Crazy Google Volatility, Ranking Swings, and Reversals AFTER The August 2024 Core Update

Introduction

This tutorial provides insights into the significant ranking swings and volatility observed in Google Search following the August 2024 core update. As many websites are experiencing fluctuations in their search rankings, this guide will help you understand these changes, identify key dates, and take actionable steps to monitor and adapt your SEO strategies.

Step 1: Observe Ranking Changes

• Monitor your website's ranking changes closely after the August 2024 core update.
• Use tools like Google Search Console or third-party rank tracking software to identify any significant shifts in visibility.
• Pay attention to specific dates where changes are noted, particularly September 6th, 10th, and 14th.

Step 2: Analyze Your Competitors

• Look at competitors who have experienced similar or opposite ranking movements.
• Identify patterns or strategies that may be contributing to their success or failure.
• Explore sites that surged post-August but have since dropped, as well as those that initially dropped but are now surging.

Step 3: Track Important Queries

• Conduct a rank tracking assessment for your most important queries.
• Document how these queries have performed since the core update and through subsequent dates.
• Use this data to inform your content and SEO strategy adjustments.

Step 4: Evaluate Content Quality

• Review the quality of your content, especially if your site was affected by the September helpful content update (HCUX).
• Ensure your content aligns with Google’s quality guidelines and is genuinely helpful to users.
• Consider updating or improving lower-performing pages.

Step 5: Stay Informed on Algorithm Changes

• Keep up with SEO news to stay informed about potential decoupling of algorithms from broader core updates.
• Follow industry experts and platforms like Barry Schwartz for real-time updates and insights.
• Engage in discussions on forums or social media to share observations and gather insights from other SEO professionals.

Step 6: Review Key Dates

• Create a timeline of key dates that have impacted your site's performance.
• These dates include the August core update and subsequent fluctuations in September.
• Use this timeline to correlate changes in your site's traffic or rankings with the updates.

Conclusion

Understanding the implications of the August 2024 core update and subsequent ranking changes is crucial for effective SEO management. By monitoring your site's performance, analyzing competitors, and staying updated on industry changes, you can better adapt your strategies. Regularly evaluate your content quality and maintain a proactive approach to SEO to navigate the volatility of search ranking changes effectively.