SEO Updates: Google August 2024 Core Update, DOJ Breakup Threat, AI Enhancements, Ranking Bug, and Search Console Insights - Date: August 22nd, 2024

Google SEO News

August 2024 Core Update: Key Focus Areas

Google has launched the August 2024 core update to improve the quality of search results, prioritizing content that users find genuinely useful. The update reflects feedback from creators and emphasizes showcasing high-quality content from both large and small sites. The update also aims to recognize and reward sites that have made significant improvements, and additional guidance has been provided for those affected by core updates.

SEO Recommendations by Jason

One of the statements made by Google’s John Muller that I find very interesting is that Google will prioritize the user's historical browsing history to improve the search experience; this means that linked topics of type of content that a user periodically engages with will be prioritized. This reinforces the case for semantically linked content and creating overlapping content, second-order questions, FAQs, etc.?

Early Signs of Recovery from September 2023 Helpful Content Update

Following the August 2024 core update, some sites that had previously hit hard by the September 2023 helpful content update are seeing early signs of ranking recovery. While full recoveries are rare, sites like Retro Dodo and House Fresh have reported improvements. However, many sites continue to struggle, and a Google ranking bug remains unresolved. Some publishers also return rich result image thumbnails.

SEO Recommendations by Jason

The core updates always have a very high impact, unfortunately, and 2023 was a tough year for creators and website owners; with such an important role, the appearance of ChatGPT plus other AI Technologies made it a very difficult season. Seeing these recovering signs is positive, and understanding how this potentially is linked to domain authority and other ranking factors can help build a better picture.?

Google Resolves Search Ranking Bug After Four Days

Google has fixed a search ranking bug that persisted for over four days, affecting numerous search results. Although the bug was reported resolved on August 20th, Google's John Mueller indicated the team is still monitoring the situation. He wrote on LinkedIn , "Unfortunately, the team isn't quite happy with calling it complete just yet (I don't think there's any visible effect anymore, though), so we said we'll update again in 2 days." Users are advised to watch for potential changes in their rankings as the effects of the August 2024 core update continue to unfold.

SEO Recommendations by Jason

I haven’t personally seen any websites directly affected by this bug. However, I do think it's important for sites to analyze their impressions and volume of indexed keywords, what I often refer to as “search density,” to determine whether the bug had any effect.?

General Search Marketing News

Google August Core Update, Big Ranking Bug, DOJ Google Breakup, AI Overview Links & Gemini Research

DOJ May Break Up Google Over Monopoly Concerns

The U.S. Department of Justice is considering breaking up Google, potentially separating Android, Chrome, and Google Ads. This move is part of ongoing efforts to address Google's monopoly status, with options ranging from breaking up the company to forcing data sharing with competitors.

Google AI Overview Expansions and Gemini Research Updates

Google announced expansions to AI overviews, including new link cards, a save feature, and availability in more countries. Additionally, the Gemini research tool now includes web search citations, anchoring content to its sources. These updates reflect Google's continued investment in integrating AI into search.

Google Faces Criticism Over Fake Hotel Listings and AdSense Deactivations

Google is under fire for fake WhatsApp numbers and incorrect "permanently closed" statuses in hotel listings, especially in Indonesia and UAE. Additionally, Google has deactivated Russian-based AdSense accounts, with final payments to be issued soon.

Other Notable Updates

• Google Search Console: May only show a fraction of your data; exporting is recommended.
• FTC Ban: The FTC officially banned fake reviews, including those generated by AI.
• Apple Business Connect: Adds enhancements, including extended showcase durations and longer descriptions.