Google’s August 2024 Core Update is the latest in a series of updates aimed at improving the quality and relevance of search results. Formerly known as the Helpful Content Update, this iteration continues Google’s focus on promoting genuinely valuable content while reducing the prominence of material designed primarily to manipulate search rankings. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of this update, who has been most affected, how to respond to changes, and Google’s stance on AI-generated content.
Who Has Been Most Affected Over the Last Year?
The past year has seen significant changes in website traffic due to Google’s core updates, with some sectors being more affected than others. Notably, affiliate marketing sites have experienced substantial declines in traffic. This drop is largely due to the nature of content on many affiliate sites, which often prioritizes SEO tactics and promotional content over delivering genuine value to readers.
Key Insight:
Affiliate marketing sites that rely heavily on low-quality, keyword-stuffed content designed to generate sales through affiliate links have been hit the hardest. These sites often struggle because their content doesn’t fully align with Google’s focus on quality, user-first material.
Fact:
Many affiliate sites have reported significant drops in organic traffic, particularly those with content that may be perceived as low-value or overly promotional.
Advice:
For affiliate marketers, it’s crucial to shift focus towards creating content that provides real value to readers. By improving the quality of your content, you can better meet user expectations and align with Google’s evolving standards.
Get your FREE site audit here.
How to React if You See Changes
If your site has been affected by the August 2024 Core Update, it’s important to approach any changes thoughtfully. Google advises against making quick, reactive adjustments. Instead, take a strategic approach by focusing on long-term content improvements.
Key Action:
Use Google Search Console to assess your site’s performance about a week after the update has fully rolled out. Compare your metrics from before and after the update to identify any shifts in performance and pinpoint areas for improvement.
Fact:
A small drop in rankings, such as moving from position 2 to 4, is common and usually not a cause for concern. However, a significant drop, like falling from position 4 to 29, suggests that your content may need enhancement to meet Google’s updated standards.
Advice:
When addressing declines in traffic or rankings, focus on enhancing your content to better serve your audience. This might involve updating existing content, improving its clarity and relevance, or adding new, valuable insights that meet user needs.
What Does Google Favour?
The August 2024 Core Update continues Google’s emphasis on content that is genuinely helpful, original, and user-focused. Content that reflects expertise, is well-researched, and provides a trustworthy experience is more likely to perform well in search rankings.
Key Tip:
When revising your content, aim to enhance its readability, relevance, and overall user experience. Simple adjustments, like reorganizing information for clarity or incorporating new, insightful data, can make a significant difference in how your content is perceived and ranked.
Fact:
Google’s algorithms are increasingly adept at identifying and rewarding content that offers genuine value to users. Even if your rankings initially drop after an update, consistent efforts to improve your content can help you regain and even exceed your previous positions.
Advice:
To align with what Google favors, focus on creating content that is not only informative but also trustworthy and relevant to your audience’s needs. This approach not only helps with rankings but also builds long-term relationships with your users.
Using AI to Generate Content: What You Need to Know
As AI tools become more prevalent, many content creators are exploring how automation can assist in content production. While Google’s guidelines on AI-generated content were released in February 2023, they remain particularly relevant as AI-generated content becomes more widespread. Google’s focus is on the quality and usefulness of content, regardless of how it’s created.
Key Point:
Using AI to generate content is not against Google’s guidelines, provided the content is high-quality, original, and genuinely useful to the user. Google’s ranking systems aim to reward content that meets these criteria, whether it’s generated by AI or humans.
Fact:
AI-generated content can be a valuable tool for creating innovative material, but using it solely to manipulate search rankings violates Google’s spam policies.
Advice:
When using AI to generate content, prioritize creating material that genuinely serves your audience. Always consider the purpose and value of the content you’re producing, and ensure it meets the needs and expectations of your users.
The Importance of High-Quality Content: No Shortcuts
As always, when it comes to content creation, there are no shortcuts. High-value content performs the best, while low-quality content tends to underperform. It’s essential to remember that value is defined by the audience, not the author. Many people forget the human element of digital marketing, focusing too much on technical SEO and not enough on the user experience. However, Google’s updates remind us that the most successful content is that which genuinely serves its audience.
Key Insight:
To create content that resonates with your audience, focus on what they find valuable. Listen to their needs, address their concerns, and provide them with the information they’re searching for. This approach not only improves your content’s performance in search rankings but also builds trust and loyalty with your users.
Advice:
Prioritize creating content that reflects your expertise, provides a great user experience, and builds your authority within your industry. By focusing on these elements, you can create content that not only performs well in search rankings but also connects with your audience on a deeper level.
SEO Practices: The Reality of Backlinks and Other Techniques
While Google’s policies emphasize content quality, traditional SEO practices still play a significant role in rankings. Backlinks, in particular, remain a powerful factor in determining how your content ranks in search results.
Key Point:
Backlinks continue to be a strong signal of content quality. Despite Google’s focus on user-first content, the quantity and quality of backlinks pointing to your site can significantly impact your rankings. However, it’s essential to earn backlinks naturally through valuable content rather than through manipulative tactics.
Fact:
Sites with a robust backlink profile generally perform better in search rankings, as backlinks are viewed as a vote of confidence from other websites. Google continues to refine its algorithms to distinguish between high-quality backlinks and those obtained through less ethical means.
Advice:
Instead of aggressively pursuing backlinks, focus on creating content that naturally attracts them. Producing in-depth guides, original research, or thought leadership pieces can encourage other sites to link to your content organically.
Conclusion
The August 2024 Core Update reinforces Google’s commitment to delivering the best possible search experience by prioritizing content that is truly useful and relevant. Whether your content is human- or AI-generated, the focus should always be on providing value to your audience. While traditional SEO practices like backlinks still play a role, the long-term success of your content depends on its quality and the value it provides to users. If your site has been affected by the update, take a step back, assess your content thoughtfully, and make strategic, long-term improvements.
At Red Sun Digital, we’re here to help you navigate these changes and ensure your content remains competitive in an evolving digital landscape. Whether you need a content audit, guidance on using AI responsibly, or a complete content overhaul, our team is ready to assist.
