Google August 2024 Core Update: Boosting Genuine Sites with Useful Content

Google has just started rolling out its August 2024 core update, causing a stir among website owners, especially small and independent publishers. This update, which will take about a month to fully deploy, is designed to boost smaller websites by highlighting content that’s genuinely useful to users. 

Amid the ongoing rollout, Google has acknowledged an unrelated issue affecting a significant number of search results, which they are actively working to resolve.

There’s an ongoing issue with ranking in Google Search that’s affecting a large number of search results. We’ve identified the root cause. This issue is unrelated to the ongoing core update rollout announced yesterday. We’re working on a fix. https://t.co/bxHy20KJJ0

— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) August 16, 2024

Update: Google has confirmed that the bug impacting numerous search results has been fixed.

Google’s search ranking issue has persisted for over 2.5 days. The company anticipates providing an update within the next 48 hours.

Inside Google’s August Update

Google’s core updates are always significant, but the August 2024 update stands out because of its focus. Unlike previous updates, this one is specifically designed to benefit small and independent publishers. 

Today we released the August 2024 core update. It continues our work to improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.https://t.co/T6Qt0JUoWt

— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) August 15, 2024

Google’s Search Advocate, John Mueller, clarified that this update is a direct response to feedback received over the past year. Many small publishers were hit hard by the September 2023 helpful content update, which seemed to favor larger, more established sites.

In announcing the update, Mueller explained, “This update is designed to continue our work to improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.”

In other words, Google is shifting its focus towards rewarding content that is truly helpful and relevant to users, rather than content that is merely optimized to rank well in search results.

This update also highlights Google’s commitment to addressing the concerns of the content-creating community. Google has updated its guidance on core updates, offering more detailed advice for those whose search rankings might change as a result. However, the core message remains the same: prioritize creating content that is valuable to people, not just search engines.

For website owners looking to maximize their visibility amid these algorithmic shifts, partnering with a professional SEO firm can be instrumental. These firms specialize in tailoring strategies that align with Google’s evolving updates, ensuring sustained growth and enhanced search rankings.

The Update’s Impact on the Online Ecosystem

In the past, Google’s core updates have always been met with a mix of hope and anxiety within the SEO community. Some websites experience positive changes, while others see their traffic drop, often with little understanding of why.

This new update could be a chance for recovery for those negatively impacted by the September 2023 and March 2024 updates. Many small sites have struggled to regain their previous rankings despite following Google’s advice to focus on creating helpful, user-focused content. This update could finally provide the boost they’ve been waiting for, helping them compete more effectively with larger, more resource-rich websites.

Google’s emphasis on small and independent sites suggests a broader strategy to diversify the content that appears in search results. This could lead to a more varied online experience for users, making it easier to find niche content that closely matches their interests.

However, it’s important to note that the full impact of this update won’t be clear until the rollout is complete. Over the next few weeks, publishers and SEO professionals will closely monitor their traffic and rankings to see how they are affected. As with all core updates, the effects are likely to be mixed, with some sites seeing improvements and others facing new challenges.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Industry experts are already noticing significant changes in website rankings. Prominent SEO professionals, such as Lily Ray and Glenn Gabe, have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share their observations, highlighting the update’s potential implications for sites that have previously struggled under Google’s algorithmic adjustments.

Lily Ray pointed out that recoveries from past Google core updates typically take time, with noticeable improvements usually taking 6-12 weeks. She emphasized that while full recoveries are rare, seeing sites bounce back to about 50-66% of their previous standings is more common.

Ray also noted that SEO performance typically improves in the days before the first major core update but warned that recovering now doesn’t necessarily protect sites from future algorithm changes.

A little context about site recoveries from past Google core updates:

– Recoveries take a while to kick in. You can see in the examples below: the upward movement lasted about 6-12 weeks. No one is going to miraculously shoot back to where they were in 24 hours.

– It’s pretty… pic.twitter.com/VLpyvkJJI0

— Lily Ray 😏 (@lilyraynyc) August 18, 2024

Glenn Gabe also chimed in, providing insights into the immediate effects of the core update. He reported seeing early signs of recovery for websites previously hit hard by the September Helpful Content Update (HCU(X)). Gabe observed significant ranking improvements for some sites across various queries, signaling a shift in Google’s treatment of content-heavy sites. While he acknowledged that there are still many moving parts due to the ongoing ranking issue Google reported, Gabe’s findings offer a glimmer of hope for sites struggling over the past year.

