August 2024 Google Core Update: 10 Ways to Recover

Hey there, SEO friends! Let’s chat about the big Google shake-up that’s got everyone talking. You know, the August 2024 Core Update? Yeah, that one. It’s like Google decided to rearrange the furniture in the search results living room, and now some websites are trying to find their comfy spot again.

Now, don’t panic if your site took a tumble at first. Things are already starting to look up for many websites. It’s like when you’re learning to ride a bike – you might wobble a bit at the start, but soon you’ll be cruising along just fine.

What’s Going On Right Now?

Websites are playing musical chairs with their search rankings. Some lost their seats when the music stopped, but hey, the game’s not over yet! The update is still rolling out, so we’re all watching to see where everyone ends up.

I’ve been chatting with my SEO buddies, and the word on the street is that while some sites got a bit bruised, many are already on the mend. It’s like a bad hair day – it might look rough at first, but with a little patience and the right moves, you’ll be back to looking fabulous in no time.

Is this update a good thing?

Well, that depends on how well you’ve been taking care of your website. If your site’s been eating its veggies (you know, good content and honest SEO), you might actually come out stronger. But if your site’s been snacking on junk food (spammy tactics and thin content), it might be time for a diet change.

Google’s just trying to make sure that when people search for stuff, they find the good stuff. If you’ve been working hard to give people helpful, trustworthy info, you’re on the right track!

How’s This Changing Search?

Google’s getting pickier about who it puts at the top of the search results page. It’s like a talent show, and the judges (that’s Google) are looking for contestants with the whole package: experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. They call it E-E-A-T. Tasty, right?

If your site’s got the goods – like real expert knowledge and content that actually helps people – you might just see your name in lights (or at least higher in the search results). But if your site’s been faking it, well, the jig might be up.

Why Did Google Do This?

Google’s on a mission to clean up the internet. They want to make sure that when you search for something, you’re not getting a bunch of baloney. It’s like they’re the hall monitors of the web, trying to keep things honest and helpful.

If your site’s been playing by the rules and giving people good stuff to read, you’re probably going to be just fine. In fact, you might even come out ahead as Google pushes the not-so-great sites out of the way.

What’s It Look Like So Far?

At first, it was like a game of “The Floor is“Lava“—lots of websites were scrambling to higher ground. However, things are beginning to settle down now. Some sites that took a hit are bouncing back, especially the ones with really good content.

If your site’s been full of fluff or trying to trick the system, you might have some homework to do. But if you’ve been doing things right all along, just hang tight. You might just find yourself sitting pretty as the dust settles.

Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Keep focusing on making your site awesome for real people, and Google will notice. You’ve got this!

10 Steps to Recover from the August 2024 Update

1. Hidden Ranking Factor

Matt Diggity, an SEO expert, has pointed out that there’s a specific ranking factor that many sites overlook, but it’s playing a big role in recovery. While he hasn’t shared exactly what this factor is, the key takeaway is the importance of thorough SEO audits. These audits can help you identify issues that might not be obvious but are affecting your rankings.

2. Quality Over Quantity

Focus on the quality of your content rather than just trying to pump out as much as possible. Websites that recovered quickly did so by improving the value of their content. Thin or filler content doesn’t cut it anymore. Make sure every piece of content on your site serves a purpose and offers real value to your readers.

3. Proper Use of 301 Redirects

301 redirects can be a useful tool for recovering lost rankings, but only if used correctly. These redirects transfer the authority of old pages to new, more relevant content. However, be careful—using them incorrectly can lead to penalties instead of recovery.

4. Clean Up Unhelpful Content

If your site has low-quality or spammy content, now’s the time to clean it up. Google is cracking down on content that doesn’t provide value to users. Go through your site and remove or improve any content that isn’t helping your audience.

5. Review Your Domain Strategy

Using expired domains or domains with bad histories could put you at risk with this update. Make sure your domain strategy is solid. If your content isn’t relevant to your domain’s history, or if you’ve been using questionable tactics, it might be time for a change.

6. Abandon black-hat techniques

If you’re still using black-hat SEO techniques, like cloaking or sneaky redirects, it’s time to stop. These methods might have worked in the past, but they’re likely to get you penalized now. Focus on ethical SEO practices that align with Google’s guidelines.

7. Conduct regular content audits

Regular content audits are essential for keeping your site in good shape. These audits help you identify and fix issues before they become bigger problems. Check your site regularly to make sure your content is up-to-date, accurate, and valuable.

8. Focus on Long-Term Trust

Building trust with Google takes time, but it’s worth it. By consistently providing high-quality content and following Google’s guidelines, you can rebuild any lost trust and improve your site’s standing in search results. This isn’t just about recovering from the current update—it’s about securing your site’s future.

9. Patience and Persistence

Recovering from a core update doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, patience, and persistence. Keep working on improving your site, and don’t expect immediate results. Stay focused on the long game.

10. Stay informed and adapt

Google’s algorithms are always changing, so it’s important to stay informed about the latest trends and updates. To maintain your lead, continue to study and change your plan. By staying on top of industry news and Google’s guidelines, you can make sure your site remains competitive.

Let the update roll out first

Before you rush to make changes, let the update roll out fully. The initial effects might not be the outcome, so it’s important to wait and see how things settle. If you need any help during this time, feel free to contact me at contact@intechsea.com. I’m here to help, and my team is ready to assist you with any SEO challenges you’re facing.