Google’s August Core Update 2024 Is Complete: What Does It Mean?

It’s that time again. August 2024 saw yet another core update announced by Google. Carrying on from the search engine giant’s March 2024 core update, the August edition aims to promote top-quality content in the SERPs (search engine results pages) and demote poor-value SEO content that doesn’t bring much value to the user. When announced, Google said the update would take around a month to complete, but it surprised marketers everywhere when it announced on September 3, 2024, that the rollout was done and dusted in just 19 days. So, what is the impact of the Google core update on the SERPs, and what does it mean for your SEO strategy?

Don’t panic just yet… Our helpful team has put together this guide on everything you need to know about the latest shake-up, where to go for Google core update support, and how to adapt.

What Is The August 2024 Core Update All About?

Google announced its August core update on August 15, 2024. While this update sought to promote high-quality, user-focused content, much like its March predecessor, it was a little different because it took on board the feedback Google received after the helpful content update in September 2023, which negatively impacted many small, independent businesses in the rankings. Many of these affected sites thought that the SEO changes from the March 2024 core update would result in a rankings boost, but the changes weren’t as meaningful as they had hoped. This is where the August core update intended to fill this gap.

Main aims of the August core update:

• Better quality search results containing high-quality content that puts the user first.
• Demotion of content that has been created purely with the search engines in mind.
• To capture improvements that sites have made with their content.

Google confirmed that the update was completed on September 3, 2024, taking just 19 days.

On announcing the launch of the update, John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, said:

“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.

“This latest update takes into account the feedback we’ve heard from some creators and others over the past few months. As always, we aim to connect people with a range of high quality sites, including ‘small’ or ‘”‘ independent’ sites that are creating useful, original content on relevant searches. This is an area we’ll continue to address in future updates.

“[It] aims to better capture improvements that sites may have made, so we can continue to surface the best of the web.”

Get up to speed with the previous March Core Update by reading our blog.

Why Is The Update Important?

The August core update is important because it took on board the feedback the search engine giant received following its September helpful content update, which meant lots of smaller, independent websites suffered drops in their rankings. So, it was hoped that the latest update would help rectify this. The August update also further solidified its commitment to quality content that brings value to the user, emphasising the importance of E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authoritativeness, trustworthiness) principles.

Has The Update Helped Smaller Sites?

It’s early days, but according to SEO Round Table, most sites appear worse off or saw no change after the core update.

It carried out a poll which showed that:

• 29% saw no change
• 44% saw drops in rankings and/or traffic
• 27% saw increases in rankings and/or traffic

Google even updated its core update guidelines.

How To Improve Website Site Rankings After Core Update: Actions To Take

If the most recent core update hasn’t impacted your site or you’ve seen a boost in your rankings and visibility, happy days! If it has had a negative effect, you’ve probably been left wondering how to adapt to these Google core updates. We’ve put together a rundown of some areas you should be paying close attention to when it comes to your existing and future content if you want to stand a chance of improving site visibility.

Do A Content Audit

An audit is the best way to find gaps in your content and identify ways of improving your existing content so it is helpful to users. Looking at the type of content your competitors are ranking highly for can also be a great way to see what you should be focusing on as part of your content strategy.

Understand Search Intent

Google wants its results to meet users’ expectations for relevant search terms. So, you should make sure that the content you’re creating fulfills the intent behind the user’s search query. For example, if simple ‘how to’ guides appear high in the SERPs for keywords you are targeting, there would be little point in creating an in-depth white paper as this would not satisfy the type of content users want to see.

Focus On Quality Content

You’ve heard this on repeat for quite some time now, but that’s because it’s the main thing Google cares about when it comes to content. Well-written content that brings value to the user will get you back in the SEO race. You should be publishing consistent, original, and valuable content to see improvements in your rankings. If you’re unsure if your content is helpful to the user, take a look at Google’s self-assessment checklist for helpful content.

Read our guide on How To Optimise Your Web Content Like An SEO Expert for more information.

Look At Website Performance

You won’t recover from the Google core update unless your website loads fast, is easy to use, and is mobile-friendly. You could have the best content in the world, but without a sleek site, you don’t stand a chance at climbing the SERPs.

Keep Monitoring Site Performance

Looking at your website’s performance during and since the update has been completed is a good way to see whether you need to take action. Make the most of analytics tools to keep track of any fluctuations.

We’re Here For You

If the August core update has left you in a spin, our friendly team of SEO experts is here to help you recover. We’re a full-service digital marketing agency with all the tools to get you back on track. Whether you need help with Content Writing or you’d like to leave your SEO efforts safely in our hands with our Managed SEO Service, we’ve got you. Why not arrange a call with one of our Account Managers today to learn how we can send your rankings soaring?

Schedule a consultation today!