Smarter Google Core Update of August: Everything You Want to Know

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Smarter Google Core Update of August: Everything You Want to Know

This is considered a major algorithmic shift that should help improve the results returned by Google. As of today, Google’s August core update is complete. The update was launched on August 15, which is considered part of an ongoing effort by the search giant to return the most relevant and useful content for its searchers.

While as yet, the nature of the changes in this update is not specified, the one thing that stands continuous is that Google favors content that carries actual values for the users. Sites with more emphasis on optimization methods rather than creating quality content are going to see harsh ranking impacts.

Quality Content Matters

The real factor that the August core update tries to specify is the creation of informative, engaging content that is genuinely helpful for users. Of course, relevance would include factors such as the following:

• Relevance: It has to do directly with what is being searched for.
• Depth: It needs to go into the specifics of a given topic.
• Originality: It should be free from any plagiarism.
• User Experience: It should be easy to read and comprehend.

Weights given to these elements would surely help a website to rank better in the search results .

Possible Impacts of the Core Update

August core update may cause visible effects on the appearance of the search results. Certain websites may see an improvement in rankings, while others will be adversely affected. The degree of impact may depend on a number of factors that involves:

Content quality- Quality content bearing websites are more likely to benefit from this update.

SEO Practices: Websites that completely rely on black-hat SEO practices may be discredited.

User Experience: Websites with poor user experience may also be discredited.

Recovering from Drops in Rankings

If your website has seen a drop in rankings due to the core update in August, here are things you must do to regain restoration. Among them are:

• Quality Evaluation of Content: Take critical stock of your website for content to pinpoint areas that need improvement.
• Improve User Experience: Make your website navigational and usable.
• Smoothen the Technical Issues: Make sure you have smoothed the technical issues affecting your site.
• Build Backlinks: Get quality backlinks to your website from authority websites.
• Keep in mind that it takes time for the recovery of rankings to take effect. The algorithms behind what Google does are extremely complicated, and it could take several months before your website is recovered.

Look to the Future

Core updates from Google just keep coming, and it is more than likely that they may continue. In order to stay ahead of the curve, it’s good to be aware each time that Google makes significant updates to its algorithm and not lose sight of the production of high-quality content to meet the needs of your audience.

By following these guidelines, you’ll be able to enhance search ranking for your website and drive more visitors to your website.

The Impact on Local SEO

The August core update has to say something rather important regarding local SEO, too. If one’s business relies on local search for the arrival of clients, one must have noticed rank changes. In the light of such changes, here is how one can adapt with his or her local business:

• Google My Business Optimization: Make full and correct use of the Google My Business listings.
• Local Reviews: Ask your customers to leave reviews on your business listing.
• Claim Local Citations: Claim other local directories where the business has been listed.
• Target Local Keywords: Use local keywords within the website content and meta tags.

The Role of AI in Search

Artificial Intelligence is finding its relevance in search with each passing day. Google has been experimenting with AI-powered features that include “featured snippets” and “People Also Ask.” These features will make it easier and quicker for users to find what they are looking for.

Knowing how AI works will help the SEO professional craft a strategy. By creating informative content, engaging in various questions that users might have, you will be able to show up in featured snippets and other AI-powered search results.

The Future of Search

Predicting what the future of search will look like is just not easy to tell, but the one thing for sure is that Google will keep updating its algorithms so that people can be taken to the exact piece of information they need.

So, as an SEO specialist, following all the recent trends and recommendations is pretty important. Knowing how search engines work and adapting to changes will help your website appear in the best positions in the search results and drive more visitors.

Conclusion

This August core update turned out to be a big event in the world of search engine optimization. Even though the exact changes were not revealed, one thing is for sure: Google gives more and more significant preference to high-quality, user-oriented content.

Valuing success further in the future with content, optimizing for local search, and understanding AI’s role are ways to do so. Keeping these rules will help your website rank on the search page for better improvement in traffic.

Sources:

• https://www.searchenginejournal.com/googles-august-core-update-rollout-completed/526070/
• https://searchengineland.com/google-august-2024-core-update-rollout-is-now-complete-446225#:~:text=Google’s%20August%202024%20core%20update,the%20overall%20Google%20Search%20results.
• https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2024/08/august-2024-core-update
• https://www.searchenginejournal.com/google-algorithm-history/

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