Google Announces A November Algorithm Update

Google has just begun rolling out its latest Core Algorithm Update as of 11th November 2024, and the process is expected to take approximately two weeks. Core updates can have significant effects on website rankings across industries, so it’s essential to stay informed and prepared.

At Veon Media, we’ve been helping businesses navigate the ever-changing SEO landscape for years, and we’re here to break down what this update might mean for your website and how you can determine whether you’ve been affected.

What Is a Core Algorithm Update?

Core Algorithm Updates are broad, sweeping changes to Google’s search algorithm. They are designed to improve how Google evaluates and ranks content, ensuring users are presented with the most relevant, high-quality results. Unlike targeted updates (e.g., focusing on spam or product reviews), core updates impact all types of content and websites.

Google’s advice remains consistent: if rankings drop, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve done anything wrong. Instead, the update may have reevaluated the relevance and quality of your content in comparison to competitors.

How to Check if You’ve Been Affected

1. Monitor Your Metrics:
   • Log in to Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
   • Look for significant changes in organic traffic, impressions, and clicks starting from mid-November.
   • Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to track keyword ranking changes.
2. Compare with Historical Data:
   • Identify patterns by comparing your current performance to the same period in previous months or years.
   • Check if specific pages, keywords, or categories have seen major fluctuations.
3. Review Industry Trends:
   • Visit SEO forums, social media groups, and trusted industry blogs to see if others in your niche are reporting similar changes. Sometimes, sector-specific shifts can help you identify whether your drop is isolated or part of a larger trend.

Steps to Take if You Notice Changes

1. Don’t Panic: Rankings fluctuations are common during core update rollouts. Wait until the update has fully rolled out before making significant changes to your website.
2. Evaluate Your Content:
   • Ensure your content is high-quality, relevant, and provides genuine value to your audience.
   • Update old content with new data, examples, and insights.
   • Review your use of keywords to ensure they align naturally with user intent.
3. Improve E-A-T (Expertise, Authority, Trustworthiness):
   • Add author bios and credentials to content where applicable.
   • Include references, citations, and links to authoritative sources.
   • Secure HTTPS if you haven’t already.
4. Enhance User Experience:
   • Check your page speed and mobile-friendliness.
   • Fix broken links and ensure seamless navigation.
   • Reduce intrusive interstitials (e.g., pop-ups that block the main content).
5. Diversify Your Traffic Sources:
   • Consider email marketing, social media, and paid ads to reduce reliance on Google organic traffic.

What’s Next?

Google typically doesn’t provide granular details about what each core update targets. However, they emphasise that focusing on producing high-quality content is the best long-term strategy.

If your website has been significantly impacted, it’s an opportunity to reassess your SEO strategy and ensure it aligns with best practices. At Veon Media, we specialise in helping businesses improve their visibility and recover from ranking drops. Reach out to us if you need expert guidance.

Stay tuned for more updates as we monitor the rollout and its impact across industries.