seo
What are Google’s Latest Core Updates?
Published: 14/11/24 - Updated: 14/11/24
Google Core Updates
Google implements core updates to its algorithms several times a year, alongside other ranking system updates (like the June 2024 Spam update). These updates are designed to improve the overall search experience for users by reassessing how content is evaluated and ranked.
What is a Google Core Algorithm Update?
A Google Core Algorithm Update is a significant change to Google’s search algorithms and systems. These updates impact how web pages are ranked in search results. Unlike minor tweaks, core updates are broad changes that can significantly alter search rankings for various websites and content.
Importantly, core updates do not specifically target individual pages or sites; instead, they aim to improve how Google assesses and ranks content across the entire web.
Why Are Google Core Algorithm Updates Important?
- Quality Enhancement: Core updates focus on refining ranking algorithms, understanding user intent, and elevating the importance of high-quality content.
- User Experience: By improving search result quality, these updates enhance the overall user experience. Users receive more relevant and reliable information when searching.
- Business Impact: Core updates significantly affect businesses and content creators. Websites must adapt their strategies and optimise content to meet Google’s evolving standards and user demands.
What does this mean for Brands?
During the rollout of the latests updates (Nov 24), and subsequent weeks after, we may see swings in ranking position across tracked terms. This is due to Google reassessing the quality of content on site relative to other competitors. As Google regularly tweaks updates after launch, it is important not to panic/celebrate performance swings immediately, but to wait until things have settled post-rollout before assessing any long-term performance changes and adapting your strategy (if necessary).
We will continue to monitor the outcomes of these updates and share our findings here as things settle.
For more information on the latests updates view Googles Core Updates History page here.
Last updated Nov 2024.
Rachel McLeay
Rachel is a former languages student with 5+ years in the SEO industry, predominantly working with global e-commerce brands. She spent her first 4 years in a multi-national digital performance agency (Dentsu) before moving into her Account Director role at the organic-specialist independent agency, Kaizen, in 2023. She’s worked with various clients facing different pain points, from those in heavily regulated industries and luxury brands with complex internal politics, to delivering best-in-class strategies for those in YMYL verticals. Outside of SEO, Rachel’s a passionate traveller who loves to hike and is working her way up to some outdoor climbing!