Can Core Updates Affect Your Google Ranking?
Google constantly updates and improves its search algorithm to provide users with the most relevant and high-quality search results. One of the ways it does this is through core updates, which are significant changes to the algorithm that can affect the rankings of websites in the search results.
Core updates are designed to improve the overall quality of the search results by prioritizing websites that provide valuable and relevant content for users. Read on to learn more about core updates and how they affect Google ranking from our search engine optimization (SEO) experts at Pink Dog Digital.
Core vs. Minor Updates: What’s the Difference?
Core updates are major updates that Google makes several times a year to its search algorithm. These updates can cause shifts in rankings for websites. Google typically announces core updates in advance and encourages website owners to focus on creating high-quality content that meets the needs of their audience.
On the other hand, minor updates are smaller updates that Google makes to its search algorithm on a more frequent basis. These updates typically have less impact on search results than core updates and may not be announced by Google. Examples of minor updates include changes to the way Google handles different types of queries or how search results are displayed.
So, Can Core Updates Affect Your Google Ranking?
The answer is yes. When a core update affects your website, it could lead to a significant drop or increase in its search rankings. The goal of Google SEO is to optimize a website and its presence to rank favorably on Google’s ranking algorithm. However, when Google rolls out a core update, the algorithm changes, potentially nullifying previous optimization efforts.
Core updates can even result in penalties that drastically decrease a website’s search rankings. For example, the Panda update penalized websites with thin content. Additionally, some core updates can modify Google’s search engine results pages (SERPs) by adding, removing, or modifying alternative listings.
Some of Google’s most notable updates have been:
- Penguin
- Panda
- Hummingbird
- Rankbrain
- Fred
- Pigeon
- Freshness
Other effects of core updates on SEO include:
- Changes in website traffic: If your website’s ranking improves after a core update, it can increase traffic. On the contrary, if the ranking drops, traffic can decrease.
- Changes in user engagement: Google’s core updates also aim to improve user experience, so websites that provide better user engagement are likely to see an increase in traffic.
- Changes in content requirements: Core updates may change the content requirements for websites to rank well. This means you may need to adjust your content to meet the new standards.
- Changes in algorithmic signals: Core updates can also affect the signals that Google’s algorithm uses to rank websites. Websites that optimize for these signals have a higher ranking.
How to Prepare for a Core Update and Reduce Its Impact on Your Website Rankings
Below are a few tips that can help you minimize the impact of core updates on your web rankings:
Focus on providing high-quality content
Google’s algorithm prioritizes websites that provide valuable and relevant content for users. Make sure your website’s content is well-written, informative, and meets the needs of your target audience.
Optimize your website for user experience
User experience is a critical factor in how Google evaluates websites. Ensure your website is easy to navigate, loads quickly, and is friendly for mobile users.
Build high-quality backlinks
Backlinks from reputable websites can help improve your website’s authority and rankings in the search results. Focus on building high-quality backlinks from relevant websites in your industry.
Monitor your website’s performance
Keep an eye on your website’s search rankings and traffic after a core update. If you notice a significant drop in rankings, try to identify the root cause and make any necessary changes to your website or content.
Learn More about the Effects of Core Updates on Your Google Rankings at Pink Dog Digital
The effects of core updates on Google ranking vary based on the specific update and the website in question. However, by providing high-quality content and focusing on user experience, you can position your business for success regardless of any core updates.
At Pink Dog Digital, we maintain an active online presence to keep up with the trend and keep your business at the top of online searches no matter what core updates may come along. Visit our website and contact us by filling out our online contact form or reach us at (410) 696-3305.
You can also send us an email at pinkdogdigital@gmail.com.