Google confirmed that a core search update was released last Wednesday and will continue to roll-out this week. This indicates that webmasters should expect to see volatility in the search engine result pages (SERPs) for the coming weeks.
Like previous algorithm updates in March and April this year the focus was on improving the quality of content served to searchers. Below is an official statement regarding these recent algorithm updates.
“Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year.
As with any update, some sites may note drops or gains. There’s nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it’s that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.
There’s no “fix” for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content. Over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages.”
What can be done to mitigate the effects of the algorithm update?
If your site has been negatively affected by the recent roll-out, wait for day to day volatility to subside.
Once the dust has settled and if your site is still experiencing a drop-in traffic it’s time to take a deep dive.
A great place to start is by analysing what keywords lost positions due to the update and in turn identify what page(s) these keywords correlate to. Now with a list of all pages that lost positions, it is time to observe what your competitor’s page have that yours do not.
Is their on-page content twice as long and much more relevant to the searcher’s intent?
Does their site load faster than yours?
How many backlinks are referencing the page?
These questions are just the tip of the iceberg that should help you determine why your page(s) have dropped in the SERPs.
Ultimately it is best to be proactive, not reactive to each algorithm update. Our advice is to ensure you are producing regular quality content that answers your reader’s search intent.
