The August 2024 Core Google Update: What You Need to Know?

The August 2024 Core Google Update: What You Need to Know?

Google has released its most recent core update in August 2024, which is already hitting the SEO community. Like every core update, businesses and content creators scramble to evaluate the impact and ensure they can still maintain their survival on a certain search topic. For everyone who depends on organic traffic from search engines, it is vital to grasp the essence of these updates. In this blog, we'll dissect the key points from Google's August 2024 Core Update and its effect on SEO along with ways to cope up in order to stay ahead.

 

What is a Google Core Update?

Google Core Update is the notable amendment in Google's search algorithm that surely has a complementary effect on website rankings with SERPs. On the other hand, core updates are not quite as frequent, and all-in-all are more of a broad update that could influence sites in most verticals. The core algorithm updates that Google announces are to work toward the same goals: improvement of search results relevance, content quality, and user satisfaction.

 

August 2024 Core Update Brings Big Changes

Google does not always disclose the exact technical specifics of these updates, but SEO experts have already noticed several relevant changes that arrived in the August 2024 Core Update:

1. More Content Quality Focus The August 2024 Core Update has brought with it the consistent focus on quality content—one of its most significant changes. Does it mean the overall concept of E-A-T is over? Hardly not. Google renewed its commitment to their version of the acronym by adding a letter at the beginning (Expertise) that will play an even bigger role in 2024. Well-researched, informative, and high-quality content has led some sites to rank higher, while thin, outdated, or untrustworthy information seems to decline.

   Actionable Tips:

   • Update your content on a regular basis so it never becomes outdated.

   • Write long, detailed pieces that add real value to your audience.

   • Add bylines and cite reliable sources to improve credibility.
      

2. User Experience and Engagement User experience is something Google has been considering more and more over the years. The August 2024 update places importance on page load speed, mobile-friendliness, and user engagement. Websites with high bounce rates or poor Core Web Vitals scores might be losing visibility.

   Actionable Tips:

   • Regular audits to ensure your site’s speed and mobile capabilities are optimal.

   • Ensure your website is accessible across all devices and platforms.

   • Engage users with clear headers, subheadings, and media (images, videos).
      

3. Topical Authority Becomes More Important The August 2024 Core Update favors websites that demonstrate topical authority in specific niches. Google has recently favored sites with a concentrated content theme, with an emphasis on expertise and trustworthiness.

   Actionable Tips:

   • Develop a content strategy around topics where your website can be authoritative.

   • Build content clusters on key topics linked to cornerstone content pieces.

   • Keep revising to stay the best in your niche.
      

4. Structured Data is Critical The latest update also benefits sites that use structured data and schema markup effectively. Properly using structured data leads to better rankings because it helps search engines understand your content.

   Actionable Tips:

   • Utilize structured data on your site to enhance search engine understanding.

   • Use Google’s Rich Results Test to check for schema markup errors.
      

5. Local Search SEO and Maps The August 2024 update has impacted local SEO
   significantly, giving preference to businesses with strong local signals, such as well-optimized Google Business Profiles and location-specific content.

   Actionable Tips:

   • Keep your Google Business Profile updated with photos and reviews.

   • Develop locally-focused content that addresses regional needs.

   • Ensure your NAP (name, address, phone number) is consistent across platforms.
     
      

Modifying Your SEO Strategy After the August 2024 Update

1. Audit Your Content Review your website’s content, updating or merging outdated pages with better-quality ones. Keep a clear hierarchy of topics and subtopics to demonstrate expertise.
   
    

2. Improve Technical SEO Page speed and mobile performance are more important than ever. Use tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and Google’s Mobile-Friendly Test.
   
    

3. Diversify Traffic Sources Don’t rely solely on organic traffic. Use other sources like email marketing, social media, and paid ads to reduce reliance on Google’s algorithm changes.
   
    

4. Monitor Rankings and Traffic Keep an eye on your rankings and traffic in the coming weeks using Google Search Console and Google Analytics.
   
    

What to Expect Moving Forward Each new core update pushes content to show more expertise, especially in specialized niches. Websites that provide high-quality content and focus on user experience will continue to thrive.

 

Conclusion The August 2024 Core Update brought significant changes to SEO. Although some sites may see changes, those who adapt quickly by improving content and user experience can turn this challenge into growth opportunities.