Confirmed

August 2024 core update

Completed
September 3, 2024
Started
August 15, 2024

Current status of the ranking update

Status:
Completed
Announced by Google:
August 15, 2024
Update started:
August 15, 2024
Update completed:
September 3, 2024
Google’s August 2024 core update prioritized user-first content! It targeted over-optimized, low-value material, rewarding sites with genuine value. Amid rollout glitches, quality remains key for rankings.

Types of websites affected:

The August 2024 Core Update primarily impacted websites that focus heavily on SEO at the expense of user value. This includes sites that:

  • Create content primarily to rank well in search results rather than to provide genuine value to users.
  • Rely on low-value, SEO-focused material that doesn’t prioritize user experience or usefulness.
  • Have not made recent improvements to their content quality or user experience.

What to Expect:

Websites affected by these updates may experience:

  • Significant changes in search engine rankings, either positive or negative.
  • Fluctuations in visibility and traffic, especially for sites previously hit by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update.
  • Continued volatility in search rankings due to a separate search ranking glitch that is ongoing during the update rollout.

What to Address / How to Approach:

To adapt to these updates, website owners should:

  • Enhance content quality: Prioritize creating genuinely useful and valuable content for users.
  • Avoid over-optimization: Ensure your content serves users first and doesn’t rely solely on SEO tactics.
  • Monitor search performance: Track rankings and traffic carefully, especially during the month-long rollout period.
  • Implement substantive changes: If affected, focus on meaningful content improvements rather than quick fixes.

Interesting Fact 💡: 

The August 2024 Core Update is unique in its dual focus on promoting high-quality content while also coinciding with an unrelated search ranking glitch that has added to the volatility of search results during the rollout.