If you are a website owner or a digital marketer, you might be wondering how Google’s August 2023 Core Update will affect your site’s ranking and traffic. In this blog, we will explain what the core update is, why it matters, and what you can do to optimize your site for the new algorithm.
What is a core update?
A core update is a change in Google’s search algorithm that affects how it evaluates and ranks web pages. Google makes hundreds of minor updates every year, but a few times a year, it rolls out a major update that can significantly impact the search results. A core update is not focused on a specific topic or industry but on improving the search results’ quality and relevance.
Why does Google make core updates?
Google’s mission is to provide users with the most valuable and reliable information for their queries. To do that, Google constantly updates its algorithm to reflect the changes in user behavior, web content, and technology. A core update is a way for Google to ensure that its algorithm is aligned with its mission and can deliver the best possible results for users.
What are the main changes in the August 2023 Core Update?
Google does not reveal the exact details of its core updates, but it usually provides general guidance on what it tries to achieve.Â
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Understanding User Intent
For the August 2023 Core Update, Google said it focuses on improving the understanding of user intent, content quality, and page experience.
Understanding user intent means that Google is trying to match the search results with what the user is actually looking for, not just what they typed in. For example, if a user searches for “best pizza near me,” Google will try to show them results that are relevant to their location, preferences, and context rather than just generic pizza websites.
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Elevating Content QualityÂ
Content quality means that Google is trying to reward web pages that provide original, accurate, and comprehensive information that meets the user’s needs. For example, if a user searches for “how to fix a leaky faucet,” Google will try to show them results with clear instructions, helpful images or videos, and authoritative sources rather than just vague or outdated content.
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Navigating Page ExperienceÂ
Page experience means that Google is trying to measure how user-friendly and engaging a web page is. For example, if a user clicks on a result with a slow loading speed, intrusive ads, or poor design, they will likely bounce back to the search results and look for another option. Google will try to avoid showing such results and favor those with a fast loading speed, minimal ads, and good design.
How can you optimize your site for the August 2023 Core Update?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for optimizing your site for the core update, as each website has unique strengths and weaknesses. However, you can follow some general best practices to improve your website’s performance and ranking in the long run.Â
- Conduct a content audit: Review your existing content and identify any gaps, errors, or outdated information that need fixing or updating. Ensure your content is original, accurate, and comprehensive and covers the topics your target audience is interested in.
- Focus on user intent: Research your keywords and understand what your users are looking for when they use them. Create content that matches their intent and provides them with the best possible answer or solution. Use clear headings, subheadings, and bullet points, along with other formatting elements to make your content easy to scan and understand.
- Improve your page experience: Test your site’s loading speed, mobile-friendliness, security, and accessibility, and fix any issues affecting your user experience. Avoid using intrusive ads or pop-ups that might distract or annoy your users. Use simple and intuitive navigation and design elements to guide your users through your site.
- Monitor your site’s performance: Use tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Google PageSpeed Insights to track your site’s traffic, ranking, impressions, clicks, conversions, speed, and other metrics. Analyze your data and identify any trends or changes related to the core update. Adjust your strategy accordingly and keep testing and improving your site.
Concluding ThoughtsÂ
Google’s August 2023 Core Update is one of the most major changes in its search algorithm in recent years. By following the best practices, you can ensure that your site provides your users with the most useful and reliable information and ranks well in Google’s search engine.
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