On 15 August 2024, Google launched its latest algorithm update: the Google August 2024 Core Update. Despite the hype surrounding its release, the rollout process has been far from smooth—Google confirmed an unrelated ranking bug within 24 hours of the launch.
Coupled with the ranking bug, this core update has sparked questions and led to widespread concern. That’s why we’ve created this blog post, to explain everything we’ve seen so far. This includes early shifts in search rankings and what you can expect as the rollout continues.
Here’s what we know about the Google August 2024 Core Update so far…
What Is the Google August 2024 Core Update?
The August 2024 Core Update is the latest overhaul of the Google Search algorithm. The rollout officially launched on 15 August and Google has indicated that the update will take around one month to fully implement.
As with previous core updates, Google has not disclosed specific details about its algorithmic changes. However, the August update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to prioritise and reward high-quality, authoritative and genuinely helpful content.
Google emphasised this goal in a blog post about the update:
“This update is designed to continue our work to improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.”
Changes to Google’s Core Update Documentation
In response to the August 2024 Core Update, Google has made some significant changes to its core update documentation. This includes new insights about how core updates work, how to find and interpret changes in ranking and when to take action.
For example, a notable addition has been incorporated into the ‘Assessing a large drop in position’ section. When evaluating why pages have been impacted, Google suggests: “there may be other pages on the web that are doing a better job of helping the searcher.”
Several other updates further stress Google’s commitment to valuable content. For example, the document references the company’s “mission to present helpful and reliable results.” It also mentions making content easier to navigate and read, and reinforces the importance of “people-first content.”
Additionally, this document also clarifies what action may be necessary following a core update. While Google states that “most sites don’t need to worry about core updates,” it also advises that significant drops in ranking may require a “deeper assessment.”
These changes were first spotted by Marie Haynes and discussed in detail on her blog. They were further analysed by SEO consultant, Glenn Gabe, who summarised the information via a post on X:
What We’ve Seen from the August 2024 Core Update
In the early stages of the August 2024 Core Update, we have seen some positive results. For example, Glenn Gabe noted that sites hit by the September 2023 helpful content update (HPU) were actually showing the first signs of recovery.
Lily Ray also reported similar findings, with HCU-impacted sites experiencing organic traffic increases of up to 590%:
Other SEO experts have taken a more sceptical view, with some questioning the sentiments behind this latest update. This includes Cyrus Shepard, who referred to the August 2024 Core Update as being “Anti-SEO.”
So, what’s the consensus? As with any update, the effects can vary from site to site. Some may experience minimal shifts while others could see more significant changes—both positive and negative. With the rollout still in progress, it’s a little too early to interpret these early fluctuations and draw definitive conclusions about long-term impacts.
That being said, these early movements indicate that Google may be recalibrating signals introduced in past updates. If the spikes of HCU-impacted sites are anything to go by, this could include how Google evaluates helpfulness and relevance.
When Will the August 2024 Core Update Finish Rolling Out?
The Google August 2024 Core Update is expected to take around one month to fully roll out. Completion is anticipated for mid-September. In the meantime, Google has advised website owners and SEO experts to remain patient.
However, if your website has been impacted, you may be wondering when to act. This question was posed to Google’s John Mueller via a LinkedIn post. His response: “wait until the core update finishes rolling out to make any call about its effect.”
Whether you’ve noticed small changes or larger shifts, it’s important not to panic. Remember, fluctuations are common while updates are in progress. While you wait, we recommend continuing your SEO activity, prioritising your users and strengthening your content.
Do you have questions about the August 2024 Core Update? Noticed fluctuations that are causing concern? Or are you looking to improve the quality of your content? Then contact us today. Here at Another Concept, our experts can help you navigate these changes, optimise your site and create user-first content that drives results.
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