Google announced its squeezing in what should be the last core algorithm update in 2024, just weeks after the November core update, saying it will take two weeks to complete.
Google announces the core update
Google is capping off 2024 with another core algorithm update just one week after the November core update finished rolling out on December 5.
Google announced the update on X, saying:
- “The Dec. 2024 core update is rolling out, and we expect it will complete in two weeks. If you’re wondering why there’s a core update this month after one last month, we have different core systems we’re always improving. This past blog post explains more:”
The post Google refers to answers questions about Google Search Updates.
Here’s the core update announcement on X:
Improving its systems
Many site owners, publishers, and SEO professionals might wonder why Google is rolling out another core update so soon after the last; Google answered why in its announcement.
- If you’re wondering why there’s a core update this month after one last month, we have different core systems we’re always improving.
Adding:
- “If we have updates that can improve Search, that have been developed over the course of several months, we release them when they’re ready.”
The tech giant also said, “We generally provide information about notable core updates that we think might produce noticeable changes in search results.”
That statement is causing concern for site owners who have been suffering throughout 2024 because of ranking fluctuations caused by past updates, specifically the November 2023 “Helpful Content Update” with one user on X posting:
No quick fix for affected sites
Google told us this update was coming a few weeks ago, but similar to the November core update, it will do little to help websites recover lost rankings, and it’s too early to tell what eventual impact (good or bad) either core update will have.
Google advises what actions to take if this or other core updates negatively affect your site on its Search Central blog; however, it’s nothing new and dates back to November 2, 2023.
Google’s advice sounds familiar
Google says there are no specific actions site owners should take to recover lost rankings caused by an update, as their site might not be the problem.
The tech giant also mentions that some recovery between core updates is possible, but it will take another core update to make a notable difference.
Google`s past advice:
- “There’s nothing new or special that creators need to do for this update as long as they’ve been making satisfying content meant for people. For those that might not be ranking as well, we strongly encourage reading our creating helpful, reliable, people-first content help page,”
The takeaway here is to write helpful content that meets your reader’s needs rather than to rank well in search engines.
As Google says, “That’s what our systems seek to reward!”Google also advises site owners who experience a change in traffic during or after a core update to review its guidance on that update, which you can do using the relevant links on the Google Search Status Dashboard.
