Google Finalizes August 2024 Core Update: Key Takeaways for SEO

The August Google Core Update is finally out and is impacting the way content and web pages rank on the SERPs.

Highlights:

• The August 2024 core update reinforces the importance of creating high-quality, informative content that provides value to users.
• Websites with a strong foundation of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-A-T) are favored by Google.

Google has officially concluded its August 2024 core update, a significant algorithm adjustment designed to improve search results quality. As with the previous Google Core Update, the exact details of the changes remain undisclosed, but SEO professionals and website owners can definitely gain insights from the update’s general impact and potential implications based on the shifts and changes in SEO rankings after rollout.

But to add context to this, the changes and updates implemented directly tie into September 2023’s helpful content update, using feedback and input from that.

Key Takeaways from the Google August 2024 Core Update:

1. Focus on Quality Content: The core principle underlying Google’s updates remains consistent: prioritizing high-quality, informative, and relevant content. Websites that provide valuable information to users are more likely to rank well.
2. User Experience Matters: Google continues to emphasize user experience as a crucial ranking factor. Factors like website speed, mobile-friendliness, and easy navigation play a significant role in determining search rankings.
3. E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trust): Websites with a strong foundation of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness in their respective fields are favored in the August 2024 core update. This includes having credible authors, reliable sources, and a positive online reputation to build an engaging presence rather than stretching your
4. Organic Link Building: Building high-quality content and natural backlinks from reputable websites remains a valuable SEO tactic. Avoid excessive link buying or blackhat link schemes, as these can negatively impact rankings.
5. Algorithm Fluctuations: It’s important to remember that search engine algorithms are constantly evolving. While the Google August 2024 update may have a noticeable impact on rankings, it’s possible that subsequent updates could introduce new factors or adjust the weight of existing ones.

Related: Google’s August 2024 Core Update

Factors to Watch Out For:

• Mobile-First Indexing: Google’s continued focus on mobile-first indexing means that websites must be optimized for mobile devices to perform well in Google search results.
• Core Web Vitals: These metrics, which measure aspects of user experience like page load speed and interactivity, are becoming increasingly important for managing SEO ranking changes.
• Featured Snippets: Websites that provide concise, informative answers to search queries may be more likely to appear as featured snippets, which can drive significant traffic, as reiterated during the August 2024 core update.
• Voice Search: As voice search becomes more prevalent, optimizing content for conversational queries can be beneficial.
• Local SEO: For businesses with a physical location, local SEO factors such as Google My Business optimization and online reviews continue to be important and require you to invest in high-quality content for visibility on search rankings.

SEO Strategies for Success:

• Content Auditing: Conduct a thorough audit of your website’s content to identify areas that need improvement. Focus on creating high-quality, informative content that addresses user intent.
• Technical SEO: Ensure your website is technically sound by optimizing factors like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and proper indexing.
• Link Building: Build natural, high-quality backlinks from reputable websites. Focus on building relationships with other websites in your industry.
• User Experience: Prioritize user experience by making your website easy to navigate, fast-loading, and visually appealing.
• Monitor and Adapt: Keep track of your website’s performance and make adjustments as needed based on data and algorithm updates.

By understanding the key takeaways from the August 2024 core update and focusing on these factors, website owners and SEO professionals can improve their search engine rankings and attract more organic traffic. Get started with a detailed website audit by our SEO team as we examine your website, identify gaps in line with the August 2024 core update, and make recommendations. Set up a consultation with us today!

FAQs About the August 2024 Core Update

What is the exact nature of the changes in the August 2024 core update?

Unfortunately, Google does not disclose the specific details of core updates. This is to prevent SEOs from hacking the system and to ensure that the focus remains on providing quality content and user experience rather than trying to scheme and manipulate the system.

How long will it take for the full impact of the update to be felt?

While some websites may see immediate changes, others may experience more gradual shifts in SEO rankings. It is generally recommended to monitor your website’s performance over several weeks to assess the full impact of the update.

Should I make significant changes to my website immediately after a core update?

It’s generally not advisable to make drastic changes to your website immediately following a core update. While it’s important to stay informed and adapt your SEO strategies as needed, sudden changes can sometimes lead to unintended consequences. Your goal should be to focus on long-term improvements to your content, user experience, and overall website quality.