Google has rolled out its August 2024 Core Update, complete as of September 3, 2024. If you have a website or manage one for a client, you’ve probably noticed some changes in the rankings. Like others before, this update is designed to make search results more relevant and valuable for users.
But what does it mean for you?
What Stands Out:
- The update places even more weight on creating naturally human-written content that’s truly helpful. If your site doesn’t offer something useful, you might see a dip in rankings.
- Google continues to reward websites that are built on trust, authority, and real expertise—so having credible authors and sources is more important than ever.
While Google hasn’t shared the fine details of the changes, businesses are already feeling the impact. Ranking shifts are a telltale sign that it’s time to adapt to these new standards.
Key Lessons from the August 2024 Core Update:
- Content is Still King, but Make It Better: High-quality content isn’t just about throwing words on a page. Google wants to see content that genuinely answers questions and serves the reader. If you’re not focused on providing value, your rankings may take a hit.
- A Smooth User Experience is Non-Negotiable: Google cares about how fast your site loads, how easy it is to use on mobile, and whether visitors can find what they’re looking for quickly. These factors all affect where your website lands on the search results page.
- Trustworthiness is Huge: Google is putting even more emphasis on websites that come across as trustworthy. Do you have authors who know their stuff? Are your sources reliable? This update makes those factors even more crucial.
- Organic Links Work Best: The best way to improve your SEO is still to earn natural backlinks. When other reputable sites link to yours, Google sees it as a vote of confidence. But if you’re buying links or using shady tactics, this update will catch you.
- Change is Inevitable: Google’s algorithm is always evolving. The August update might shake things up, but more updates are yet to come. Changing and keeping your SEO strategy flexible will serve you well.
What to Focus on Now:
- Make Sure Your Site is Mobile-Friendly: Mobile-first indexing is here to stay. If your site isn’t optimized for mobile, you could be missing out on a huge chunk of potential traffic.
- Core Web Vitals: These metrics, which measure how fast and stable your site is, matter more than ever. If your page is slow or jumpy, users (and Google) won’t be happy.
- Answer User Questions Clearly: If you can answer user questions quickly and clearly, you stand a good chance of landing in a featured snippet. That little box at the top of search results can send loads of traffic your way.
- Optimize for Voice Search: With more people using voice assistants like Alexa and Siri, it’s worth adjusting your content to reflect how people speak, not just how they type.
- Local SEO: If you have a brick-and-mortar business, keep your Google My Business profile up to date, and make sure your online reviews are solid. It’ll help you show up in local searches.
How to Stay Ahead:
- Audit Your Content Regularly: Go through your whole site and update any outdated or low-quality content. Google rewards websites that continually offer fresh, relevant information.
- Technical SEO Matters: If your site is slow or has broken links, it’s time to fix that. Fast-loading pages with smooth navigation keeps both users and search engines happy.
- Earn Backlinks Naturally: Focus on creating content worth linking to. Reach out to reputable sites in your industry, but avoid shortcuts like buying links—they’ll do more harm than good.
- Keep Improving the User Experience: Your website should be easy to use, visually appealing, and fast. If visitors are bouncing off your page, Google will take notice.
- Stay Flexible: Google’s updates can shift rankings in an instant. Monitor your site’s performance regularly and adjust your strategy based on the data.
If you adapt your approach based on these key takeaways, you’ll likely see an improvement in your search engine rankings. Need help? Rocket Driver can run a full audit, identify gaps, and offer personalized advice and cutting-edge strategies. We’ve been a white label agency since 2011 and have the experience and stats to back it up.
Book a 1-on-1 demo, and we will prove to you that we are the best white label agency in the United States.
FAQs About the August 2024 Core Update:
What changed with the update?
While Google hasn’t revealed specific details, the focus seems to be on enhancing user experience and rewarding trustworthy, high-quality content.
How long until I see the effects of this update?
Some websites may notice changes immediately, but it could take a few weeks for the full impact to settle. Keep an eye on your site’s performance in the meantime.
Should I make major changes to my website right away?
Don’t rush into any big changes. Focus on improving the quality of your content and user experience first. Major updates should be considered after careful analysis.