A core update is a significant change which Google makes to its ranking algorithm update that affects a large number of indexed pages. These updates happen once every two or three months on average. These core updates are designed to improve the quality and relevance of Google’s search results by shuffling the search engine ranking of web pages.
Each core update tweaks a formula by which Google ranks web pages. Web pages that rank higher for their targeted keywords may rank low after a core update. On the other hand, web pages that ranked low for their keywords may rank higher after the rollout.
Some of the most popular Google core updates include Penguin, Panda, Fred, Hummingbird, Pigeon, BERT, Rankbrain, Medic, Possum, Mobilegeddon and Freshness.
The core updats can drastically affect search engine optimization for Google. The underlying concept of Google SEO is to adjust your website along with its presence so that it is favoured by Google’s ranking algorithm. When Google rolls out an update, its ranking algorithm changes.
The impact can be positive or negative depending on whether your website meets the criteria that Google considers a priority. You may experience an increase in traffic and a better position in search engine results. On the other hand, if your site does not meet the criteria, it may be displaced by other pages that Google considers more relevant.
Keywords: changes in the algorithm may cause the keywords you have used to shift positions in the search results, affecting your visibility.
Organic traffic: when you lose positions and visibility, you are likely to notice a drop in traffic from organic searches. This decline can affect your conversion rates and overall search goals.
Authority and trust: if Google perceives a decrease in your website’s authority in comparison to others, your content may lose relevance in search results.
Speed of indexing new pages: If your domain authority is affected, the chances are that Google may crawl your website less frequently, which could delay the appearance of new content in search results.
If after the last Google core update, your website is affected, here are some recommendations to recover:
Evaluate if the fall is temporary: Sometimes changes in traffic are momentary or due to external factors. Review your metrics for several weeks before making any changes, as the impact may take time to stabilize.
Work on user experience: Improve the technical aspects that help to improve the speed and usability of your website. This includes decreasing load times, improving the navigation, and assuring your website is compatible with all devices.
Renew and optimize your content: If you detect that you have lost positions on some pages, review and improve those contents. Add some useful information, remove unrelated things and also work on data.
Follow a continuous improvement strategy: Google’s algorithm changes are constant. The best way to prepare for this is to adopt a continuous improvement strategy, focused on delivering valuable content and improving the UX.
Google broad core updates are a challenge, but they are also an opportunity to improve the quality of your website and strengthen its position. Stay updated on these changes, review your content, and enhance the user experience to ensure that changes are always on your side.