Since Google issued the August 2024 core update, SEO professionals are bracing themselves for a big change. The effects of this update are already making waves in the SERPs (search engine result pages), and many are concerned about the future. So what does this new update mean for websites, businesses, digital marketers, and SEO professionals? In this article, we will look into the key aspects of the August 2024 core update of Google and discuss how it would impact the digital strategy of the future.
The Google August 2024 core update: key aspects
Something that worked in the past might not always keep working, and in SEO’s case, constant adaptation is the key! A core update is an update on the methods and parameters used by Google to evaluate websites to rank them on SERPs. The new 2024 core update’s primary goal is to improve the quality of search results and the user experience. Thus, the new update rewards quality content, relevance, and a better user experience. If your website is not keeping up with these updates, the visibility and rankings of your website can drop drastically. Understanding the core aspects of this new core update is necessary for you to develop a viable SEO strategy.
E-E-A-T
Through the new core update, Google has strengthened its emphasis on E-E-A-T factors. E-E-A-T is an acronym that stands for experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. E-E-A-T is necessarily not a ranking parameter, but it is Google’s SQEG component, so websites with content from authoritative sources and experienced writers are more likely to rank well.
In-depth, quality content
The new update has placed quality and depth of content above everything else. So surface-level content that lacks depth, even if it is stuffed with keywords, might not work well. Well-researched and comprehensive content that provides in-depth information about topics is what Google is looking for. When it comes to AI, there are no explicit regulations or guidelines, but since the update focuses on quality content, original and in-depth information, and user experience, they also affect the ranking of AI content.
Relevant content that caters to user intent
No one wants outdated and useless info on any subject, and with Google’s emphasis on improving the search results and user experience, you can guess that only relevant content that caters to user intent will get the front seat. So just keyword optimization won’t work; the new update wants to navigate the user to a direct answer, so you need to answer the questions of the user, and you should be able to give more than surface-level content.
Website performance and technical SEO
Technical SEO parameters such as the mobile-friendliness of the site, loading speed, and other user experience-enhancing factors have always been crucial to performing well, and with the new updates, they’re even more relevant. If your website is harder to navigate, doesn’t have a mobile-friendly interface, and has a low loading speed, you definitely can’t expect any favour from Google.
Steps to adapt to the changes
Many industries are already starting to see the effects of the new updates; sudden ranking drops, traffic fluctuations, and low visibility are challenges that businesses and SEO professionals will have to tackle as the full weight of the core updates settle in. But changing strategies is a constant in digital marketing, and here are some steps you could take to adapt to the August 2024 SEO updates.
Prioritise quality content: Content is king, and now more than ever, expert, high-quality, in-depth content is crucial to getting to the top. So stop compromising with shallow content and prioritize quality and authoritativeness.
Review and update older content: user intent and relevance of content are crucial, so reviewing and updating older content with relevant info and depth should be prioritized to stop your site from falling off the cliff.
Improve user experience: Technical SEO is crucial to gain Google’s favour, so prioritize user experience and audit technical SEO to identify and resolve issues regarding loading speed, navigation, and cross-device adaptability.
Monitor and analyze performance: The new update has already caused some sudden fluctuations, so monitoring and analyzing your website performance is crucial to successfully identify issues and patterns and create effective strategies to keep you on top.
Conclusion
The August 2024 SEO updates are a turning point, and many are still trying to navigate through them, but an update like this is also an opportunity for you to do something big! Are you ready to do something big with your marketing strategy and change the game for yourself? If yes, you have found us! Apt Digital is a leading digital marketing agency in UAE, specializing in social media marketing, digital campaigns, and SEO. We are the best social media agency in Dubai, with innovative solutions and creative strategies for all your SMM dilemmas! Connect with us and leap forward in your industry in the digital world!