Most know that Google’s search engine algorithms are constantly changing to meet the needs of searchers, but not many understand how these changes occur. Meet the Google core update!
You might ask, “What is a Google core update?” Multiple times a year, Google rolls out significant changes to the way that their search engine algorithms evaluate and rank pages on SERPs, typically in regards to content quality. These changes aren’t a penalty but simply another step Google is taking to make user experience better by prioritizing high-quality, authoritative content.
Here, we’ll talk about what a Google core update entails, what to expect from Google search engine changes, and how you can be prepared when a Google core algorithm update is rolled out.
What is a Google core update?
As said, Google core updates are broad changes to how the Google algorithm evaluates webpages in terms of their ranking. Many broad core search algorithm updates are periodic adjustments and can cause some volatility in rankings that usually settle down after a month or so.
What do Google core algorithm updates normally affect?
Google doesn’t explicitly lay out what a core update entails other than the broad implications it’ll have on current rankings. However, Google core algorithm updates typically affect how search results are ranked and displayed. They aim to improve searcher experience by delivering more relevant, authoritative, high-quality content.
Google has steadily emphasized quality content since the helpful content update of Aug 2022. Given the series of refinements made in that direction, including defining the role of page experience and E-EAT guidelines, we know the focus of core updates remains helpful, people-first content.
Core updates can alter the importance of ranking signals, recalibrate how content quality is assessed, and redefine what makes a page more favorable in Google’s eyes. Shifts in website traffic and visibility during a core update are normal.
For businesses, partnering with content agencies is an excellent way to ensure your content meets the quality standards.
How do Google core updates differ from each other?
Regular Google updates involve small modifications to the algorithm that target specific, minute issues that need to be addressed. They don’t warrant announcement and affect rankings very little.
Google core updates are wide-netted changes intended to improve the relevance and quality of search results across a wide range of topics and languages. They differ from spam updates—which specifically target spammy content to keep it from ranking well—and security updates—which focus on issues like safe browsing and hacking.
Sometimes, a core update will be rolled out at the same time as, say, a spam update. It largely depends on the needs of the search engine landscape at the time.
How often do Google search updates take place in a year?
So, how often does a Google search update occur? Google Core updates don’t have a fixed schedule and can occur several times a year at irregular intervals. If you look at the complete list of Google core updates, Google has historically rolled out around two to three annually. These, again, differ from minor updates, which occur daily to improve specific aspects of the search experience.
Staying on top of Google’s frequent updates can be a daunting task for businesses. However, keeping up-to-date in SEO is crucial to success. If you don’t have the time or resources to monitor these changes, let Ranq handle it for you. Our SEO experts love staying on the SEO radar.
How can you make better content to keep up with new Google search engine changes?
Businesses that weather Google core updates unscathed don’t have guaranteed immunity, as future changes could still impact visibility and rankings. There is no way to anticipate what Google search engine changes will occur, only what you can do to improve rankings after the update has settled down.
It’s critical for business owners to refine their content strategy in alignment with Google’s guidelines proactively. You must ensure:
- Content showcases relevant expertise and maintains accuracy
- Information is authoritative and provides evidence-backed data
- Website is transparent about authorship and ownership
- Content serves users’ needs and provides comprehensive information
Meeting these standards is made very easy by partnering with a content agency that brings expertise, resources, and experience to the table and keeps content marketing within the budget. We provide our clients with content plans, editorial calendars, and skilled writers familiar with SEO best practices. We also help regularly update content to better meet algorithm needs!If your business has been affected by the recent Google update, you want to reassess your content strategy, or you’d simply like to fortify your business from future update turbulence, get in touch with Ranq today!