Google November 2024 Core Update Rolling Out

Google announced its November 2024 Core Update on November 11, 2024. This update introduces significant changes to the search algorithm and aims to refine the quality of search results. 

The rollout will take about two weeks, during which you should expect fluctuations in rankings and traffic across multiple industries.

Let’s discuss how this update could impact your rankings and what you can do to prepare.

What is the November 2024 Core Update?

SS Image from Google Search Central Page on LinkedIn

Core updates bring broad changes to Google's search algorithms. These updates aim to improve the accuracy of search results, rewarding high-quality, user-first content while penalizing shallow, SEO-driven pages. In a statement, Google explained: 

"This update is designed to improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search."

The November 2024 Core Update follows the August 2024 Core Update, which focused on rewarding smaller publishers and addressing issues from earlier updates.

Key goals of the November 2024 core Update:

Promote Content that Aligns with User Intent
Google continues to prioritize content that provides real value to users. Research by Backlinko (2023) reveals that search engine rankings correlate strongly with content relevance. Pages matching user queries are more likely to gain higher visibility.

Reduce Visibility for Low-Value or Manipulative Content
Websites relying on tactics like keyword stuffing, cloaking, or doorway pages are targeted by this update. According to Moz, low-value content can reduce organic search traffic by up to 40% after core updates, underscoring Google's focus on improving the user experience.

Encourage Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) in Content
Google's emphasis on E-E-A-T helps ensure that users access credible information. A study by SEMRush found that pages showcasing clear author credentials, citations, and updated research rank higher after major updates. This shift addresses concerns about misinformation and content reliability across various sectors.

How Will the Update Impact Rankings?

The November 2024 Core Update will likely cause significant shifts in search rankings. You may see improvements if your site provides high-quality, user-focused content. However, sites with outdated strategies or low-value pages may experience drops in visibility. Here’s how this update may affect you:

If your site aligns with user intent and delivers helpful content, this update will likely boost your rankings. For example, if you run a health blog and provide detailed, expert-backed advice, your site may rank higher. Google’s focus on E-E-A-T ensures content with credible sources gains visibility.

If your pages rely on tactics like keyword stuffing or offer thin information, you may lose rankings. For instance, if your site provides shallow product descriptions without addressing user needs, competitors with in-depth reviews could outrank you. The update aims to demote such content in favor of useful alternatives.

Your competitors who invest in updating their content will likely see gains. For example, an e-commerce website that improves its product pages with FAQs, reviews, and comparison charts may overtake your site if your content remains static. Google rewards sites that enhance the user experience.

Historical Data to Consider

• During the August 2024 Core Update, 18% of 390 affected websites improved rankings after aligning with user-first practices (Glenn Gabe, G-Squared Interactive).

• The March 2024 Core Update caused drops for 30% of websites, primarily the ones in competitive niches like e-commerce and health (Search Engine Journal).

November core update is very likely to follow a similar pattern. In order to protect and enhance your rankings, you should audit your content, focus on providing value, and address gaps in user satisfaction. This proactive approach will help your site adapt to the update and retain visibility.

What Should You Do If Your Site Is Affected?

A dip in rankings does not always indicate penalties but can reflect changes in how Google evaluates content quality. Since Google emphasizes creating "people-first" content, here’s what you can do to recover from the impact of the November 2024 update:

Audit Your Content

You should analyze pages that experienced traffic drops. It is essential to ensure that each page aligns with user search intent. Use Google Search Console to track queries that are declining and identify where changes are needed. Focus on creating content that addresses practical needs or provides solutions to user problems. Articles with actionable tips and verified information perform better and attract more traffic.

Review E-E-A-T Standards

It is important to improve expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in your content. Adding expert quotes, real-world examples, or detailed case studies enhances credibility. Regularly update your content with the latest facts and research to maintain relevance. According to a report by Backlinko (2023), 70% of top-ranking pages demonstrate authority signals, such as expert contributions or citations from reputable sources.

Improve Page Structure and User Experience

You should ensure that your content is visually appealing and easy to navigate. Use clear headings and bullet points to organize information. Adding relevant visuals enhances understanding and keeps users engaged. Minimize intrusive ads and simplify navigation to improve usability. Clean layouts, engaging formats, and well-structured content are crucial for creating a positive user experience.

Avoid Quick Fixes

Google discourages unnecessary deletion of content. Instead of removing underperforming pages, update them with meaningful improvements. Add fresh insights, address gaps, and optimize them to meet current user expectations. It’s important to note that incremental enhancements often yield better results and align with long-term SEO strategies.

Previous Core Updates in 2024

The November 2024 Core Update follows two other significant updates this year:

• March 2024 Core Update: The largest update to date, it spanned 45 days and introduced extensive changes across all industries. E-commerce and health websites were among the most affected.

• August 2024 Core Update: Focused on rewarding smaller publishers and improving visibility for original, high-quality content. Websites that addressed E-E-A-T standards saw notable recoveries.

How to Monitor the November 2024 Update’s Impact?

Monitoring performance during a core update is crucial. Use analytics tools to identify shifts in traffic and rankings.

You can use tools like:

• Google Search Console: Track changes in queries and impressions.

• Google Analytics: Measure traffic trends and bounce rates.

• ETTVI’s SEO Tools: Analyze keyword performance, backlinks, and content relevance.

For example, a business noticing a drop in impressions for its main keywords can use ETTVI’s Keyword Analyzer to refine its targeting strategy.

• Ranking Volatility: Watch for keywords moving up or down.

• Traffic Sources: Assess traffic changes from organic search.

• User Engagement: Higher bounce rates may indicate content misalignment.

Key Takeaways

• Google’s November 2024 Core Update focuses on delivering better search experiences through user-centric content.

• Sites with thin, low-value content may experience ranking drops, while those following E-E-A-T principles are likely to benefit.

• Recovery requires addressing user intent, enhancing content quality, and avoiding shortcuts.

• Use tools like Google Analytics and Search Console to track performance and adapt your strategy.

Just remember that Google values useful, credible, and relevant content. You should prioritize long-term improvements to maintain or recover rankings amidst core updates.