Google once again came up with the August 2024 Core Update: Know what it means and how to still rank better on SERPs beyond this update. Explore its impact on your and hundreds of other good-ranking websites.

Staying ahead of Google in terms of algorithm updates is not a strategy that works within the dynamic realm of search engine optimization; it is just not an option. Every few months, the face of the digital landscape is impacted by the tides of change brought about by that giant: Google, with its core updates that touch upon search ranking, visibility of websites, and ultimately the success count of online businesses. On August 19, 2024, Google launched its latest core update. The event had been highly anticipated by SEOs and marketers.

However, as with any big update, the first immediate response has been one of excitement and nervousness. Less than 24 hours into the update’s roll-out, Google then confirmed a ranking bug that’s certain to throw a further spanner in the works. Also, largely due to the volatility involved. As a result, this ranking bug has precipitated noticeable fluctuations in search results, leaving many uncertain with regard to what the full impact of the update will be.

This can be quite a nerve-wracking duration for those dependent on organic search traffic. One drop in ranks may mean losing huge traffic, which will directly impact revenue and overall business performance. Another way around, an increase in ranking becomes really a game-changer; it serves as the gateway to newer opportunities and growth. But nothing is certain during such early days of a core update.

Why Google Search is so Volatile Right Now: Here’s What You Need to Know

It’s not uncommon for there to be at least a temporary period of volatility with search rankings when Google releases a core update. But in this case, things have been very rocky. And there is at least a little help from the ranking bug. The ranking bug, as it has now been dubbed, one that Google finally acknowledged a few days after the update had started, is leading to some weird ranking changes for many different types of sites.

For SEOs and site owners, this means there is no such thing as business as usual within Google Search. Keep in mind that there is a good chance that the current jumpy waves are just for these first days, and as the update keeps rolling out, things will gradually return to their previous state. Right about now, it becomes very important to track closely the performance of your site so that you do not end up making some really drastic changes based on very short-term data

Key Takeaways: Factors that Can Impact Organic Traffic to Your Website

At this moment in the initial stages of the August 2024 core update, there are a few key considerations as outlined below. These can impact organic search traffic to your website:

1. Ranking Bug at Work: This continuous ranking bug is causing unexpected and sometimes drastic fluctuations in search rankings. Per Google, it’s been a very important point to be patient whilst they’ve moved to fix it—not making any knee-jerk reaction over movements in the short term.
2. Gradual Roll Out for the Update: The core update is likely to take a whole month to fully roll out. Due to this fact, the changes you are seeing now may not predict the complete final effect. Take a long-term view and wait until the update has rolled out completely before you begin to make major decisions.
3. Expanded AI Overviews: Where this update comes in is Google’s expansion of AI Overviews. As more links to those overviews begin to appear without a person being signed in. This could potentially be a very big development for how content is surfaced and ranked in the search results. Also, there could be certainly an impact on the visibility of your pages.

What SEOs Are Seeing — Early Activity, No Full Recovery

The most interesting development from the early days of the August 2024 core update is the fact there is a very small. But an observable sign of life for those websites that got hit very hard by previous core updates. Concretely, it seems that sites previously disadvantaged by the helpful content update of September 2023 are starting to regain some of the lost visibility and ranking.

Well, Glenn Gabe, another popular SEO consultant, has been watching them closely. “About the 380+ sites I am tracking, nearly 47 are seeing visibility spikes since the August core update started to roll out. These are sites that were hit very hard by the September 2023 update. And, while far from fully recovering, this is a great sign.

Important to set expectations, however: Nobody is describing these increases as full recoveries for the sites seeing some bounce-back. Gains are modest at best, and we’re still a mile away from these websites’ post-September 2023 updates. But for those who have been struggling with regaining lost ground, even small surges in visibility are welcome developments.

What About Sites Hit by Other Core Updates? Expect Mixed Results

The October 2024 update appears not to be isolated only to the sites that were affected in September 2023. It is an experience from the impact of the helpful content update. Results show changes in other core update-hammered sites, those hit by the March 2024 core update. Finally, the results are mixed as well, with some sites showing improvement, and others demonstrating a natural decline.

As a matter of fact, even sites that did not get directly hit by the core updates are still showing shifts in performance. Now, think how interconnected all of Google’s algorithms really are. Also, when one part of the ecosystem changes, friction that is sometimes felt with another may have an influence on sites in unforeseen ways. This is just a reminder that no website is an island. Also, any changes happening at one part of the search landscape can have power over another website.

What To Do Now: Practical Navigation Steps Through the Update

Given the August 2024 core update is in its very early stages. It’s far too soon to be really handing down hard and concrete conclusions. However, here are steps going in this direction, which will eventually help take you through such a period of uncertainty. Also, ensure that your site is well-poised to do well once matters settle.

1. Monitoring performance: Keep a close watch on your website’s traffic, key rankings, and changes in user behaviour. This will give you an early warning of something going wrong and alert you to do something about it.
2. Avoid Making Hysterious Changes: It is tempting to respond immediately to the variations in your rankings. Also, wait until this update has been completely rolled out before making significant changes to your site. It’s just another way of jumping to conclusions too fast.
3. Focus on Quality Content: Google’s updates increasingly tend to focus on the quality and relevance of content. If your site was hit previously by such an update. Now, could be a good time to consider your content strategy and ensure that your site brings value to users.

4. Stay Informed and Connected: Keep track of the latest news in the SEO community. As more data becomes available about the update’s interaction with different kinds of websites and industries. Staying updated with other SEOs can give a lot of insights and hence help make the appropriate decisions.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Change and Keep Moving Forward 

The simple takeaway is Google’s August 2024 core update is just another lesson learned on how dynamic and changing the landscape really is for SEO. With every update, the rules of the game change in SEO, and what worked yesterday will not help today. Success is all about adaptability, about being able to pivot quickly against new challenges and opportunities.

While still in the early days, some of the signs of life for sites hit by September 2023. Helpful content updates do bring on the feeling of hope. Although, there are going to be more plot twists and turns as the rollout goes on. If one takes the trouble to monitor activities, businesses will sail through these changes and come out stronger at the other end.

Be patient, and remain informed. Also, above all, be really good at preparing the kind of engaging content that serves your audience. Everything else will follow.

Also Read: What Are the Main Topicality Systems Used by Google?