August 2024 Google Core Update: How To Deal With The Changes

Google's August 2024 core update explained in the simplest form

September 4, 2024

SEO, Technology

The recent release of Google’s August 2024 core update has significant implications for SEO services in the Philippines. As part of periodic Google Algorithm Updates designed to enhance search result relevance and user experience, this update aims to prioritize high-quality content and diminish the visibility of SEO-manipulated material. Along with the rest of the SEO community in the Philippines, SpeakCite is bracing for impact given the update’s potential to impact our SEO strategies. We’ll walk you through how we are preparing for the changes.

What Are The Expected Changes?

August 2024 Google Core Update

Aligned with other Google Core Updates, this update’s goal is to elevate content that truly provides value to users. Google emphasizes that this update is a response to feedback from content creators and other stakeholders, reflecting an ongoing commitment to showcasing high-quality content from diverse sources.

One of the key objectives of this update is to better recognize positive changes made by websites. Google aims to reward websites that have implemented improvements to their content and user experience.

Updated Core Update Guidance

To complement the August 2024 core update, Google has revised its guidance on core algorithm updates. The updated document offers more actionable advice for website owners and SEO professionals who may be affected by these changes.

Some of the key changes in the revised guidance include:

Search Console Guidance: New sections have been added to the guidance on using Search Console to assess traffic drops and evaluate significant position changes. This will help website owners better understand the impact of core updates on their sites.
Content Improvement Advice: The guidance now provides more specific advice on making content improvements. Google emphasizes the importance of substantive changes over quick fixes, highlighting the need for meaningful updates to content quality and relevance.
Timeframe Expectations: The updated guidance offers clearer expectations regarding the time it may take to see ranking changes after implementing improvements. This can help website owners manage their expectations and avoid undue concern over short-term fluctuations.
Removed Explanatory Content: Some explanatory content about the nature of core updates has been removed from the guidance, focusing instead on practical advice and tools for website owners.

How does the August 2024 Core Update Impact Local SEO in the Philippines?

The recent August 2024 Google Core Updates have introduced significant changes to the search algorithm, with far-reaching implications for local SEO in the Philippines. While the exact impact can vary depending on individual websites and industries, some common consequences include:

Ranking Fluctuations: Websites may experience sudden changes in their search rankings, both positive and negative. Let’s examine some possibilities:

- A popular Filipino restaurant, previously ranking first for “best Filipino food in Makati,” may experience a significant drop in rankings following the August updates. This decline was attributed to a decrease in user engagement metrics, such as click-through rates and time on site.
- An online retailer specializing in local products may see a noticeable increase in rankings for relevant keywords after the updates. This was likely due to improvements in the website’s overall user experience, including faster page load times and better mobile optimization.

Increased Competition: As the search algorithm evolves, competition for top rankings may intensify. This can be particularly challenging for small businesses in highly competitive local markets. Here are the key challenging areas:

- Content Optimization: There is a need to regularly create high-quality, informative content that addresses the needs and interests of your target audience. This can include blog posts, articles, videos, and infographics.
- Local Citations: It is imperative to ensure your business information is consistent across online directories and citation websites. This helps Google understand your business’s location, hours of operation, and contact information.
- Backlink Building: It is necessary to acquire high-quality backlinks from reputable websites within your industry. This can help improve your website’s authority and search rankings.

Adapting to the Changing Search Landscape: SEO professionals must be prepared to adapt our strategies to the changing search landscape. This may involve updating website content, improving technical SEO factors, or exploring new marketing channels that we will cover in the next sections.

How Can We Adapt To The Changes Post-Google Core Update?

The most strategic approach is to focus on recovery after the completion of the August 2024 Google Core Update. Here is an Update Recovery Checklist to guide you:

Assess the Damage: Prevent resource wastage and get back on track by finding out if there is a traffic drop. Check if this is consistent with the forecast by experts.
Comprehensive Content Audit: Conduct a thorough audit of your existing content to identify areas that may be underperforming or outdated. Assess content quality, relevance, and alignment with user intent. Prioritize updates or removals for content that is no longer valuable or aligns with your business goals.
Keyword Research and Optimization: Re-evaluate your target keywords and ensure they accurately reflect your business and the intent of your audience. Conduct keyword research to identify relevant terms with potential search volume. Optimize your content, including titles, meta descriptions, and headings, to incorporate these targeted keywords naturally.
Technical SEO Optimization: Address any technical SEO issues that may be hindering your website’s performance. This includes optimizing website speed, improving mobile-friendliness, and ensuring proper indexing and crawling.
Backlink Analysis and Improvement: Assess the quality and quantity of your backlinks. Disavow any low-quality or spammy backlinks that could negatively impact your rankings. Focus on acquiring high-quality backlinks from reputable websites within your industry. This can be achieved through guest posting, outreach, and building relationships with other relevant websites.
User Experience Enhancement: Continuously improve the user experience of your website. Ensure it is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and provides a seamless experience across devices. Consider conducting user testing to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement.
Monitor and Analyze Performance: Regularly track your website’s performance using Google Analytics and Search Console. Monitor key metrics such as organic traffic, keyword rankings, and click-through rates. Analyze this data to identify trends, identify areas for improvement, and refine your SEO strategies accordingly.

