Google’s August 2023 Core Update: What Website Owners Must Know

Keeping up with Google’s algorithm changes is critical for website owners and digital marketers in the ever-changing realm of SEO (search engine optimization). Google’s basic upgrades, in particular, have a substantial impact on search results and website traffic. The most recent core update, completed in September 2023, brought substantial enhancements to the attention of website owners.

Image Source: SpaceX

A] What are Google’s Core Updates?

Search engine optimization (SEO) is significantly influenced by Google’s fundamental alterations. Two categories of changes: core updates and minor updates, are made to this algorithm periodically in order to enhance the quality of search results.

• Core Updates: These modifications to Google’s search algorithm focus on evaluating and reevaluating the quality and relevancy of website content. 
• Minor Updates: These smaller, more frequent changes have been made to the Google algorithm. They might not affect search rankings as much as other fundamental changes, but they could impact certain parts.

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Google formally announced the deployment of its core upgrade in August 2023. This modification is yet another step in Google’s ongoing commitment to enhancing search results and ensuring users get the most relevant and trustworthy content.

Image Source: Google Search Status Dashboard

The August 2023 upgrade, like any other core update, has caused changes in search rankings. It is critical that website owners recognize the following implications:

• Ranking Fluctuations

Many websites reported changes in their search engine rankings as a result of this improvement. While some experienced improvements, others witnessed degradation. When Google examines the quality of the content, these fluctuations are inescapable.

• Emphasis on Content Quality

Google continues to prioritize high-quality and authoritative content. Search engine results often favour websites that offer insightful, thoroughly researched, and original content.

• User Experience Is Important

The user experience is still a significant factor. Google prefers websites that load quickly, have mobile-responsive designs, and offer a consistent browsing experience.

• E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)

Websites in expertise-required domains, such as health and finance, must demonstrate authority and trustworthiness.

• Core Web Vitals

Google’s Core Web Vitals, which focus on page performance and user experience, continue to be essential ranking considerations. These metrics should be monitored by website owners.

B] What Website Owners Can Do?

The following actions will help website owners successfully navigate Google’s fundamental upgrades, maintain search rankings, and generate organic visitors.

• Prioritize content quality by conducting frequent audits to remove low-quality or duplicate content. 
• Showcase qualifications and dependability in areas that require expertise. 
• Make sure the site is mobile-friendly, and improve page performance while taking care of Core Web Vitals indicators.
• Simplify navigation and improve site architecture to improve user experience.
• Assess and remove harmful backlinks. 
• Stay up to date on Google’s algorithm upgrades and respond to changes by regularly checking website performance in search results.

Last but not least, website owners must be watchful and adaptive in the face of Google’s core upgrades. Website owners who take proactive actions can survive in the dynamic search market by boosting organic traffic and achieving online success.