Google Core Update can send ripples through search engine rankings, leaving website owners, marketers, and content creators scrambling to understand what has changed. If you’ve noticed fluctuations in your rankings following a recent update, don’t panic. Instead, take a strategic and data-driven approach when optimizing your site.
Here are the top 10 things you should do after a Google Core update.
1. Don’t React Hastily
When rankings shift suddenly, it’s tempting to make sweeping changes to your site. Resist the urge. Google’s core updates often take days, if not weeks, to fully roll out. Rankings may fluctuate during this period as the search engine fine-tunes the changes. Wait until the dust settles before concluding your site’s performance.
2. Evaluate the Impact
Use analytics tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console to assess how the update has affected your website. Look at:
- Traffic Trends: Identify any significant drops or gains in organic traffic.
- Keyword Rankings: Determine which keywords have moved up or down.
- Pages Affected: Pinpoint the pages or sections of your site that experienced changes.
This data will guide your strategy and help you prioritize next steps.
3. Review Google’s Guidance
Google often provides insights into its core updates. While these updates focus on improving how Google evaluates content, they’re not designed to target specific sites. Instead, the goal is to reward high-quality, relevant content. Review Google’s Search Central blog or any released public statements to understand the update’s intent.
4. Revisit Content Quality
Google’s primary advice for recovering from core updates is to ensure your content is helpful, authoritative, and trustworthy (E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust). Conduct a thorough audit of your content:
- Is it user-focused? Ensure your content addresses the needs and questions of your target audience.
- Is it up-to-date? Refresh outdated information, statistics, and examples.
- Does it demonstrate expertise? Include author credentials, references, and data to back up claims.
- Is it well-structured? Use headings, bullet points, and visuals to enhance readability.
5. Analyze Competitors
If your rankings have dropped, investigate competitors who now outrank you. What are they doing differently? Are they covering topics more comprehensively, updating content more frequently, or improving user experience? Use this analysis to identify areas where you can improve.
6. Improve Technical SEO
While core updates emphasize content, technical SEO still plays a crucial role in search engine rankings. Ensure your site is:
- Mobile-Friendly: Responsive design is non-negotiable.
- Fast: Optimize site speed to reduce load times.
- Secure: Use HTTPS and address any security issues.
- Structured: Leverage structured data to help Google understand your content better.
7. Strengthen Backlink Profile
High-quality backlinks remain a cornerstone of SEO. Evaluate your backlink profile using tools like Ahrefs or SEMrush:
- Disavow toxic links that might harm your rankings.
- Build relationships with authoritative sites to earn quality backlinks.
- Create shareable, link-worthy content to attract natural links.
8. Focus on User Experience (UX)
Google’s algorithm increasingly prioritizes sites that deliver excellent user experiences. Optimize for:
- Navigation: Ensure your site is intuitive and easy to use.
- Content Layout: Avoid intrusive ads and pop-ups.
- Engagement: Improve metrics like bounce rate, time on page, and pages per session.
9. Monitor and Iterate
SEO is not a one-and-done task. Continuously monitor your site’s performance and stay updated on Google’s changes. Experiment with new strategies and refine your approach based on what works.
10. Stay Patient
Recovering from a core update can take time. Focus on building a strong foundation of quality content, technical excellence, and positive user experiences. These efforts will pay off in the long run.
Conclusion
In short, a Google Core Update is an opportunity. By focusing on improving your website holistically, you’ll not only recover but also future-proof your site against subsequent updates. So make sure you have the best content to connect with users.
Continue reading: How To Restore Your Website Ranking On The SERP
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