Google has announced the release of the November 2023 Core Update which started rolling out on November 2, 2023. This core update may take up to 2 weeks to complete. This is expected to be followed by an update to the reviews system which will begin this week. Regular and ongoing updates to the reviews system in order to make more regular improvements is also leading Google to no long give periodic notifications of review system updates.
Why has Google made so many updates recently?
You may be noticing changes to your rankings recently which seem more frequent than previous periods. Google core updates can have a significant impact on your website’s rankings in search engine results pages (SERPs). These updates are designed to improve the quality of search results by making adjustments to Google’s search algorithm. Although it may seem like many core updates have occurred this year, Google has stated that the number of updates this year should be in line with previous years, with roughly 10 notable updates.
What do I do after this core update to ensure my rankings remain consistent?
Google has stated that as long as you are working to create helpful reliable, people-first content there is nothing for you to do as their systems always seek to reward this content. Our team of organic website optimization specialists can help to ensure your content follows Google best practices and does not take a hit with each new core update.
To ensure you’re creating helpful, reliable, people-first content, start by thoroughly understanding your audience’s needs and intentions through research and engagement. Focus on producing high-quality content that addresses specific user intent, prioritizing accuracy and credibility. Design your content and website to be user-friendly and mobile-responsive, while also encouraging audience engagement. Keep your content up-to-date and avoid using clickbait tactics.
My traffic is dropping after the most recent core update, does Google think I’m spamming?
If you are noticing a change in your rankings after a non-spam updated, it is not a spam issue. However you may have other non-spam content issues to consider and correct if your rankings and traffic begin dropping after a core update. If you believe your site was hit with spamming issue or discounting spam links that may have benefited your site you can learn more about Google Search spam updates in order to correct these issues.
How can I be sure my site is not spamming or benefiting from spam links?
To prevent spam issues on your website’s content and links, implement a combination of proactive measures. Regularly monitor user-generated content and comments to filter out spammy submissions by using automated spam filters and moderating the content. Ensure your website’s forms, comments, and user registration processes include CAPTCHA or other verification methods to deter automated spam bots. When it comes to link-building, focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable sources within your niche, avoiding any involvement in link schemes or the purchase of low-quality links. If you need assistance with SEO consulting contact us today for a free site audit.
Although Google has announced in the past they try to avoid updates during the holiday season (late-November to mid-December) when possible, in some cases updates which will help improve search that have been developed over several months will be released. These changes are put through a rigorous evaluation process to decide whether to implement the change and the most recent November 2023 Core Update is no different.
