Highlights
- The Google Search August 2023 Core Update by Google has been completely deployed, leading to changes in search rankings across a wide array of sectors.
- This update follows the core update released in March and two review updates that were rolled out in February and April of the same year.
- Concurrent to the rollout of the August core update, Google has made amendments to its Search Central documentation, highlighting its new capability to index CSV files.
Google Search Central announced the completion of the August 2023 core update.
The rollout is now complete as of September 7, 2023.
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) September 7, 2023
Google’s latest core update, as reported by the Google Search Status Dashboard, took a total of 16 days and three hours
Screenshot from Google, September 2023
Google 2023 Search Engine Updates
The primary goal of core updates is to continually enhance Google’s search algorithms, ensuring users receive the most relevant and dependable search outcomes.
Google’s previous core update occurred in March 2023. However, it’s noteworthy that product review updates were also rolled out in February and April of the same year.
Interestingly, Google made another move shortly after the August core update. It updated its Search Central documentation to reveal that it now indexes CSV files.
What Website Owners Should Do Next
Google has emphasized that pages affected by core updates are not inherently problematic. These updates are primarily designed to enhance how the system evaluates content overall.
Consistently, Google encourages website owners to concentrate on generating high-quality content to counteract any fluctuations in search rankings.
For those who notice a decrease, conducting an audit to identify which pages were most affected and for which search queries is a practical step.
Furthermore, Google pointed out that enhancing your website might not immediately influence your search rankings.
Staying updated with the latest Google algorithm changes and constantly monitoring their impacts through website analytics is essential for businesses that depend on preserving their online visibility.
Analyzing the Winners and Losers
In the aftermath of Google’s August 2023 Core Update, several websites have experienced shifts in search rankings. Understanding the winners and losers in the wake of this rollout can provide valuable insights for website owners and SEO strategists alike.
The Winners
Early reports indicate that websites with strong emphasis on user experience and high-quality, relevant content have seen positive jumps in their search rankings. The winners typically feature:
- Deep, well-researched, and authoritative content that offers genuine value to users.
- Optimized page loading times, demonstrating efficient technical SEO practices.
- Strong mobile optimization, reflecting Google’s Mobile-first indexing policy.
The Losers
Conversely, websites that failed to meet Google’s updated criteria have suffered a drop in rankings. Common trends among the losers include:
- Poor user experience due to intrusive ads, slow loading times, or complex navigation.
- Thin or irrelevant content that lacks depth and fails to address users’ search queries effectively.
- Lack of mobile optimization, which has become increasingly critical with the rise of mobile internet usage.
It’s important to note that fluctuations in search rankings are a common occurrence following a core update. However, those who understand and adapt to Google’s evolving guidelines are more likely to regain or even improve their standing in search results.
Best Practices for Website Owners
Given the latest Google Core Update in August 2023, there are a set of best practices that website owners should adopt to safeguard their search engine ranking and optimize their online visibility. These strategies are not only reactive measures but are also essential for continuous improvement in the face of changing search algorithms.
Focus on Quality Content
Emphasizing high-quality and original content remains a key SEO strategy. Google’s algorithms favor sites with unique, relevant, and valuable content. Updating your website regularly with content that offers value to visitors ensures better ranking.
Improve User Experience (UX)
Another crucial factor is the user experience. Sites which are easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and have fast load times are prioritized by Google. Make sure your site’s design is responsive and optimized for all devices.
Implement Structured Data
Structured data helps Google understand the content of your site better, which can boost your visibility on rich results. Use schema markup to provide Google with explicit clues about the meaning of your page content.
Work on Your Backlink Profile
Backlinks continue to be a strong ranking factor. The quality, not just the quantity, of these backlinks matters. Focus on earning backlinks from authoritative and related sites.
Stay in Tune with Google’s Updates
Lastly, staying informed about Google’s algorithm updates is critical. These updates can significantly affect rankings, so monitor SEO news and Google announcements regularly to ensure you’re aware of any changes and can adapt your SEO strategies accordingly.
By following these best practices, website owners can effectively navigate through Google’s core updates and maintain or even improve their search rankings. Remember, SEO is not a one-time task but a continuous effort.
Understanding Google Search August 2023 Core Update
Google’s August 2023 Core Update marks another significant stride in the search engine giant’s ongoing efforts to enhance search experience and results relevancy. This update, like previous ones, aims to improve the overall quality of search results by refining the algorithms that determine site rankings.
What Changed?
The specifics of the update remain closely guarded by Google, following their policy of not divulging details to prevent manipulation of search rankings. However, the company has confirmed that the update concentrates on two key aspects: the quality of content and the user experience (UX).
Quality of Content:
The update introduces new algorithms that better assess the relevance, accuracy, and comprehensiveness of web content. Websites that provide high-quality, original content, grounded in thorough research or expertise, are likely to gain from this update.
User Experience (UX):
The UX aspect of the update reflects Google’s growing emphasis on the importance of offering a seamless, user-friendly experience. Websites that are easy to navigate, load quickly, and are mobile-friendly stand to benefit from the new update.
Note: While Google’s Core Updates can cause substantial shifts in search rankings, the company maintains that there is no “fix” if your site’s visibility drops post an update. Instead, it encourages focusing on offering the best possible content and user experience, as these are the core aspects the algorithms evaluate.
Prior to the update’s rollout, Google provided a two-week notice to give web owners time to prepare. However, the full effects of the update will only become apparent in the weeks following its complete implementation, providing ample opportunity for website owners to adapt their SEO strategies and enhance their online presence accordingly.