Google’s August 2024 Core Update: What Content Marketers Need to Know
Launched on August 15th, Google’s August 2024 core update marks another step in its ongoing mission to refine search results. This update will take about a month to roll out, so you might not see immediate changes. But they’re on the way!
What makes this update interesting is that it’s shaped by feedback from content creators and other key stakeholders. Google is listening and making moves to ensure that high-quality, valuable content gets the visibility it deserves.
The primary aim of this core update is to elevate content that benefits users while pushing down those pages created solely to game the SEO system. This is great news for those who have been focusing on delivering helpful, relevant content. Smaller businesses stand to gain from this shift as the update intends to better level the playing field. Now more than ever, the focus is on quality over quantity, which could work in your favor.
What Is a Core Update?
Google algorithm updates happen regularly, often daily. However, not all updates are created equal. Core updates are more comprehensive changes impacting a broad range of ranking factors across multiple industries.
These updates are designed to significantly adjust how Google evaluates and ranks content, ensuring that the most relevant, high-quality pages rise to the top of search results.
A core update affects how Google processes and weighs elements like content and links. This means that the value Google places on different aspects of your website may shift, potentially leading to changes in your rankings.
While not every business will notice a dramatic impact, the scope of these updates means that your site can see movement up or down, depending on how well it aligns with the new criteria.
What Is Google’s August 2024 Core Update?
Google’s August 2024 core update continues the search engine’s quest to provide users with more content that offers real value while deprioritizing pages created to manipulate search rankings.
It furthers Google’s efforts, which were laid out in earlier core updates like October 2022 and March 2024, and is designed to reward expert, trustworthy content written by authorities on the topic.
What stands out about Google’s August 2024 core update is a new effort to reward small or independent creators who produce original, helpful content. Google recognizes the importance of these sites in the digital ecosystem and is making strides to ensure they receive the visibility they deserve.
In addition to these improvements, the August 2024 update is designed to better capture and reflect positive changes that sites make.
If you’ve been working hard to enhance the quality of your content or improve your site’s overall user experience, you may see those efforts rewarded as Google continues to fine-tune its algorithm. This update is part of an ongoing process, with future updates likely to build on these principles.
How Can Marketers Ensure the Health of Their Sites?
If you are concerned your website may have been impacted by a core update, Google offers a checklist for you to review. It’s good to remember that not all changes you see in the Search Console result from core updates. Changes in your competition’s websites and user interest can also have an impact.
Offer Valuable, Relevant Content
The primary pillar of SEO success is delivering valuable, relevant content that your audience genuinely enjoys and finds useful. Companies that focus on relevant content that meets Google’s E-E-A-T principles (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) survive and thrive throughout the many Google algorithm updates.
Align Your Content With What Customers and Prospects Expect
To keep your content fresh and relevant, periodically review the value and purpose of your content. Does it align with what prospects expect when they search? Are you providing the insights and answers they want?
Present a Coherent Brand Entity
Beyond content quality, you want your brand to be recognizable in the digital world. While core brand elements like name, logo, typography, and colors contribute to a cohesive brand entity, strategic elements also contribute.
You want to ensure that your brand voice and personality are consistent across all platforms and align with your target customers. Whether your writers are in-house or outsourced, this consistency builds familiarity and trust. It makes readers feel like they are interacting with a brand persona.
Your Source for High-Value Content
As Google algorithm updates continue to prioritize user experience, organizations that deliver value will thrive. This is where human writers and strategic content writing services shine, especially those with expertise in their fields. Expert-driven, human-written content connects with readers on a deeper level. It also builds trust and authority no algorithm can overlook.
At ContentWriters, our experienced writers bring industry-specific knowledge to every project to deliver content that is optimized for search, engaging, and informative. With dedicated account managers overseeing the process, your content is in good hands from start to finish. If you’re looking for human-written, expert-driven content, contact us today.
Joan Weisman’s strong research skills, SEO knowledge, adaptability of style and voice, and passion for staying current make her an asset for freelance web content, SEO, and copywriting.
