The August 2024 update stands out as the most significant since the September 2023 helpful content update, which negatively impacted many small content creators by pushing their sites lower in search results and causing a decline in viewer counts. However, after the latest update, which took 19 days to fully roll out and with best SEO services, many creators have seen a rise in both visitor numbers and search rankings. In this article, we’ll explore the key changes brought by the new update and how you can leverage them to improve your SEO.
Ranking Volatility Following the August 2024 Core Update
A week into the August 2024 core update, website owners and SEOs noticed significant fluctuations in rankings. Ranking volatility is common after major updates as Google’s algorithm reassesses site quality and relevance. What many SEO company near me saw was not a simple return to normalcy but rather ongoing instability. While these fluctuations can be frustrating, they are not unusual for core updates. Sites that improved their content quality and user experience before the update seem to benefit the most.
While it’s still too early to draw firm conclusions, some patterns are emerging. Sites offering in-depth, high-quality content that genuinely serves user needs have seen positive movement. Contrariwise, websites relying heavily on thin content or outdated SEO tactics, such as keyword stuffing, are seeing declines, making it crucial for businesses to revisit their best SEO services.
Content Quality & E-A-T
Google appears to have reinforced its emphasis on Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T). Websites providing well-researched, authoritative content are more likely to benefit from this update. This is especially important for industries like health and finance, where accuracy is key. Sites lacking in-depth, useful content may experience drops in rankings.
User Experience Enhancements
Google has also increased the importance of user experience metrics, such as Core Web Vitals. Factors like page speed, mobile-friendliness, and ease of navigation are now even more integral to a site’s ranking performance. Websites that are slow or difficult to navigate may face ranking declines.
Additional Developments
Non-Hierarchical Heading Tags
In response to a Reddit post about the importance of hierarchical heading tags, Google’s John Mueller confirmed that while heading order has a slight impact on SEO, it’s not a major ranking factor. He advised that rather than focusing on heading structure, website owners should prioritize improving their site’s overall value and content.
Mueller stated, “That said, if you have an existing site, fixing this isn’t going to change your site’s rankings; I suspect you’ll find much bigger value in terms of SEO by looking for ways to significantly up-value your site overall.”
Essentially, Mueller emphasizes that focusing on high-quality, informative content is far more beneficial than obsessing over heading structure for SEO agency near me purposes.
Outbound Links
Responding to a Reddit question about adding outbound links to boost SEO, Mueller explained that Google doesn’t count the number of links or words in blog posts, and content should always be written with the audience in mind.
“Nobody at Google counts the links or the words on your blog posts, and even if they did, I’d still recommend writing for your audience.”
Mueller stresses that the main goal should be creating content that is readable and useful for visitors, not just written for search rankings. Publishing content without regard for quality is a surefire way to hurt your SEO services near me.
How to Adjust Your SEO Strategy
If you’re running a business and looking for SEO Sydney specialists, now is the time to adapt your strategy based on the changes brought by the August 2024 core update. Here are a few key actions to consider:
- Monitor Ranking Fluctuations: Keep an eye on your website’s analytics in the coming weeks. If you’re experiencing ranking volatility, don’t panic. Use the data to adjust your approach and focus on creating high-quality content that provides real value to users.
- Don’t Overestimate the Importance of Headings: While headings help organize content, they aren’t a magic solution for SEO company near me. Ensure your headings are logical and enhance readability, but don’t expect this alone to significantly boost your rankings.
- Focus on Content Quality: Google’s core updates consistently prioritize content that meets user needs. High-quality, well-researched content that answers user queries should be the foundation of your strategy. Whether you’re working with an SEO services near me or managing your site independently, quality should always come first.
- Stop Relying on Outbound Links for SEO Gains: While outbound links can improve user experience by offering additional context and credible sources, they won’t directly boost your rankings. Focus on how they enrich your content and provide value to readers, which ultimately contributes to your site’s overall quality and trustworthiness.
All in all, the August 2024 core update highlights the ongoing evolution of Google’s algorithms, reaffirming the importance of delivering high-quality content and an exceptional user experience. While ranking volatility may seem daunting, it offers a chance to recalibrate your SEO Sydney strategy with SEO agency near me by focusing on what truly matters: the needs of your audience. By focusing on quality over quantity, you can use this update to your advantage and rank high on Google.
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