Google has just announced its December 2024 core update. This is the fourth core update of the year, and it comes just a week after the previous one finished rolling out. According to Google, this update will take about two weeks to fully roll out.
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ToggleWhat Are Core Updates?
Core updates are major changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems. They happen several times a year and can significantly affect search rankings. That’s why Google always announces them ahead of time.
The last core update, which started on November 11, 2024, finished rolling out on December 5, 2024. Just a week later, we’re seeing another update. Google explained that they’re constantly improving different core systems, so updates may come closer together at times.
Google’s Advice for Impacted Sites
If your site is affected by a core update, Google suggests the following:
- There’s no specific fix for a drop in rankings; it doesn’t necessarily mean there’s something wrong with your site.
- Focus on creating helpful, reliable content for people—not just content designed to rank in search engines.
- Check out Google’s list of questions to evaluate the quality of your content.
Google said creators don’t need to do anything special for this update if they’re already producing high-quality, people-first content.
Recent Core Updates Timeline
Here’s a quick look at recent core updates:
- November 2024 Core Update: Nov. 11 – Dec. 5
- August 2024 Core Update: Aug. 15 – Sept. 3
- March 2024 Core Update: March 5 – April 19 (the largest update ever, according to Google)
Why This Matters
Core updates can cause noticeable shifts in search rankings. While they aim to improve the search experience, they can lead to fluctuations for website owners and SEOs. Hopefully, this update boosts your site’s rankings, traffic, and conversions.
Let’s see if this update brings positive changes for creators and businesses alike!
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