*Updated June 9, 2022: Google has confirmed the May 2022 core update rollout is complete.
What is a Google Core Update?
Clients and visitors to our site often do not know what a “core update” from Google means. A Google core update is a significant and broad update to Google’s search algorithm. Unlike regular, smaller updates that occur daily, core updates are more extensive and typically happen a few times a year. These updates are designed to improve the quality of search results by making significant changes to how Google’s algorithms assess and rank web pages.
Core updates can lead to notable shifts in search rankings, impacting websites across various industries and niches. Some sites may see improvements in their rankings, while others may experience a decline. The specific criteria or changes made during core updates are not always disclosed by Google, making it challenging for website owners to predict how their site will be affected.
What is in the May 2022 Core Update?
Although Google is hesitant to get into specifics about core updates they have stated:
We confirm broad core updates because they typically produce some widely notable effects. Some sites may note drops or gains during them. We know those with sites that experience drops will be looking for a fix, and we want to ensure they don’t try to fix the wrong things. Moreover, there might not be anything to fix at all.
There’s nothing wrong with pages that may perform less well in a core update. They haven’t violated our spam policies nor been subjected to a manual or algorithmic action, as can happen to pages that do violate those guidelines. In fact, there’s nothing in a core update that targets specific pages or sites. Instead, the changes are about improving how our systems assess content overall. These changes may cause some pages that were previously under-rewarded to do better.
via Google Search Central
How will the May 2022 Core Update affect my website?
Google’s core updates can significantly affect your website by causing changes in search rankings, visibility fluctuations, and shifts in content relevance. These updates often emphasize user experience, content quality, and the authority of your website, impacting the performance of individual pages and the overall organic traffic. The influence of core updates can vary depending on your niche and competition, and while some websites may see declines in rankings, others may experience improvements. It’s crucial to adapt to these updates by consistently providing high-quality, up-to-date content, ensuring a positive user experience, and staying informed about SEO best practices. Regular monitoring and timely adjustments are key to mitigating the impact of core updates on your website’s search performance.
If you have been negatively impacted by a core update you may not even be aware that it was the cause. Our team of Organic Website Optimization Specialists can help you maintain you current rankings and improve with each core update, contact us today.
