 0.05% | -3.62% |
| September+March Loser | 90.10% | 12.43% |
| September+March Neutral | 1.46% | -3.05% |
A common concern among site owners following core updates is the sudden drop in rankings that often remains for several months, followed by only a partial recovery. This pattern is evident in the current data, where some businesses that faced steep ranking declines now see a limited bounce back. Despite signs of recovery, the overall improvement is minimal, especially when comparing the state of the sites before the September 2023 Helpful Content update. Some sites are still facing up to an 80% year-over-year decline, highlighting the ongoing challenges.
The table below reflects the most recent changes:
| Category | Average change | Median change |
| September+March Winner | 132.26% | 74.47% |
| September+March Loser | -62.00% | -79.78% |
| September+March Neutral | 12.23% | 0.00% |
What Actions Should SEOs Take?
Google’s August 2024 Core Update emphasizes creating valuable content as a cornerstone for SEO success. While the Helpful Content Update (HCU) may heighten the importance of brand signals, the core principle remains that high-quality, engaging content is key to sustainable SEO performance. Google continues to prioritize content that captivates and retains users, which contributes to building stronger brand recognition over time.
Continuous content and SEO strategies improvements are essential, even though recovery after a Google update may not always be immediate or directly tied to specific SEO changes. The relevance of SEO efforts persists, and these adjustments will yield results over time, reinforcing the importance of consistency and adaptability in SEO practices.
Links remain an important factor in SEO rankings, but focusing solely on metrics like Domain Authority (DA) without concurrently building authority through quality backlinks (BA) may limit the growth potential. A balanced strategy incorporating content development and brand-building efforts is essential for holistic SEO success.
SEO strategies should evolve alongside brand-building initiatives. Every element of SEO contributes to enhancing the overall brand demand, even though brand promotion extends beyond just SEO tasks. Long-term organic growth relies on consistent investment in both SEO and branding, ensuring a well-rounded approach to business success.
Analyzing The August 2024 Core Update: Unveiling The Role Of Helpful Content Updates
Recent leaks from Google prompted a reconsideration of the Helpful Content Updates (HCUs), which became part of Google’s core ranking system in March 2024. The updates may serve a purpose that differs from Google’s messaging and the tactical understanding many SEOs have.
In an August 2022 announcement, Google stated that HCUs function as a sitewide signal, focusing on the helpfulness of individual documents. SEOs initially speculated that this update aimed to combat the rise of LLM-generated spam. The idea was that Google, through machine learning, would evaluate the quality of content. However, this assumption may have been misleading.
Google has often hinted that its search engine is simpler than assumed, and evidence supports this. The HCU appears to draw from an older, simpler system. After reviewing the HCUs and Core updates from September 2023, March 2024, and August 2024, a common trend emerged among demoted sites. However, it’s essential to provide some context before exploring this further.
Google has historically been somewhat cryptic about major algorithm changes. In 2011, with the first Panda update, Google explained it as a way to lower rankings for low-quality sites that add minimal value to users. This explanation could apply just as easily to a Core update in 2024. Over time, though, Google’s descriptions have become increasingly vague, with less emphasis on specific ranking factors.
Core updates often seem like a Rorschach test, where high-quality sites can experience both rises and drops in rankings, with no website being consistently penalized or rewarded. Core updates tend to resemble system recalibrations, more about adjusting internal settings than responding to changes SEOs make between updates.
The nature of HCUs remains unclear, as they initially came with similarly vague descriptions as Core updates. Many of the “losers” in these updates seemed to match what Google aimed to improve. In May, however, leaks suggested that something called “babyPandaDemotion” could explain HCUs. This was also linked to an older patent concerning branded or navigational search, originally tied to the Panda updates.
This led to the exploration of the possibility that HCUs are related to the ratio between a site’s search volume for navigational queries and its link signals. If a site has a high number of links but limited navigational interest, it may not deserve its current ranking. This theory has been explored with relevant data.
Considering all these factors, assessing the winners and losers of these updates has become increasingly challenging. Google often impacts the same sites in varying ways across different updates, making it difficult to identify true “winners.” Moreover, the tendency for updates to occur in pairs adds to the complexity. Background fluctuations, such as competitor activity, further complicate the analysis.
Conclusion
Google’s August Core Update 2024 has introduced notable changes that reflect the search giant’s ongoing commitment to enhancing user experience. This update emphasizes content quality and relevance, rewarding sites that offer genuinely valuable information. For businesses and content creators, this means a renewed focus on crafting engaging, well-researched content is crucial. Websites that have invested in providing real value to their audience are more likely to see positive impacts on their search rankings.
Conversely, sites that haven’t kept up with these evolving standards might experience a drop in visibility. Adapting to these changes requires staying informed about Google’s latest guidelines and prioritizing user needs. By aligning with these best practices and maintaining a user-centric approach, businesses can effectively navigate the update and sustain their success in the competitive online landscape.
FAQs
How does the August Core Update 2024 impact my website’s rankings?
The August Core Update 2024 can significantly affect your site’s rankings. Sites with high-quality, relevant content that meets user intent are more likely to benefit, while lower-quality content may result in a ranking drop. Focus on delivering valuable content that adheres to Google’s quality guidelines. If you notice a ranking change, review your content and SEO practices to ensure they meet current standards and enhance the user experience.
How can I prepare for future core updates?
To prepare for future core updates, consistently deliver high-quality, relevant content that meets user needs. Stay updated with Google’s guidelines and best practices for SEO. Regularly review and improve your site’s content, technical SEO, and user experience. Building a strong, authoritative presence in your niche can help your site better weather the impact of future algorithm changes. Maintaining high standards and staying informed can enhance your site’s resilience to fluctuations caused by core updates.
What role does user experience play in the August Core Update 2024?
User experience (UX) is crucial in the August Core Update 2024. Google’s algorithms now prioritize factors like page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and intuitive navigation. Sites offering a smooth, user-friendly experience are more likely to rank higher. Ensuring your site is easy to navigate, loads quickly on all devices, and provides a seamless experience can boost your rankings and enhance user satisfaction and retention. Investing in UX improvements is key for both SEO and user engagement.
How often does Google release core updates, and should I expect another one soon?
Google releases several core updates annually, including the August 2024 update. These updates refine search algorithms to improve result quality. While future update timings are unpredictable, Google announces them officially and provides guidance. Staying updated on these changes helps you adjust your SEO strategies effectively. Regularly reviewing updates and adhering to best practices ensures your site remains optimized and competitive.
