Brace yourselves. The Google Core Update for August 2024 is here. If you’re in the SEO game, this one’s a storm you need to navigate through.
First Reactions and Predictions
You’ve seen it. The Google August 2024 core update has hit, and it’s big. John Mueller from Google announced it just a few hours ago. This update is aimed at improving the quality of search results. Expect to see more content that people find genuinely useful and less of that fluff designed just to rank well.
Here’s the kicker: This update might be brutal for SEOs. Why? Because Google is focusing on showing content with real value. So, if your content’s been riding the SEO wave without offering much to the reader, this update could hit hard. I’ve got predictions, actionable tips, and examples of what’s already happening. Let’s dive in.
Details of the Google Core Update August 2024
Google has taken feedback from creators and made changes accordingly. It’s a nod to the helpful content update from last year where many independent publishers took a hit. The big sites, like Reddit and Forbes, gained traffic, while smaller publishers struggled. If you’re seeing volatile traffic patterns, hold tight. This update may take up to a month to roll out completely.
Monitoring Traffic Changes
Keep an eye on your traffic. Here are a few pointers to handle changes:
- Check Google Search Console: Look for drops in position correlated with the update timing.
- Compare Dates: Match traffic dips with the core update rollout.
- Don’t Rush Changes: Wait for the rollout to complete before making changes.
- Review Top Pages and Queries: Analysing these can give insights into what to tweak.
Small Drops vs Big Drops
If your content drops a few places, don’t panic. Small fluctuations are normal. But if you drop from position 4 to 29, it’s time to reassess. Google offers a list of questions to help you audit and improve your content.
What Should You Do Now?
Don’t jump into quick fixes. Core updates impact your entire site. Wait until the update is fully rolled out to make changes, which will likely show results in the next core update.
If you’re worried about traffic or need guidance, book a free SEO strategy session with me. I’ll guide you through the storm one-on-one.
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Real-Life Case Studies and Examples
Here’s what’s already happening:
- Manual Penalties: Some sites report penalties for non-natural links, hitting SEOs hard.
- Independent Publishers: Sites like House Fresh and ThirtySeconds.com saw major traffic drops last year.
Google’s New Guidelines for Core Updates
Google has updated their guidelines. If there’s a traffic drop, use Search Console to confirm. Then, analyse your content based on a list of questions they provide. Avoid quick fixes. Core updates are holistic.
Future Predictions and What to Expect
Here’s what I see coming:
- SEOs will feel the heat.
- Independent publishers won’t recover their traffic easily.
- Big sites like Reddit will keep growing.
FAQs
How long will this update take to roll out? About a month, typically.
What’s different this time? Google is focusing more on creators and independent publishers while reducing SEO optimized content.
What should I do if I get hit? Wait for the full rollout. Check your Google Search Console. Sometimes, these changes are rolled back.
Conclusion
We’re in for a rocky ride but navigating it correctly can keep you afloat. Monitoring your traffic, making calculated changes, and waiting out the full rollout are your best bet. Remember, Google Core Update August 2024 is here to improve quality. Let’s ride this wave and come out stronger.
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Don’t wait until the next update catches you off-guard. Prepare, adapt, and thrive. See you on the other side.
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