Google December 2024 Core Update: What You Need to Know

Google frequently makes significant updates to its search algorithms, known as core updates, to ensure search results remain helpful, reliable, and relevant for users. The December 2024 Core Update is no exception. Here’s what you need to know about how core updates work and what they mean for your website.

What Are Core Updates?

Core updates are broad, algorithmic changes that impact how Google evaluates and ranks content. These updates don’t target specific websites or pages but focus on refining Google’s systems to better match search intent and user needs. Think of it as updating a list of recommendations: new options emerge, preferences evolve, and rankings shift based on quality and relevance.

Why Your Website’s Traffic Might Change

If your site experiences a traffic drop around the time of a core update, it’s not necessarily a sign that your content is poor. Instead, it may indicate that other content is performing better for specific queries. Use Google Search Console to analyse any changes in traffic or rankings.

How to Check for Traffic Changes:

• Confirm Update Timing: Verify the start and end dates of the core update via Google’s Search Status Dashboard.
• Compare Relevant Data: Wait at least a week after the update rollout finishes. Compare traffic data from before and after the update to pinpoint changes.
• Analyse Impacted Pages: Identify which pages and queries saw significant shifts in rankings.
• Search Type Analysis: Check if the changes occurred across Web Search, Google Images, Video Search, or News tabs.

What to Do If Your Rankings Drop

Assess the Scale of Change:

• Small Drops (e.g., from Position 2 to 4): Avoid overreacting. Minor fluctuations are normal.
• Large Drops (e.g., from Position 4 to 29): Conduct a deeper review of your content and website.

Self-Assessment Questions:

Evaluate your site using Google’s “people-first” content principles:

• Is your content helpful and relevant?
• Does it demonstrate expertise and trustworthiness?
• Are you addressing the searcher’s intent effectively?

Content Improvement Tips:

• Avoid Quick Fixes: Focus on meaningful, long-term changes rather than short-term tactics.
• Enhance Readability and Navigation: Restructure content to improve user experience.
• Reevaluate Impacted Pages: Study the pages that dropped the most to understand how they compare to competing content.
• Eliminate Low-Quality Content: If sections of your site are unhelpful or created solely for search engines, consider removing or rewriting them.

Timeline for Improvement

Once you’ve made updates, remember that changes in rankings take time. While some improvements may be noticed within days, it could take several months for Google’s systems to recognise and reward consistent, high-quality content.
If you’re still not seeing positive changes after a few months, be patient. The impact of improvements may not fully materialise until the next core update.

Key Takeaways

• Core updates aim to enhance the overall quality of search results, not penalise specific sites.
• Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor changes in performance.
• Focus on creating content that prioritises user experience and long-term value.

By taking a proactive, user-first approach to content, your site will be better positioned to adapt to core updates and maintain strong rankings in Google Search.