Google Rolls Out December 2024 Core Update

Google has rolled out its fourth core update of 2024, effective today.

This is just a week after the previous core update was completed. According to Google, the December 2024 core update will take around two weeks to fully roll out across its systems.

What Are Core Updates?
Core updates refer to significant changes in the algorithms and systems of Google. Such updates occur several times in a year and may influence rankings and visibility on the websites. Google always issues an update because it tends to be broad and very impactful.

This update is in quick succession with the November 2024 core update that began on November 11 and ended after 24 days on December 5. This shows that Google is still working hard to perfect its search algorithms.

In a statement, Google shared, “The Dec. 2024 core update is rolling out, and we expect it will complete in two weeks. If you’re wondering why there’s another core update so soon, it’s because we continuously improve different core systems.

This blog post explains more:

Insights from Previous Updates
Google had earlier stated that websites that were adversely impacted by the September 2023 helpful content update should not expect dramatic recoveries during the November core update. How this December update will impact rankings is yet to be seen.

Actions for Affected Sites
Google has been offering guidance for websites impacted by core updates for a long time:

• A ranking drop does not necessarily mean something is wrong with your pages.
• Check Google’s recommended questions to assess the quality and relevance of your content.
• Small recoveries may be observed between updates, but major recoveries usually occur after subsequent core updates.

The key takeaway from Google is still the same: focus on creating high-quality, people-first content. Google has emphasized, “There’s nothing special that creators need to do for this update, provided they are consistently producing helpful and reliable content. Those experiencing lower rankings should revisit our guide to creating helpful, people-first content.

Timeline of Recent Core Updates
Here’s a recap of Google’s recent core updates in 2024 and 2023:

• November 2024: Started on November 11 and finished on December 5.
• August 2024: Started on August 15 and ended on September 3.
• March 2024: Started on March 5 and finished on April 19 (the largest update to date).
• November 2023: Started on November 2 and finished on November 28.
• October 2023: Started on October 5 and finished on October 19.
• August 2023: Started on August 22 and finished on September 7.
• March 2023: Began March 15, completed March 28.

Why It Matters

Core updates often cause noticeable fluctuations in website rankings and organic traffic. These updates aim to enhance search results, rewarding websites with strong, SEO-optimized content while encouraging others to improve their SEO strategies.

For creators and site owners offering SEO services, this may present an opportunity to boost visibility and drive engagement. However, some may experience temporary ranking volatility, emphasizing the need for consistent optimization efforts.

As this December 2024 update unfolds, it will be intriguing to see its impact on search rankings, especially for those in the SEO services industry who have engaged with Google for feedback in recent months.