Current status of the ranking update
Status:
Completed
Announced by Google:
August 15, 2024
Update started:
August 15, 2024
Update completed:
September 3, 2024
Google’s August 2024 core update prioritized user-first content! It targeted over-optimized, low-value material, rewarding sites with genuine value. Amid rollout glitches, quality remains key for rankings.
What Types of Websites Are Affected?
The August 2024 Core Update primarily impacted websites that focus heavily on SEO at the expense of user value. This includes sites that:
- Create content primarily to rank well in search results rather than to provide genuine value to users.
- Rely on low-value, SEO-focused material that doesn’t prioritize user experience or usefulness.
- Have not made recent improvements to their content quality or user experience.
What to Expect From This Update?
Websites affected by these updates may experience:
- Significant changes in search engine rankings, either positive or negative.
- Fluctuations in visibility and traffic, especially for sites previously hit by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update.
- Continued volatility in search rankings due to a separate search ranking glitch that is ongoing during the update rollout.
What to Address / How to Approach?
To adapt to these updates, website owners should:
- Enhance content quality: Prioritize creating genuinely useful and valuable content for users.
- Avoid over-optimization: Ensure your content serves users first and doesn’t rely solely on SEO tactics.
- Monitor search performance: Track rankings and traffic carefully, especially during the month-long rollout period.
- Implement substantive changes: If affected, focus on meaningful content improvements rather than quick fixes.
Interesting Fact 💡:
The August 2024 Core Update is unique in its dual focus on promoting high-quality content while also coinciding with an unrelated search ranking glitch that has added to the volatility of search results during the rollout.
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