State of SEO: Google Search Algorithm Updates for Q4 2023

• SEO disruption. Google's October 2023 Core Update saw considerable volatility and stirred the SEO community.
• Spam overhaul. Google's spam update extends to multiple languages, targeting various deceptive techniques.
• Quality focus. Emphasis on helpful content, with Google pushing against AI-generated and unhelpful content.?

In a single month, Google rolled out significant changes that could spell volatility for countless websites. From a core update that echoed across the SEO community to a dedicated spam crackdown expanding its reach to new languages, the search giant continues its relentless pursuit for highly relevant search results.?

As website owners and digital marketers scramble to adapt, understanding these updates becomes crucial to maintaining visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs). Dive in as we dissect the latest algorithmic shifts that might change the game for online content.

Google's November 2023 Core Update

The November 2023 core update is a significant algorithm change, marking the second such update within a two-month span and the fourth core algorithm update of the year. This update began rollout on November 2 and is expected to be fully implemented after a two-week period.?

This core update targets improvements to a different core ranking system than the one adjusted in the October 2023 core updates. While it’s typically uncommon for two major updates to happen in such a short timeframe, Google generally suggests that site owners who focus on creating helpful, reliable and user-first content will likely not need to make significant changes in response.?Along with this update, Google also posted a

on Google Search updates, which provides more guidance on the difference between a ranking system and an update, why Google rolls out updates, what steps site owners should take amidst updates and more. Those who still need help or want to follow volatility reports following an update can visit

forum.

Google’s October 2023 Core Update

The October 2023 core update, the third core update of the year, started

and completed October 19.?

Barry Schwartz of Search Engine Roundtable commented on the significant volatility caused by this core update. “I cannot say enough how big of an impact this update had within the SEO community and probably wider,?

Core updates are broad changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems that can significantly impact how web pages rank, but there’s nothing within these updates that targets specific pages or sites.?

The overall goal of core updates,

, is to ensure they’re delivering on their mission to present helpful and reliable results for searchers. They likened it to creating a list of the top 100 movies in 2021. A few years later, you refresh the list, and you might add movies that didn’t exist three years ago, or reassess some films and realize they deserve a different spot.??

Google’s October 2023 Spam Update

Overlapping with the October 2023 core update was Google’s new spam update, which began rollout on October 4 and ended October 20.

on the subject said the update to their spam detectors will “improve our coverage in many languages and spam types.”

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