The recent August 2024 Core Update from Google has sparked much interest and curiosity in the web development and SEO communities. These updates are crucial for businesses and website owners as they can significantly affect search engine rankings. In this post, we’ll break down the key changes, how they may impact your website, and what steps you can take to stay ahead in this ever-evolving digital landscape.

What Is the August 2024 Core Update?

Google’s core updates are broad changes made to the search algorithm designed to improve the relevance of search results. These updates typically refine how Google evaluates content quality and user experience, ensuring that users are directed to websites that best serve their needs. Unlike smaller algorithm updates that target specific issues (such as spam or site speed), core updates impact a wide range of factors and can lead to noticeable shifts in website rankings.

The August 2024 Core Update continues this trend, placing a stronger emphasis on page experience, content quality, and user-first design. These updates align with Google’s ongoing efforts to reward websites that provide valuable, trustworthy, and relevant content to users.

Key Focus Areas of the August 2024 Core Update

1. Content Quality and Relevance

Google has always prioritised high-quality content, but with this update, the emphasis has deepened. Content that is insightful, original, and valuable is likely to rank higher. This means websites that offer unique perspectives or expert opinions will be more likely to benefit. On the other hand, websites relying on rehashed or generic content may see a drop in rankings.

2. E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

The update underscores Google’s continued focus on E-A-T as a critical ranking factor. Websites that clearly demonstrate expertise in their field, are recognised as authoritative, and establish trustworthiness through content and credentials are more likely to perform well. This could include having author bios, sourcing reliable data, or showcasing client testimonials to build credibility.

3. Page Experience and Core Web Vitals

Google’s Core Web Vitals, which measure aspects like page load time, interactivity, and visual stability, remain integral to rankings. Sites with excellent Core Web Vitals scores are favoured in this update. This highlights the need for developers to focus on creating fast, user-friendly websites that provide a seamless experience across devices.

4. Mobile-First Indexing

Mobile-friendliness is another area where Google continues to refine its approach. Websites optimised for mobile devices are more likely to see favourable results. Given that the majority of users now access websites via mobile, it’s critical for web developers to ensure their designs are responsive and accessible on all screen sizes.

How This Update Could Impact Your Website

For many websites, the impact of the August 2024 Core Update will vary depending on the current state of their SEO and content quality. Some sites may see their rankings improve, while others might experience a decline if they fail to meet the new standards. Here are a few potential outcomes:

  • Rankings Boost for High-Quality Content: If your website consistently produces valuable, well-researched, and original content, you could see an uptick in search rankings.
  • Penalty for Low-Quality or Thin Content: Sites that rely on outdated or thin content may face a rankings drop, as Google’s algorithm now better identifies and devalues such pages.
  • Increased Importance of Mobile Performance: Sites with poor mobile performance may experience reduced visibility, as mobile-first indexing and page experience are central to this update.
  • Need for Expertise Demonstration: If your site lacks clear signs of authority or expertise, you may need to rethink your strategy to remain competitive.

Action Steps to Optimise Your Website

To ensure your site thrives after the August 2024 Core Update, here are some actionable steps to take:

1. Audit and Improve Content

Review your site’s content to ensure it is original, valuable, and relevant to your target audience. Remove outdated or low-quality content and replace it with pieces that offer new insights or useful information. Focus on user intent and ensure your content directly answers the questions your audience is asking.

2. Enhance Mobile and Desktop User Experience

Test your website’s Core Web Vitals using tools like Google PageSpeed Insights and optimise for faster loading times, especially on mobile. Address any layout shifts or interactive issues that could disrupt the user experience. A smooth, fast, and engaging user experience will be crucial in maintaining strong search performance.

3. Build Trust and Authority

Showcase your expertise by incorporating author bios, citing credible sources, and building backlinks from trusted sites in your industry. Consider adding elements like customer reviews, case studies, or accreditations to enhance your site’s trustworthiness.

4. Monitor Analytics and Adjust Strategy

Keep an eye on your website’s performance post-update by monitoring Google Analytics and Search Console. Look for any significant changes in traffic or ranking and be prepared to adjust your content strategy accordingly. This will help you stay agile in the face of future updates.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

Google’s core updates are part of an ongoing process to improve search quality and user satisfaction. By staying informed and proactive, you can ensure your website remains competitive in search rankings. At Corsto Web Design, we stay on top of these changes to help our clients maintain visibility and performance in an ever-changing digital landscape.

If your site has been affected by the August 2024 Core Update, or you want to ensure it remains optimised for future updates, contact us today for a comprehensive website audit and optimisation strategy.