What SEO Trends In The Philippines Can Help Us Future-proof Our Strategies?

Staying informed is a key strategy to recover and adapt. Keep up-to-date with the latest SEO trends, including how we can configure strategies to predict the impact of future Google Core Updates and respond to expected changes. As technology continues to advance, we need to be ready for the following:

Emerging SEO Trends in the Philippines

Voice Search Optimization: The rise of voice-activated devices like smartphones and smart speakers is driving a shift towards voice search. Businesses must optimize their content for natural language queries and ensure their websites are compatible with voice-based search.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning: AI and ML are revolutionizing SEO by enabling more sophisticated data analysis, personalized search experiences, and automated tasks. We include tools later that are already impacting search results, making it essential for businesses to stay updated on AI advancements.
Enhanced User Experience: Google places a high value on user experience. Factors like website speed, mobile-friendliness, and content quality will continue to play a crucial role in search rankings. Businesses must prioritize creating engaging and user-friendly content that meets the needs of their target audience.
Video Marketing: Video content has gained immense popularity in Philippine Digital Marketing. Optimizing videos for search engines, including using relevant keywords in titles, descriptions, and transcripts, can significantly boost visibility.

Predicting the Impact of Future Google Core Updates

While it’s impossible to predict the exact nature of future updates, we can anticipate their potential impact on SEO in the Philippines:

Continued Focus on Quality: Future updates are likely to continue prioritiezing high-quality, informative, and user-centered content. Businesses should strive to create valuable content that addresses the needs and interests of their target audience.
Continued Emphasis on Expertise, Authority, and Trust (E-A-T): Google values websites that demonstrate expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. Building a strong online reputation and establishing thought leadership within your industry will be crucial for long-term success.
Mobile-First Indexing: As mobile devices continue to dominate internet usage in the Philippines, Google’s mobile-first indexing policy will become even more important. Ensuring your website is optimized for mobile devices is essential for good search rankings.

The Role of Mobile Optimization and Local SEO Growth

Mobile optimization and local SEO are two interconnected areas that will play a significant role in the future of SEO in the Philippines:

Mobile Optimization: With the majority of internet users in the Philippines accessing the web through mobile devices, it’s imperative for businesses to have mobile-friendly websites. This includes responsive design, fast page load times, and easy navigation.
Local SEO: As the Philippine economy continues to grow, there will be increasing demand for local businesses. Optimizing your website for local search, including claiming your Google My Business listing and using local keywords, can help attract customers in your area.

What Tools And Resources Can We Use For Tracking SEO Performance in the Philippines?

To track the impact of the August 2024 Google Core Update on your website, consider using the following tools:

Best Tools for Monitoring Google Core Update Impact

Google Search Console: This free tool from Google is essential for monitoring website performance, including the impact of core updates. It provides insights into search queries, impressions, clicks, and average position.
Semrush: This comprehensive SEO tool offers a variety of features, including a Core Update tracker that can help you identify potential impacts on your website’s rankings.
Ahrefs: Similar to Semrush, Ahrefs provides detailed insights into your website’s performance, including the effects of core updates. It offers features like keyword research, backlink analysis, and competitor analysis.

Utilizing Analytics for Local SEO in the Philippines

For businesses targeting a local audience in the Philippines, it’s crucial to track local SEO performance using analytics tools. Here are some key metrics to focus on:

Geolocation Data: Use Google Analytics to track the geographic location of your website visitors. This data can help you understand which regions of the Philippines are driving the most traffic.
Local Search Queries: Analyze the search terms that lead to your website to identify local-specific keywords and phrases.
Google My Business Insights: If you have a Google My Business listing, monitor its performance using the insights tool. This will provide information on how users interact with your listing, such as clicks, calls, and directions.

Recommended Resources for Keeping Up with SEO News

As emphasized earlier, staying informed about the latest SEO trends and updates is essential for maintaining a competitive edge. Here are some valuable resources:

Google Search Central: This official blog from Google provides updates on algorithm changes, best practices, and other SEO-related news.
Philippine SEO Communities: Join online forums or social media groups dedicated to Philippine SEO to connect with other professionals and stay updated on local trends.
SpeakCite Blogs: In the same way other SEO professionals provide their insights about the industry, SpeakCite

SpeakCite: A Strategic Resource

With the recent Google Core Update’s significant implications for SEO in the Philippines, a strategic choice is needed to recover from presented new challenges and opportunities for businesses seeking to optimize their online presence. SpeakCite, with its deep understanding of SEO principles and immersive digital marketing experience, offers a comprehensive set of services tailored to help businesses adapt to these changes.

By partnering with SpeakCite, businesses can position themselves to thrive in the competitive digital landscape and achieve sustainable growth in the post-August 2024 Core Update era. Let’s talk