Intro
So, Google just released its November 2024 core update. And, let’s face it—every time Google announces a core update, there’s a collective “uh-oh” moment in the SEO world. Will your rankings improve? Will they tank? What does this update even mean for you?
Don’t worry, we’re here to break it all down and give you a game plan to stay on top of your SEO game.
What Exactly Is a Core Update?
Google’s core updates are big, broad changes to how it evaluates and ranks content. Every time Google does one of these updates, it’s like reworking its internal recipe to serve users the best, most helpful results. But unlike other updates that target specific sites, core updates focus on improving the algorithm overall.
Imagine Google as a picky food critic constantly adjusting the criteria for what makes a great restaurant (or in our case, a great webpage). So, if you’ve been ranking well, but the update shakes things up, it doesn’t necessarily mean your content is bad—it just might not be the best match for what users are looking for now.
How to Tell If Your Site Was Affected
Now, let’s get to the important part: how do you know if the November 2024 core update affected your site? Here’s what you should do:
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Check Google Search Console: Head over to Search Console and see if the timing of the update lines up with any dips in traffic or rankings.
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Be Patient: Give it at least a week after the update finishes rolling out. This will help you avoid jumping the gun and making changes too quickly.
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Look at Your Top Pages: Check your most important pages and how they performed before and after the update. If your top-performing pages dropped significantly (like from position 4 to 29), it’s worth a deeper look. If the drop is small (say from position 2 to 4), don’t panic—it’s likely not something that requires drastic changes.
What Should You Do Next?
First, don’t make rash decisions. SEO doesn’t work like flipping a switch. Here’s the advice you need to follow:
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Don’t Panic: If you see a drop, it might just be temporary. Rankings are dynamic, and changes happen. Focus on improving your content for your audience, not just for search engines.
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Improve Your Content: Google loves content that’s helpful, reliable, and people-first. Ask yourself: Is my content easy to read? Does it genuinely help users? If not, consider revising it to make it more user-friendly.
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Avoid Quick Fixes: Resist the temptation to chase trends or follow SEO "hacks" that promise overnight results. Focus on long-term improvements that benefit your users.
If you’ve already made improvements to your content and still don’t see the results you want, it could take some time for Google to reassess your site and adjust rankings accordingly. And yes, it might take a few months.
Should You Expect a Boost in Rankings?
Here’s the thing: There’s no magic trick to guaranteed ranking boosts after an update. If you’ve done the work and your content is solid, then great—keep refining it. But remember, SEO is a long-term game. Google’s constantly evolving, and what works now might change down the road.
Are you seeing a drop in rankings after the November 2024 core update? Or maybe you’ve noticed an uptick? Either way, let us know how you’re adjusting your SEO strategy in the comments below.
If you’re looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and keep track of all the changes, Ranktracker has the tools you need to monitor your rankings, track keywords, and analyze your backlink health to make sure you're always prepared, no matter what Google throws your way.
We’ll continue to monitor this update and provide further insights, so stay tuned!
