There are rumblings in SEO land that there will be a Google Core Update rolled out this August. Google hinted that there will be a core update ‘in the coming weeks’, but as yet there is no specific release date.
Google’s Public Liason for Search, Danny Sullivan, said:
“We’d tell you when the next core update will be if we knew. But we don’t know exactly yet, that’s all. These aren’t scheduled to a particular day. The ranking team makes changes, tests those, evaluates those and eventually we get a launch date. But precisely when, that’s just not known yet.”
We hope to hear more soon when the Google geeks have finished running their stringent tests and evaluations – you’ll be the first to know as soon we get confirmation.
What is a Google Core Update?
Several times a year, Google makes significant changes to their search systems and algorithms. These are referred to as ‘Core Updates’ and notice of when they occur is listed on the Google search status dashboard. These updates typically occur a few times annually, and can (but not always) have a notable impact on search engine results pages (SERPs).
SEO experts like us here at Solve need to keep abreast of Google Core Updates because websites may experience changes in their search rankings and organic traffic following an update. By monitoring when these updates roll out, we can accurately attribute sudden changes in performance to the update rather than other factors. Core updates can also sometimes create new ranking opportunities. Being aware of them allows us to quickly identify and capitalise on these chances for our clients. The good news is that if your SEO expert has done a good job and laid a solid SEO foundation, your website traffic should remain steady throughout the rollout period.
When is the Next Google Core Update?
In 2023 Google had four core updates in March, August, October and November. In 2024 Google has so far rolled out two updates in March 2024, and also a spam update in June. Broad core updates tend to happen every few months, and so based on these past trends, those-in-the-know are predicting that a Google Core Update is imminent.
The last major Google Core Update was the Helpful Content Search Update in September 2023. It took 14 days to roll out and included an improved classifier and several significant changes to the Helpful Content System, designed by Google to promote people-first content and demote content written for search engines. Many websites were negatively hit during this update and were hoping to see recoveries in the next update, but the June spam update didn’t deliver. All eyes are on the next Google Core Update as online businesses and content creators eagerly await to see if it offers the recoveries they hope for.
Staying informed about Google’s core updates helps us to remain at the forefront of SEO trends and contribute valuable insights to the wider SEO community.
Stay tuned for more news as we get it.