Good Morning Google Land! This is the first edition of “Core Update Notes” for the August 2024 core update. And man, are we starting off in an interesting way. First, Google announced a ranking issue last night impacting a “large number of search results”. So, what I present now… pic.twitter.com/YKViu0ws5q

— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) August 16, 2024

Beth Sachs, another industry expert, also tweeted her optimistic outlook, indicating early positive changes in the SERPs that some site owners are experiencing.

I know the Google Core Update has only just begun…but it’s looking positive! SERP thumbnails back, lost rankings recovered😍🤑😜💰 pic.twitter.com/9GoR321EnM

— Beth Sachs (@nichesitesbeth) August 18, 2024

On a more cautious note, Marie Haynes reported mixed results.

Starting to see some improvements.

The vast majority of sites I monitor have no change. A few are down.

It’s early and the update will take a month to roll out, so hang in there!

The first 3 pictured were impacted by HCU. They are not sites that were publicly discussed. pic.twitter.com/iB9xmSOsqU

— Marie Haynes (@Marie_Haynes) August 18, 2024

How Google’s Algorithms Have Changed

To understand why this update is so important, it helps to look at how Google’s search algorithms have evolved over time. Google regularly updates its algorithms to improve the quality of its search results, with core updates being a key part of this process. These updates can cause significant shifts in search rankings as Google’s algorithms reassess the relevance and quality of the content on millions of websites.

The September 2023 helpful content update was particularly impactful. It aimed to prioritize content that provided real value to users, but it also caused major disruptions for many small and independent publishers. These publishers saw their search rankings drop significantly, leading to a loss of traffic and, in some cases, revenue.

Since then, Google has released several updates to try to address these issues, including the March 2024 core update, which was the largest update in recent history. Despite these efforts, many sites that were hit in September 2023 have not fully recovered.

The August 2024 update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its search algorithms and address the concerns of the content-creating community. By focusing on small and independent publishers, Google acknowledges the importance of having diverse voices and perspectives in its search results.

The Future of Search and Content Creation

The August 2024 core update could have long-lasting effects on how content is produced and consumed online. For small and independent publishers, this update represents a significant opportunity to regain lost rankings and compete more effectively with larger websites. If successful, this update could encourage a resurgence of original, high-quality content that prioritizes user experience over simply trying to rank well in search engines.

However, this shift also presents new challenges for content creators of all sizes. Producing content that is optimized for search engines will no longer be enough. Instead, creators must focus on delivering real value to their audiences through in-depth analysis, unique perspectives, or highly relevant information.

For larger websites, the update could mean facing increased competition from smaller publishers who can better adapt to the new search landscape. This could lead to a more dynamic and competitive environment where innovation and originality are rewarded.

Looking ahead, Google is likely to continue refining its algorithms in response to feedback from the content-creating community. The August 2024 update may be just the first in a series of changes to better support small and independent publishers, potentially leading to a more balanced and equitable search ecosystem.

How to Thrive in Google’s New World

For publishers, the key takeaway from the August 2024 core update is the importance of focusing on the quality and usefulness of your content. Here are some practical steps you can take to ensure your site aligns with Google’s new priorities:

Emphasize Originality and Relevance: Make sure your content offers unique insights or information that can’t be easily found elsewhere. This will help your site stand out from the competition and appeal to both users and search engines.

Prioritize User Experience: Ensure your content is easy to read, navigate, and engage with. This includes optimizing your site for mobile users, improving load times, and using clear, concise language.

Keep Content Fresh: Regularly review and update older posts to ensure they remain relevant and accurate. Fresh content is more likely to be seen as valuable by both users and search engines.

Engage with Your Audience: Build a loyal readership by actively engaging with your audience through comments, social media, and other channels. This can help increase your site’s authority and drive repeat traffic.

Monitor Your Metrics: Over the coming weeks, monitor your site’s traffic and search rankings closely. If you notice significant changes, consider conducting a content audit to identify areas for improvement.

Key Takeaways

• Google’s August 2024 core update is rolling out now. It focuses on promoting useful content from small and independent publishers.
• This update responds to feedback from the content-creating community, particularly after the helpful content update in September 2023.
• The update could help smaller publishers recover lost rankings and compete more effectively with larger sites.
• Publishers should prioritize creating original, relevant, and user-focused content to align with Google’s new focus.
• The full impact of the update will become clearer over the next month as the rollout is completed.