Just two weeks after the last big change in October 2023, Google rolled out another one with the November 2023 core update. In the last month, Google has made its second major change to the search algorithm, and this is the fourth one this year after Google’s September 2023 Helpful Content Update and Google’s August 2023 Core Update. As usual, Google plans to finish implementing this update fully in the coming two weeks.
Google mentioned that this update is not the same as the previous core update. They explained, “We have various important systems that affect how we rank websites. This month’s core update focuses on improving a different key system than the one we worked on last month”.
Google also announced an upcoming review update set for next week. They mentioned that this marks a transition where they won’t provide occasional notifications for improvements to their systems, as these enhancements will now occur consistently and continuously.
Let’s decode what’s inside Google’s November Core Update!
Table Of Contents
- Why another core update so soon?
- What distinguishes a ranking update from a ranking system?
- What is the purpose behind Google’s updates?
- What to do if your website gets hit?
- Final Thoughts
Why another core update so soon?
Google mentioned that they have various systems that play a crucial role in how Google ranks your websites. The core update for this month focuses on enhancing a different core system compared to the previous month.
What distinguishes a ranking update from a ranking system?
Google ranking systems: They are the tools used to generate search results. Google employ multiple ranking systems, each with its specific functions. For further information on some of these ranking systems, you can refer to Google’s guide on search ranking systems.
Google ranking updates: It refers to the enhancements made to these ranking systems.
What is the purpose behind Google’s updates?
Google utilize automated systems for ranking search results, and as with any technology, these systems have their imperfections and Google continually seeks ways to enhance these systems to deliver improved results.
What to do if your website gets hit?
- Core Web Vitals: Visit Google Search Console and utilize Core Web Vitals reports to evaluate Google’s URL performance and areas that need improvements. Core web vitals, encompassing factors such as HTTPS, mobile-friendliness, absence of interstitial pop-ups, and safe browsing, are key in gauging your website’s user experience. Analyzing these reports helps you target optimization for a better, more engaging browsing experience for your site’s visitors.
- Mobile-first indexing: As Google has officially announced mobile-first indexing, it’s crucial to prioritize mobile optimization. This means that Google now employs a smartphone user-agent to crawl web pages, and they use the mobile version of a website’s content for indexing and ranking purposes. Focus on creating a mobile-friendly site, maintaining essential content, optimizing navigation, performing technical checks, and ensuring SEO optimization.
- De-indexing: Examine older blogs and content that is no longer relevant, and proceed to De-index these pages. This action will benefit your website by enhancing its search engine performance and user experience. By removing outdated content, your site can maintain a more authoritative and up-to-date online presence, which can positively impact SEO rankings.
Final Thoughts
Google’s algorithm updates have the potential to significantly impact how visible your website is online. Core updates introduce changing dynamics, and it’s important for businesses and SEO professionals to maintain patience.
In the meantime, website owners should concentrate on enhancing the overall quality of their websites, avoid searching for quick fixes and stick to proven SEO practices.
Feeling the impact of the core update?
Don’t fret! Claim your FREE audit and get your website back on track.
FAQs
Google Update refers to a modification that impacts the way Google, the search engine, calculates rankings. These updates can range from significant algorithm shifts to the implementation of filters or updates to the database that an algorithm relies on.
Throughout the year, Google enacted substantial and extensive modifications to its search algorithms and infrastructure. These are commonly known as “core updates,” and Google provides notifications when they occur through our list of Google Search ranking updates.
Include a no-index tag on your page. A no-index tag solely prevents your page from appearing in Google search results. Users and other search engines that do not support the no-index directive can still access and view your page.
