Google’s August 2024 Core Update: Early Observations and What They Mean for You

The much-anticipated Google August 2024 core update has officially begun rolling out, and the SEO community is already buzzing with early observations. Interestingly, some sites that were previously hit by the September 2023 helpful content update are starting to show signs of recovery, though it’s still too early to tell if these improvements will last.

A Volatile Search Landscape

Google Search is currently in a state of flux, largely due to a confirmed ranking bug that remains unresolved. This bug has added an extra layer of complexity to an already unpredictable situation. As the core update continues to roll out over the next month, SEOs and publishers alike are noticing fluctuating search rankings, making it clear that the search landscape is especially volatile right now.

Key Factors to Consider

There are several important factors to keep in mind as this update unfolds, all of which could impact your organic search traffic:

• Ongoing Ranking Bug: Google has acknowledged a ranking bug that is affecting search results, adding uncertainty to the impact of the August core update.
• Month-Long Rollout: The core update is expected to take a full month to complete its rollout, meaning we’re only seeing the beginning of its effects.
• AI Overviews: Google has expanded its AI overviews, adding more links and making them visible to signed-out users, which could further influence search results.

Early Signs of Change

While the initial impact of the August 2024 core update seems muted, some sites previously hit hard by the September 2023 helpful content update are seeing slight improvements. Although these sites are not yet close to their pre-September 2023 performance, the fact that they’re showing any signs of life at all is noteworthy.

SEO consultant Glenn Gabe, who has been closely monitoring over 380 sites affected by the helpful content update, reported that 47 of these sites have experienced a surge in visibility since the August core update began. While some of these sites still have low overall visibility, others are showing more substantial improvements.

Notable Examples: House Fresh and Retro Dodo

Two sites, House Fresh and Retro Dodo, have gained media attention for their struggles with Google ranking issues. Both sites have reported fluctuations in their rankings over the last few days—though these are not full recoveries, they do indicate some movement in a positive direction.

Why This Matters

With the August 2024 core update still in its early stages and the ongoing ranking bug adding unpredictability, it’s challenging to determine the long-term impact of these changes. While some sites may continue to see improvements, others could experience setbacks as the rollout progresses.

At Mega Digital, we’re closely monitoring these developments and will keep you informed of any significant trends or shifts. Stay tuned for more updates; we hope this algorithm update brings positive changes to your site’s performance.