Google's December 2024 Core Update: What SEOs Need to Know
- By Tim
Google has just dropped a significant update: the December 2024 Core Update. This comes barely a week after the November core update completed its rollout on December 5, 2024. If you’re an SEO or website owner, here’s everything you need to know about this update, its timing, and what to do if you’re impacted.
What is the December 2024 Core Update?
Core updates are broad changes to Google’s search algorithms that happen multiple times a year. These updates aim to improve how Google evaluates content and ranks pages, ensuring the most relevant and helpful results appear for searchers.
The March 2024 Core Update
The July 2024 Core Update
The recently concluded November 2024 Core Update, which rolled out from November 11 to December 5.
The December update began on December 8, 2024, and is expected to take about two weeks to roll out, according to Google’s official update announcement.
Why Another Update So Soon?
The December update comes unusually close on the heels of the November update. Google addressed this in their announcement, explaining:
“The Dec. 2024 core update is rolling out, and we expect it will complete in two weeks. If you’re wondering why there’s a core update this month after one last month, we have different core systems we’re always improving.”
For more details on how and why core updates happen, check out Google’s explainer on core updates.
What Should You Do If You're Impacted?
If your website experiences a rankings drop after this core update, here’s what Google recommends:
Don’t Panic: A drop doesn’t necessarily mean your site has done anything wrong. Core updates are designed to improve search overall, and fluctuations are normal.
Review Google’s Guidelines: Reflect on Google’s list of questions to assess your site’s content quality.
Focus on Helpful Content: As always, prioritize creating valuable, user-focused content. Google emphasizes content designed for people—not just to rank in search engines.
Recovery Takes Time: While small improvements can happen between updates, significant recovery is typically seen after the next core update.
Observations from the November Update
Google previously communicated that sites negatively impacted by the September 2023 Helpful Content Update should not expect dramatic recoveries from the November update. Early reports from the SEO community suggested that the November core update brought mixed results, with some sites recovering slightly while others continued to struggle.
It’s too soon to say what the December update will bring, but it’s clear Google is doubling down on refining its systems.
Key Takeaways for SEOs
Track Your Performance: Use tools like Google Search Console and analytics platforms to monitor how your rankings change during the rollout.
Focus on User Experience: Content that answers searcher intent clearly and efficiently will always have an edge.
Stay Updated: Follow Google Search Central for the latest announcements and guidance.
Final Thoughts
The December 2024 Core Update is rolling out fast, and its proximity to the November update underscores Google’s commitment to continuous improvement. While core updates can be disruptive, they’re also opportunities to reassess your site’s content, technical SEO, and overall value to users.
Keep an eye on your site’s performance over the next two weeks, and use this time to make thoughtful adjustments. If you have questions or insights about how this update affects your site, let’s discuss in the comments below! 🌟
For official updates from Google, check their Search Central Blog regularly.