You’ve come to the right place if you’re a business owner looking to understand the core update better. Keep reading to learn more about this core update and what you can do to deal with the changes it will bring.
What Is Google Trying to Accomplish With Core Updates?
Google’s goal for releasing these core updates is straightforward. They aim to provide the best possible results for their users. This goal is centered around ensuring you get the most relevant, helpful information when you search on Google.
Google can better achieve this goal by continually updating and improving how they rank websites. The different ranking factors they consider help them decide which websites will best answer your search. So, these updates aim to improve Google’s ability to match users with the information they need.
A Breakdown of the August 2023 Core Update
Business owners should pay attention to Google’s August 2023 core update for several reasons. It can affect how their website shows up in Google’s search results, which could lead to a drop or increase in site visitors. Understanding and adapting to these changes can help businesses stay competitive. It also ensures they continue to reach their target audience effectively.
While this core update is still being rolled out, here are some things we know.
This is a Broad Core Update
This new core update from Google isn’t limited to a specific type of website or content. Instead, it’s what we call a broad core update. This means it affects all sorts of websites and content on the internet.
No matter your site’s focus, whether it’s an online cookbook, a digital storefront, or a company blog, this update could impact your search rankings. Similarly, all types of content, from articles and blog posts to videos and images, may be affected.
So, every online business must understand this update. Doing so boosts your chances of maintaining or improving your website’s visibility in Google’s search results.
This Update Rewards High-Quality Content
One vital thing to note about the August 2023 core update is its focus on rewarding websites that provide high-quality, relevant content. Google’s algorithm becomes smarter with each update. It learns to pick out the best content for its users. So, when a website provides high-quality content that is relevant to a user’s search, Google notices.
For a business, focusing on producing high-quality content that your target audience finds helpful and relevant could yield better search rankings. Google aims to provide its users with the best possible information. Thus, when your website aligns with this goal, it ranks better in Google’s search results.
This is an opportunity for businesses to assess their current content and make necessary improvements to stay ahead. The quality and relevance of your content could be a key to better business SEO in light of this core update.
Patience Is Key: Core Updates Take Time
It’s important to remember that core updates from Google can take several weeks to fully roll out. This means it might take some time before you notice any changes in your website’s search rankings. Even after Google announces an update, you might not see immediate effects. This delayed effect is standard and should not be a cause for concern.
So, don’t be in a hurry to see your business SEO results. Google is thorough, making sure the update integrates well into their system. They take their time to ensure everything works as it should. This slow rollout also gives website owners enough time to make necessary changes and improvements.
So, after a core update, be patient. Keep an eye on your website’s performance and make adjustments where needed. But remember, changes in your website’s ranking due to a core update might not happen overnight. Patience and continual improvement of your website and its content are key.
The Importance of Monitoring Website Performance After a Core Update
The impact of a Google core update on your website’s performance can’t always be felt immediately. This is why monitoring your site’s performance after a core update is crucial.
Monitoring helps you understand what changes the update brings to your site and allows you to adjust as needed. This way, you can keep your website’s visibility high and continue to reach your desired audience.
Here are some key metrics you should keep an eye on after a core update:
- Organic Traffic: The number of visitors who find your site via a search engine. A drop in this number could mean your website is not ranking as well as it used to.
- Bounce Rate: This shows how many users leave your site after viewing only one page. If this rate goes up, it may mean that users aren’t finding the content they need on your site.
- Average Session Duration: This is how long, on average, a user stays on your site. If users spend less time on your site, it could suggest that they are not finding your content useful or engaging.
- Pages per Session: This metric shows how many pages, on average, a user visits during one session. If this number decreases, it could mean that users aren’t finding your content interesting enough to explore more of your site.
- Conversion Rate: This measures how many users perform a desired action on your site, like purchasing or signing up for a newsletter. If this rate drops, it could suggest that users aren’t finding what they need or want on your site.
Monitoring these metrics helps you understand how your website’s performance changes due to a core update. With this understanding, you can adjust your business SEO strategies to keep your website visible and effective.
What To Do When Core Updates Affect Website Search Performance
As previously mentioned, Google core updates tend to affect website search performance negatively or positively. Regardless of what happens to your website after a core update, you must develop a plan of action.
Combatting Negative Website Search Performance
You must take action if you notice that conversion rates or website traffic drops after this recent Google core update.
Here are some things you can do to combat negative website performance:
- Review and Improve Your Content: The first step is thoroughly reviewing your content. Check if it’s up-to-date, accurate, and relevant. Try to improve the quality of your content. Ensure it provides value to your target audience and matches their search intent.
- Ensure Proper Keyword Usage: Ensure your content is optimized for relevant keywords. This doesn’t mean stuffing your content with keywords but using them strategically to match user search queries.
- Improve On-Page SEO: On-page SEO elements like title tags, meta descriptions, and header tags also significantly affect your website’s visibility. Make sure these are well-optimized according to your focus keywords.
- Enhance User Experience: Google’s ranking algorithm considers user experience factors like page loading speed, mobile-friendliness, and easy navigation. Therefore, ensure your website offers a great user experience.
- Earn High-Quality Backlinks: Backlinks from reputable websites can boost your website’s credibility and improve its search performance. Aim to earn high-quality backlinks through guest posting, content marketing, and collaborations.
- Monitor Performance and Adjust: Continually monitor your website’s performance after making these changes. Use tools like Google Analytics to understand whether your strategies are working. If required, make necessary adjustments.
Remember, improving your website’s search performance after a core update requires patience and persistence. Keep working on your business SEO strategies; you should see improvement over time.
Taking Advantage of a Website Ranking Boost After a Core Update
If the recent Google core update has boosted your website’s search performance, congratulations! This is an excellent opportunity for your business SEO. But don’t rest on your laurels. You can take advantage of this boost and sustain it in several ways.
Here are some steps you should consider:
- Leverage High-Performing Pages: Identify which pages perform well and analyze why. Understanding what works can help you replicate this success in other site areas. Use these insights to create more content your audience finds valuable and relevant.
- Promote Your Website: Use your boosted visibility to your advantage. Share your website and content on social media, newsletters, and other marketing channels. This can help increase your website’s traffic and increase your visibility.
- Optimize For Conversion: With more website traffic, it’s time to turn those visitors into customers. Check if your website’s layout, calls-to-action, and overall user experience are optimized to encourage conversions.
- Monitor Your Competitors: Keep an eye on your competitors’ activities. If you’re ranking higher than them, understand why. Then, use this understanding to maintain your advantage and continue improving.
A ranking boost after a core update isn’t just a stroke of luck. It’s a testament to your good practices and high-quality content. Make sure to leverage this opportunity to continue improving your business SEO.
Use This Information To Take Business SEO To The Next Level
As you can see, the August 2023 Google core update will shake things up in business SEO. The more you know about these upcoming changes, the easier it will be to stay on top. Our team is here to help you adjust your marketing strategy to accommodate Google algorithm changes.