Google core update, launched in the November 2024, which is set to roll out over the next two weeks. Core updates like this are major adjustments to Google’s search algorithms and ranking systems, which is why Google announces them in advance.
Background on Google Core Updates
Google core updates occur several times a year, often leading to significant changes in search rankings. These updates are aimed at improving the relevance and usefulness of Google’s search results by promoting genuinely helpful content and reducing the visibility of content created solely to rank well on search engines.
This November update follows closely after the August 2024 Core Update, continuing the ongoing refinement of Google’s search quality standards. In an announcement on LinkedIn, Google emphasized that the update aims to show “more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.”
What Google Has Said About the November 2024 Update
Google confirmed the release of the November core update and indicated that it will provide more information as the rollout progresses. The company also plans to update its ranking release history page with details once the update is fully deployed.
Earlier this month, Google hinted at an upcoming update but advised that sites impacted by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update should not anticipate immediate recoveries. It is still too early to gauge the overall impact of this latest update on search rankings.
Steps to Take if Your Site is Affected
If your site experiences a drop in rankings following a core update, Google’s past advice suggests it may not indicate specific issues with your pages. Here are Google’s key recommendations:
- Focus on Quality Content: Google recommends prioritizing people-first content that is genuinely helpful, not created merely to rank well in search engines. High-quality content written with readers in mind is more likely to perform well over time.
- Review Google’s Questions for Self-Assessment: If your site is affected, consider the questions Google has published to help assess content quality and relevance. This includes checking for originality, clarity, and value to users.
- Be Patient for Recovery: Recovery from a core update can happen gradually, though meaningful improvements may be more likely after a future core update.
Google reiterated that content creators don’t need to take special actions for this update if they are consistently producing satisfying, user-focused content. For those seeking guidance, Google’s Creating Helpful, Reliable, People-First Content page offers detailed best practices.
Notable Core Updates in 2024
This year has seen several major core updates, including:
- March 2024 Core Update: Google described this as the largest core update in its history, beginning on March 5 and concluding on April 19.
- August 2024 Core Update: Released on August 15, this update took just under three weeks to roll out, wrapping up on September 3.
Why This Matters
Core updates can create significant volatility in search rankings, affecting visibility, traffic, and conversions for many websites. Ideally, these updates will reward high-quality, user-focused sites, but some sites may experience temporary fluctuations or ranking drops.
We hope this latest update benefits your site and drives increased traffic and conversions. As always, focus on crafting content that genuinely serves your audience’s needs. For additional information, you can explore Google’s core update documentation and follow their official search status report for the latest updates.
