Google Broad Core Algorithm Update August 2018: Facts and Fixes

The speculation of SEO experts, regarding the impending Google Algorithm update, seems to have come true.

The search engine giant, on Wednesday, announced that a “broad core algorithm update” was rolled out earlier this week.

The announcement was posted on the official Twitter handle of Google, and Danny Sullivan shared the same.

This week we released a broad core algorithm update, as we do several times per year. Our guidance about such updates remains the same as in March, as we covered here: https://t.co/uPlEdSLHoX

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) August 1, 2018

As always, the changes have caused webmasters across the world to scrutinize ranking fluctuations. Many hoped their website rankings could increase; a few others are already facing a fallout with their ranking.

The tweet posted by Google gives an overview of how the new algorithm update will affect the ranking in SERP.

Here is what we know about Google Broad Core Algorithm Update of August 2018:

• Unlike the daily core update, the one announced in August is major.
• Key ranking changes have been detected for search queries.
• The update has improved user experience by providing highly contextual results.
• Unlike other updates, there is no fix for websites that were previously hurt by Google update.

What is Google Broad Core Algorithm Update?

Google makes changes to their search algorithm many times a day, but all of these changes don’t get reported nor does Google reveal about much to the users.

These updates come under the category of core algorithm update. This kind of updates happens twice a day. Last year alone, Google had more than 630 core updates rolled out.

Unlike the core update, the Broad Core Algorithm Update happens only a few times a year and can make significant changes in the search results for users.

It is more focused on improving the search quality by giving users better search results.

In March Google announced, “Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results; some are focused around specific improvements, and some are broad changes.

Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year…”

Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year….

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) March 12, 2018

What is the difference between Google core algorithm and broad core algorithm?

Google, as always, is hesitant to give a complete overview of its algorithm updates. However, a broad core update is rolled out to make search results better and relevant to the queries entered by the users.

This means that the focus is on the content and not the quality of the site.

If you find a drop in the ranking for a few of pages after the broad core update of last week, it is not because your website lacks quality.

According to Google, the fluctuation is the result of a few other pages that were “under-rewarded,” ranking higher after the update.

This is what Google had to say, on why you lost the rank after a broad core algorithm update: “As with any update, some sites may note drops or gains.

There’s nothing wrong with pages that may perform less than well, now. Instead, it’s the changes to our systems that are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.”

How to recover from broad core algorithm updates of Google?

If you are affected, the only fix is to revamp the content strategy and make content more relevant to the search intent of your target audience.

Google had earlier tweeted, “There’s no “fix” for pages that may perform less, other than to remain focused on building great content. Over time, it may be that your content may rise relatively to other pages.”

Once again, Google seems to be reiterating that they have shifted the focus from keywords centric results to topic-based results. This way Google wants its SERP to provide users with insightful content that can fulfil their search intent.

If the broad core update hurts you, we recommend you to reconsider the content strategy. We recommend having a cluster topic approach wherein you can cater to user intent and rank better on Google.

Tips to recover from Google Broad Core Algorithm Update:

• If your high-ranking pages lost their position, put them in the ICU! Compare it with the site that has replaced your position. See how they made the content more relevant to outsmart you.
• Before making significant changes wait for a few more days. Google has a history of rolling back few changes. So, keep your fingers crossed.
• Have content written with extensive research based on the topic.

Danny Sullivan stressed the importance of having high-quality content in a tweet that was followed soon after Google announced the algorithm update.

He wrote, “Want to do better with a broad change? Have great content. Yeah, the same boring answer. However, if you want a better idea of what we consider great content, read our raters guidelines.”

Want to do better with a broad change? Have great content. Yeah, the same boring answer. But if you want a better idea of what we consider great content, read our raters guidelines. That's like almost 200 pages of things to consider: https://t.co/pO3AHxFVrV

— Danny Sullivan (@dannysullivan) August 1, 2018

Want to strategize your content?

Stan SEO Content Services can help you in strategizing your content marketing efforts. Feel free to contact us for a free SEO consultation.

Read our in-depth analysis of the new broad core algorithm update.