Google’s August 2024 Core Update: What It Means for Your SEO Strategy

Google’s August 2024 Core Update: What It Means for Your SEO Strategy

Google has officially released its August 2024 Core Update, and it’s already reshaping search engine rankings. Our SEO experts at 26PMX are ready to help your business not just navigate this change but leverage it to boost your digital presence. Here’s everything you need to know, along with actionable strategies to keep your website at the top of the search results.

What Are Google Core Updates?

Google’s core updates are significant changes to their search algorithms, designed to improve the quality and relevance of search results. These updates, which occur every few months, can have a substantial impact on how your web pages are ranked. For businesses that rely on organic search traffic, understanding and adapting to these updates is crucial.

Why the August 2024 Core Update Matters

According to Matt Andrews-Mills, our expert SEO Strategist:

"Last year’s September 2023 Helpful Content Update blindsided many small and independent publishers, pushing them down in the rankings. Google’s August 2024 Core Update is an opportunity for these voices to reclaim visibility. It’s designed to reward content that’s genuinely useful and relevant, especially from smaller, more authentic sources. This isn’t just a minor adjustment; it’s a chance to climb back up the search engine rankings."

John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, has emphasised that this update focuses on promoting content that truly serves users over content that is merely optimised for SEO. At 26PMX, we’re turning this insight into strategies that will help our clients thrive in this new landscape.

SEO Strategies to Implement Right Now

To stay ahead, it’s essential to adapt your SEO strategy immediately. Google will continue to release details about this update, but the key to success lies in proactive content optimisation.

Here’s our expert advice:

• Focus on High-Quality Content: Stop chasing algorithm changes and start prioritising content that provides real value. Ask yourself: Does this content solve a problem or answer a question for my audience? If not, it’s time to rethink it.
• Regular Monitoring: Keep a close eye on your website’s performance over the coming weeks. Use tools like Google Search Console and analytics platforms to track changes in traffic and rankings.
• Internal Linking: Strengthen your website’s structure by linking relevant pages internally. This helps search engines understand the hierarchy of your site and keeps users engaged longer.

How We’re Supporting Your SEO Success

Rebecca Hughes, our Head of Content Strategy, is leading our response to the August 2024 Core Update with a clear and actionable approach:

"This update challenges businesses to step up their content game. We’re here to ensure you not only meet this challenge but excel. Our Google Helpful Content audit will identify where your content shines and where improvements are needed. We’ll also guide you on how to effectively demonstrate EEAT – Experience, Expertise, Authority, Trust – in every piece of content."

Rebecca’s top tip? "Content with a purpose wins every time. Ensure every piece of content on your site answers a specific question or helps your customers achieve their goals. If it doesn’t, it might be time to remove or rework it."

Advanced SEO Services for the August 2024 Update

In response to this update and the increasing prevalence of AI Overviews in search results, our SEO team is rolling out advanced audits and strategies tailored to clients’ needs:

• Performance Monitoring: We track keyword performance throughout the update, identifying new growth opportunities.
• Keyword Analysis: By analysing the keywords driving traffic to your site, we ensure your content captures branded and generic searches.
• AI Overview Strategy: We analyse how AI Overviews are affecting search queries and your competitors’ rankings, developing a strategy to keep you competitive.
• Risk Assessment: We assess the impact of AI Overviews on your business, helping you adjust your strategy to mitigate risks.
• Content Optimisation: We refine your content strategy to ensure it aligns with Google’s latest guidelines and maximises your visibility.

Partner with the SEO Experts

At 26PMX, we’re relentless in our pursuit of your success. We don’t just react to changes like the August 2024 Core Update—we leverage them to push your business forward. Ready to see how this update can work for you? Let’s make it happen.

Explore our SEO services and discover how we can help you stay ahead in search rankings at 26PMX SEO Services.

FAQ: Understanding Google’s August 2024 Core Update

• What is a Google core update?
  A core update is a significant change to Google’s search algorithm, affecting how websites are ranked. These updates aim to improve the relevance and quality of search results.
• How can I tell if my website is affected by the update?
  Monitor your website’s traffic and rankings using tools like Google Search Console. If you notice significant changes, it may be due to the core update.
• What should I do if my rankings drop?
  Focus on improving the quality of your content. Ensure it’s user-centric, relevant, and well-structured. Consider conducting a content audit to identify areas for improvement.