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As the year winds down, Google’s dropped its last core update for 2024. Like a plot twist in the final chapter of a novel, it’s leaving businesses and marketers scrambling to understand the changes and once again adjust their SEO strategies accordingly.
Don’t worry, though, we’ve broken it down for you in plain English, with just a dash of humour to keep things fun.
Tell me more!
Google’s core updates aren’t minor tweaks, they’re like renovating a house, not just rearranging the furniture.
These updates aim to refine how Google evaluates and ranks content, focusing on:
Content Quality: If your website is full of fluff or irrelevant info, you might find yourself sliding down the rankings faster than a toboggan in December. High-quality, relevant content continues to reign supreme.
E-E-A-T Refreshed: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) are still Google’s favourite trio. This update further cements the focus on rewarding sites that demonstrate credibility and reliability.
Improved Search Intent Understanding: Google’s getting better at understanding what users really mean when they type a query. Websites aligning perfectly with user intent are likely to see the biggest benefits.
Technical SEO Matters: Fast-loading pages, mobile-friendliness, and a secure website (hello, HTTPS!) are more important than ever.
2024: A Year of Core Updates
Let’s take a quick trip down memory lane to recap this year’s core updates:
January 2024 Update: Dubbed the “New Year’s Tidy-Up,” it primarily targeted spammy content and sites overusing AI tools without adding value.
March 2024 Update: The spring refresh emphasised content diversity. Websites needed to cater to different formats (like video and infographics) to maintain rankings.
August 2024 Update: This one leaned heavily into user experience (UX), with a focus on mobile-first indexing and rewarding sites prioritising accessibility.
November 2024 Update (the latest): Dubbed the “Year-End Evaluator,” this update reinforces everything from E-E-A-T principles to intent-based optimisation. Think of it as Google double-checking its work for the year.
How Have These Updates Affected Businesses?
For some, these updates were like a shot of espresso, energising their rankings and visibility. For others, it felt more like spilled coffee on a new white shirt.
Here’s the general consensus:
Winners: Businesses that invested in genuine, high-quality content and paid attention to user experience thrived. Consistency was key, as was adapting to trends like voice search and multimedia content.
Losers: Websites relying on shortcuts (keyword stuffing, AI-generated spam, or slow-loading pages) often saw sharp declines.
What Can Build a Brand Do for You?
If you’re feeling a bit lost in Google’s ever-evolving algorithm maze, Build a Brand is here to help. From crafting killer content that oozes E-E-A-T to optimising your website’s technical performance, we’ll make sure your site not only survives but thrives. Think of us as your SEO sherpas, guiding you to the top of those search result mountains.
Wrapping It All Up - The Final Word!
2024’s core updates have emphasised one consistent message: Google is all about serving the user. If you’re creating valuable, trustworthy, and accessible content, you’re in Google’s good books. If not, well… there’s always time to turn things around (and that’s where we can help).
Let’s face it, SEO can feel like a moving target, but with the right strategy and a bit of patience, businesses can reap the rewards of organic traffic.
Need some help? Build a Brand has your back, after all, your success is what we’re all about.
Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today!
Visit our website www.buildabrand.org.uk for further information on the services we offer.
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