Google Core Update November 2024

What Are Google Core Updates?

Core Updates are major adjustments to Google's search algorithms, enhancing how information is evaluated and ranked in search results. Unlike more minor updates targeting specific issues, such as spam updates or helpful content updates, core updates influence multiple ranking aspects across all types of content.

A core update aims to improve how Google's search engine understands and prioritises the most helpful, relevant, and trustworthy content. These changes help Google refine its search results, giving preference to websites that best meet the evolving standards of valuable and high-quality content.

What Does the November 2024 Update Mean for SEO?

Core updates can noticeably impact website rankings. It's important to avoid jumping in and making changes while a core update is being rolled out; instead, you should monitor what is happening, wait for the rollout to complete, and evaluate the impact.

Monitor the Impact

Core updates often cause volatility in search rankings, leading to temporary fluctuations as the algorithm adjusts. Monitoring your rankings and traffic during this period is essential to identify which pages are most affected and begin analysing what specific changes might influence them. By keeping track of these shifts, you can gain valuable insights into which aspects of your content may need attention once the update has fully rolled out.

Wait for Full Rollout

Google has indicated that this update will take approximately two weeks to roll out. However, monitoring Google's official communications is essential, as core updates can sometimes take longer than expected. It's crucial to keep your site and content the same during this period. Reacting too soon can lead to unnecessary adjustments that may not be beneficial once the update fully settles. Staying informed about the rollout's progress will help you know when it's the right time to evaluate lasting impacts.

Evaluate and Align

Once the update is fully rolled out, review the rankings that experienced the most turbulence. By analysing your own performance or observing changes in competitors' rankings, you can gain insights into what content types or strategies were positively impacted by this core update. Use this information to align your content strategy with Google's recommendations, ensuring you stay ahead of future updates.

If your site has seen a negative impact, focus on aligning more closely with Google's guidance for high-quality, user-first content. Remember that recovery from a core update can take time, often spanning multiple updates, so consistent alignment with Google's best practices is key to regaining and sustaining rankings.

Putting the User First vs. Putting Search Engines First

In announcing this update, Google stated that it aims to "show more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search." This highlights the importance of creating user-focused content over content optimised for rankings. There's a clear difference between content made to genuinely help users and content crafted primarily for search engine performance.

Putting the User First

The target audience is at the heart of each page in a user-first approach. This means understanding their intent, whether they're seeking a quick answer, detailed information, or credible advice, and effectively structuring the content to meet those needs. Suppose the user is looking for a straightforward answer. In that case, a user-focused page will deliver it clearly and quickly while offering additional resources or a deeper dive for those who want more context. User-first content also aims to build trust, clarifying why the author or brand is qualified to address the topic. This can be achieved through author credentials, references to reliable sources, and a clear, trustworthy tone, all of which reinforce the credibility and reliability of the answer.

Putting Search Engines First

A search-first approach, conversely, centres on satisfying algorithmic needs rather than user needs. Content built this way often focuses on including the "right" keywords or search terms to rank well. Quality may be secondary, with some pages prioritising word count or keyword density over clarity and usefulness. In this approach, answers might be buried within a lengthy article intended to keep users on the page longer, potentially at the cost of user satisfaction. Credibility signals, such as author expertise or source citations, may be absent because the primary goal is to provide a better answer but to achieve high rankings. Often, such content is crafted by SEO specialists with ranking in mind rather than by brand experts, resulting in a less reliable and trustworthy experience for the user.

By putting the user first, you create content that engages, informs, and builds trust, all qualities Google values in its core updates. This approach meets current standards and positions your website for more sustainable, long-term success in search rankings.

Final Thoughts

Adapting to a Google core update can be challenging, but focusing on user-first content is a strategy that will always serve you well. By creating content that genuinely helps your audience, you're aligning with Google's evolving standards and building trust and credibility with your visitors.

As you assess the impact of the November 2024 update, remember that improvements may take time, significantly if your site has been affected. Regularly aligning with Google's best practices and focusing on delivering value will lead you to long-term success. If you need guidance or support with optimising your content, our team is here to help you stay on track with Google's latest recommendations.

References

Google's Explanation of Core Updates

Google's Official Communications for Search Status