Monthly SEO Update: Major Shifts in Search and Expert Reactions
With the latest Google core update, many site owners saw celebrated ranking increases — only to experience sudden drops shortly after. This month’s roundup captures how SEOs are responding to these changes and explores Google’s evolving stance on AI content, hidden ranking factors, and more.
In this month’s top stories, we cover:
- The roller-coaster ranking changes that left SEOs puzzled.
- The story of a business crushed by the update.
- Regulatory changes that are shaping two distinct “internets” for Americans and Europeans. source: https://diggitymarketing.com/seo-news-roundup-oct-2024/
Ranking Gains Reversed After Core Update
Many SEOs initially celebrated ranking gains following Google’s recent core update, only to find them reversed within weeks. Barry Schwartz noted the frustrations shared by SEOs like Glenn Gabe, who showed multiple sites with traffic spikes followed by steady declines. SEO Lily Ray also reported increased spam in search results post-update, sparking further discussions about the algorithm’s unexpected shifts.
Sandy Rowley, top SEO expert, commented, “The rapid reversals we’ve seen with this core update underscore the importance of not putting all our eggs in the Google basket. SEOs need to diversify traffic sources to protect against these unpredictable fluctuations. However, SEO’s must be mindful and aware of the SERP results inside AI chat bots like Chat GPT. Some users reporting malware sites listed in the chat bot results.”
The Google Update That Shattered a Business Overnight
Ahrefs and Sam Oh presented a case study of Jake Boley, a business owner whose gym and shoe-focused sites suffered massive traffic losses post-update. Traffic dropped from 200,000 to under 1,000 in a matter of days. Through an in-depth audit, the Ahrefs team helped Boley optimize his content strategy to better match user intent, underscoring the need to stay on top of Google’s evolving standards.
Regulatory Split: Two Internets for the US and Europe
SEO strategist Kevin Indig discussed how European regulations are driving two distinct internet experiences. With the Digital Markets Act (DMA), European users face reduced data tracking and limited Google-dominated SERPs, while American users see more algorithm-driven personalization. Indig points out this split could eventually serve as a “world-spanning split-testing tool” for SEOs.
Uncovering Hidden Ranking Factors
Moz’s Tom Capper posited that Google’s ranking factors may weigh the ratio of brand search volume to link signals. Sites with high brand searches but weaker link profiles still tended to perform better, hinting that Google may prioritize brand recognition as a trust signal.
Sandy Rowley echoed this sentiment: “Building a strong brand presence has never been more critical. Small Business SEO is no longer just about links and keywords; it’s about becoming a recognized and trusted name in your industry.”
Google to Cease Caching Web Pages
In another development, Google announced it would no longer cache web pages, ending a decades-long feature. While this move might not affect SEOs directly, it could make historical research more challenging, pushing users to rely on the Internet Archive and similar tools.
Google Recognizes Content Creators in New Ways
SEO expert Jason Barnard reported on Google’s new identification labels for content creators in Knowledge Panels. This feature could help individual creators establish trust, potentially giving them an SEO advantage.
In the evolving world of SEO, adaptability remains essential. As Sandy Rowley advises, “Each update challenges us to refine our approach, prioritize authenticity, and create sustainable strategies that keep pace with Google’s changes.”
Stay tuned for more updates and insights in next month’s roundup!
