How Did Google’s August 2024 Core Update Impact Websites?

Google launched its August 2024 Core Update to prioritize content that provides genuine value to users. This update aimed to reward sites with helpful content and demote sites focused on SEO alone. The update also emphasized diverse content sources, which include independent and small websites.

Google’s update started on August 15, 2024, and was completed on September 3, 2024. According to Google, this rollout took 19 days to finish. Barry Schwartz, a notable SEO analyst, reported that about 44% of sites experienced a decrease in traffic and rankings, while 27% saw improvements. 

All such changes suggest that Google’s update had a notable impact on site performance, especially for the sites which prioritized SEO over user experience. 

What Was the Purpose of the August 2024 Core Update?

The August 2024 Core Update sought to improve user experience by increasing the visibility of high-quality information over SEO-optimized pages without value. John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, stated that Google focused on promoting smaller, independent sites that offer useful and original content. Google aimed to reduce content produced solely to rank higher in search results.

An SEO strategist, Kasey Rossman emphasized that the update rewards sites already following Google’s best practices, like creating valuable content and focusing on user intent. Smaller and independent sites benefited from this approach, as it allowed them to compete with larger websites that may rely on heavy SEO tactics. 

See? The August 2024 update followed Google's March 2024 update, which impacted many small sites that failed to meet quality standards.

What Steps Should You Take After the Update?

After each core update, Google advises users to wait a week before analyzing site performance. Google’s guidance suggests using Google Search Console to examine top pages, queries, and search types to identify specific areas affected by the update. If your site experienced a drop, you should first ensure it aligns with Google’s quality standards.

Here’s what you need to do:

Follow E-E-A-T

Google prioritizes content that users find trustworthy, credible, and accurate. The E-E-A-T framework—Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness—acts as a guideline for content that aims to rank well in search results. 

Yes, you must apply E-E-A-T standards to show users and Google that your information provides genuine value. But how?

• Use reliable, authoritative sources. Include references from government, educational, or well-known industry sites. For example, in a healthcare article, referencing the CDC or Mayo Clinic strengthens credibility. A Content Marketing Institute study (2023) found that articles with credible citations increase user trust by 47%.

• Include expert insights and quotes. Citing professionals in your field, such as certified financial planners or healthcare providers, signals expertise. Search Engine Journal (2024) noted that 55% of users view content as more trustworthy when it includes expert opinions.

• Showcase author credentials. Displaying author qualifications reinforces authority. For instance, medical content benefits from highlighting authors with titles like “MD” or “PhD.” This approach proves your site’s commitment to factual accuracy and can increase engagement.

When you follow E-E-A-T, you align your content with Google’s preference for reliable information. A BrightEdge (2024) survey found that high-E-E-A-T content holds user attention 28% longer on average.

Do you want a quick tip? Enhance your E-E-A-T strategies with semantic SEO. You’ll notice a dramatic transformation with long-lasting results. 

Improve User Experience

Google values user experience, so creating content that answers specific questions and presents information clearly can improve rankings. Engaging and easy-to-navigate content often reduces bounce rates and increases user time on the page.

• Directly address common questions. Content should give clear, concise answers to frequently searched queries. For example, if your article covers tax planning, include questions like “What is a tax deduction?” Backlinko (2024) reported that pages with straightforward Q&A sections increase user engagement by 33%.

• Structure content for readability. Short paragraphs, bullet points, and headers break up content, making it easier to read. According to SEMRush (2023), well-structured articles rank 20% higher than those without clear formatting.

• Incorporate visual aids. Charts, infographics, and images clarify complex information. HubSpot (2024) found that pages with visuals enjoy 41% higher user retention rates.

For example, an article on investment options could include visuals showing different types of funds and their risk levels. Content structured to enhance readability and engagement aligns with Google’s user-focused approach, which helps you retain user interest.

Check Content Relevance

Google Search Console (GSC) provides valuable insights into which search queries bring users to your site. It’s important to analyze and adapt to such queries, ensuring you meet your audience's needs, just right. 

• Analyze top-performing queries. Use GSC to view search terms that drive traffic to specific pages. If the terms closely match your content’s purpose, this confirms that your page aligns with user intent.

• Identify specific user needs. Pay attention to the types of queries users submit to find your content. For example, if you write about personal finance, users may search for “best ways to save money.” Adapting content to address this need can increase traffic.

• Enhance underperforming pages. Let’s say you have pages with high impressions but low click-through rates. You should refine meta descriptions and titles to better appeal to user intent. BrightEdge (2024) noted that pages optimized for search queries experience a 15% increase in click-through rates.

For instance, if a page ranks for “healthy meal planning,” but user clicks remain low, adjust the page to cover meal prep steps or recipes. Google favors content that aligns with user expectations, so you should keep a check on relevance through GSC. It will strengthen your site’s performance in the long run.

What Were the Industry’s Observations Post-Update?

SEO experts observed both improvements and declines across the industry. Glenn Gabe, an SEO consultant, monitored around 400 sites affected by the update. Gabe noted that 18% of these sites saw positive changes in rankings and visibility. Some users also reported traffic increases for previously top-performing pages.

In contrast, Barry Schwartz’s polls showed mixed outcomes across platforms. A poll on X found that 44% of users saw traffic and rankings decrease, while a LinkedIn poll indicated that 34% experienced positive results. 

All these mixed results suggest that even after content improvements, Google’s core updates still led to varying impacts across industries.

Forum discussion at X and LinkedIn.

Final Words: How Can You Avoid Future Penalties?

Now, if you want to maintain rankings and avoid penalties in future updates, it is essential to produce content that meets Google’s quality standards. You should:

• Ensure content meets user needs, adding new perspectives or solutions to common questions.

• Use specific examples, facts, and real-life scenarios to support claims.

• Maintain a clear, accessible layout that encourages user engagement and readability.

Remember that long-term improvements align with Google’s priorities. Simply focus on content relevance, accuracy, and quality. You’ll ultimately increase the likelihood of positive results from future Google updates.