Well, it’s that time of year again. No, I’m not talking about the holiday festivities, decorations, vacation planning, fun stuff… I’m talking about that time of the year when Google decides to make every website owner cringe in fear (especially those ecommerce sites) as they roll out another mystery core algorithm update.
Today Google announced via their Google Search Central X account that the November 2024 core update was released, and, as usual, it’s expected to affect search rankings across various industries.
Today we released the November 2024 core update. We’ll add it to our ranking release history page in the near future and update when the rollout is complete. For more on core updates: https://t.co/43pVoYH8k7 – Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) November 11, 2024
For SEO professionals and businesses, these core updates can be both exciting and challenging, as they adjust rankings based on Google’s latest quality standards. This is the third core update this year, with previous ones released in March and August, and each one intended to build on Google’s continuous focus on delivering the most helpful, relevant, and high-quality results to users.
A Look Back at 2024’s Earlier Core Updates
Google kicked this “helpful content” focus off back in March 2024, with their first core update of 2024 being focused on content relevance and expertise. Websites that featured well-researched, high-value information saw positive changes, while those with outdated or less specific content saw drops in visibility. Google’s aim was to promote content that their system believed genuinely meets user intent and showcases authority in its field. And while this was mostly the case, you can find plenty of stories about good sites with good content getting caught up in the mix of drops.
Then, in August, Google’s next update concentrated on the reliability and originality of content. This reinforced the importance of trustworthy sources and discouraged practices like low-value aggregation, keyword-stuffing, or poorly written (by humans or AI) content. The August 2024 Core Update particularly impacted industries with high content saturation, such as health, legal, finance, and ecommerce, where authoritative, unique perspectives were rewarded.
What to Expect from the November Core Algorithm Update
While specific details on the November 2024 Core update’s focus are still unfolding, we speculate that this will be a further fine-tuning of ranking signals related to user experience, content quality, and authenticity. Google’s recent adjustments have emphasized factors like page load speed, mobile optimization, UX elements, and structured data usage. Maintaining these best practices alongside high-quality content will be key to navigating this latest update.
Make Sure Your SEO Team is Actively Watching
As always, our team is actively monitoring changes in a site’s rankings and traffic patterns. In the coming weeks, we’ll analyze how the update may be affecting visibility and make strategic adjustments if needed. Our focus is on creating content that aligns with Google’s latest quality standards while staying true to a brand’s voice.
Key Takeaways for Your SEO Strategy
- Stay Informed and Be Patient: Core updates can take weeks to roll out fully, and shifts may occur gradually.
- Prioritize Quality Over Quantity: High-quality, reliable content continues to be a priority.
- Focus on User Experience: Fast, mobile-friendly, and accessible websites are key to aligning with Google’s evolving standards.
As the November 2024 Core Update progresses, we’ll keep you updated on significant changes. We’re here to ensure your SEO strategy remains strong and aligned with Google’s latest improvements.
If you’re interested in learning more about these updates and/or how they can be applied to your digital strategy, feel free to connect with our team for your free consultation.
