In the continuously evolving realm of SEO and digital marketing, Google’s algorithm updates are often met with both anticipation and apprehension. The August 2024 core update is no different, bringing a slew of changes and a few unexpected twists. To better understand the initial effects of this update, I engaged in an insightful conversation with SEO consultant Glenn Gabe, who has been diligently monitoring the performance of numerous websites, many of which were significantly impacted by the September 2023 helpful content update.
Glenn’s observations offer a glimmer of hope amidst the turbulence. “There’s definitely a sense of cautious optimism,” he remarked, as we delved into the details. “Out of the 380+ sites I’m tracking, 47 have shown noticeable improvements since the August core update started rolling out.” This is particularly encouraging for those severely affected by last year’s September update. While it is premature to declare a full recovery, these initial surges in visibility are a positive sign. “We’re seeing small signs of life. These sites are not back to where they were, but the uptick in traffic and visibility is significant,” Glenn explained.
The August 2024 update, which coincided with a ranking bug, initially created a volatile landscape. Glenn noted that the first 24 hours were particularly chaotic. “It was like riding a roller coaster,” he quipped. “Traffic spikes, sudden drops, and everything in between. The ranking bug definitely added to the confusion.” Interestingly, while the majority of sites experienced negligible changes, those that did see shifts were predominantly the ones adversely affected by previous core updates. “It’s almost as if the algorithm is trying to find a new equilibrium,” Glenn speculated.
Two websites, House Fresh and Retro Dodo, have recently been in the spotlight due to their struggles and minor recoveries post-update. Glenn elaborated, “House Fresh reported that they are receiving visitors to some of their former top traffic pages, which is a positive sign.” Meanwhile, Retro Dodo has been experiencing fluctuations but remains cautious. “Brandon Saltalamacchia from Retro Dodo mentioned that while he’s seeing changes, he’s not sure what it all means yet,” Glenn recounted. Adding to the complexity, “Reddit is still dominating absolutely everything,” Glenn quoted Brandon. This indicates that while individual sites are observing some improvements, the broader landscape remains highly competitive and unstable.
Despite these encouraging signs, Glenn emphasized that it is too early to draw definitive conclusions. “We’re just a few days into what will be a month-long rollout,” he noted. “And with the ranking bug still unresolved, it’s hard to predict the long-term impact.” He pointed out that several sites, which were never hit by a core update, are also seeing changes—both positive and negative. “The algorithm is affecting everyone, not just those who were previously penalized,” Glenn stressed. This unpredictable environment underscores the importance of vigilance and adaptability for SEOs and site owners.
As our conversation drew to a close, Glenn offered some practical advice for those navigating these uncertain waters. “Keep monitoring your analytics closely. Look for patterns, but don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. The algorithm takes time to settle, and what we’re seeing now could change in a matter of days.” He also underscored the importance of focusing on quality content. “Google’s updates, whether they’re helpful content updates or core updates, always circle back to the same principle: providing value to the user. Keep your content helpful, relevant, and high-quality.”
The August 2024 core update has undeniably stirred the SEO landscape, bringing both challenges and opportunities. For those previously hit by the September 2023 helpful content update, the early signs of recovery are promising, though the journey is far from over. As Glenn aptly put it, “In the world of SEO, you can never rest on your laurels. Adaptation and vigilance are key.” As we continue to monitor the rollout and its effects, it is clear that the Google Search landscape remains as dynamic as ever. Whether these early improvements will solidify into long-term gains is yet to be seen. For now, the best course of action is to stay informed, remain flexible, and consistently strive for excellence in content creation.
