Have you noticed shifts in your website rankings lately?
Wondering what happened?
The reason is — the Google Broad Core Algorithm Update.
Let’s break it down simply so you’ll know what it is, how it works, how it impacts your site, and, most importantly, what you can do to adapt.
What is A Google Broad Core Algorithm Update?
A common question many people ask is,
“What exactly is a Google Broad Core Algorithm Update?”
In essence, Google constantly updates its search algorithm to serve better results. But while most updates target specific aspects (like link spam or content quality), a Broad Core Update tweaks the main search algorithm.
Google core updates are just “reordering of the algorithm.” However, these changes don’t add new factors but can cause noticeable shifts in search results.
Imagine it like reshuffling your list of favorite songs. The songs remain the same, but the order of preference changes based on your mood or recent releases. Google’s core update works similarly — adjusting the importance of relevant, quality, and authority signals.
Workings of A Google Broad Core Algorithm Update
So, how does Google make these tweaks without adding anything “new”?
Simply put, Google uses a set of ranking factors (think of these as ingredients in a recipe). During a Broad Core Update, the “recipe” is adjusted slightly by changing the importance of each ranking factor. It’s like increasing the salt or reducing the sugar in a recipe.
These updates are also typically powered by machine-learning models that test new adjustments.
For example, quality raters evaluate new search results based on user satisfaction. If the changes produce better results, they go live.
However, because of the adjustment of multiple signals at once, Google rarely explains each change, making it tricky to pinpoint precisely what shifted.
What are the Impacts of Google Broad Core Algorithm Update on Websites?
Now, “What does this mean for my website?”
Broad Core Updates can cause significant shifts in your website’s search engine rankings, but it’s essential to know they don’t penalize you.
Instead, they might “reward” other sites that better align with the latest search requirements.
For example, if a competitor has more relevant, authoritative, or comprehensive content, they may experience a boost in rankings.
Your website’s position in the search results may drop because another site has become a closer match to user intent. These updates impact websites across the board, affecting content, relevance, user experience, and authority.
So, if your rankings dip, consider it an opportunity to improve rather than a punishment from Google.
What to Prepare for A Google Broad Core Algorithm Update?
So, what can you do? Here are some quick, practical steps to stay ahead:
1. Focus on Quality Content
Always prioritize high-quality, relevant content that answers users’ questions. Aim to provide a unique perspective or data that helps users gain new insights. If your content repeats what’s already available, it may not perform well after an update.
2. Align with User Intent
Think about what users are genuinely looking for when they enter a query. Understanding and aligning with user intent makes you more likely to retain or improve rankings.
Ask yourself: “Does this page answer all potential questions on this topic?”
3. Update Regularly
Keep content fresh and updated with current statistics, examples, and trends. Outdated content can lose relevance, which may impact rankings.
4. Enhance User Experience
A smooth, fast, accessible website helps retain users, indirectly supporting rankings. Improve page load times, make navigation easy, and ensure mobile compatibility.
5. Follow Google’s Guidelines
Google provides guidelines for web admins to help align content with its quality standards. Regularly review and adhere to these to stay in sync with updates.
What We Need to Check After Core Update?
After an update, it’s natural to wonder, “How do I know if this affected my site?”
To gauge the impact, follow these steps:
1. Analyze Patterns
Look for patterns in traffic and rankings. Did specific pages drop while others stayed steady? Identifying patterns can help you understand which content types or pages need improvement.
2. Review Competitor Sites
Examine the pages ranking above yours to see what they’re doing differently. Do they provide more recent data? Do they include additional insights or a better user experience? Take notes and consider ways to improve your content.
3. Use Tools Like Google Analytics and Search Console
These tools provide information about which pages see the most fluctuations. Check for traffic dips or changes in impressions and analyze keywords.
4. Conduct a Content Audit
Reassess your content to ensure it’s still relevant and helpful. Content that lacks depth has outdated information or doesn’t meet the user’s current need for improvement.
Key Takeaways for Staying Updated in SEO
Broad Core Updates can be challenging, but they’re also reminders to stay focused on the fundamentals. To stay in a good position, you need
- high-quality and relevant content
- understand user intent
- regularly update your website
In SEO, adaptability is critical. Rather than trying to “recover” from a core update, use it to refine your strategy for your audience.
SEO is a continuous improvement process rather than a one-time fix. You can keep your site resilient with these proactive steps.