November 2024 Google Core Update: What You Need to Know

It’s that time again—the Google Core Update has dropped. As many in the SEO world have already noticed, Google has rolled out its November 2024 Core Update, and while it’s still early, there’s a lot to unpack. As someone who's worked in digital marketing for several years, I've seen the impact of these updates firsthand, and I can tell you that no two updates are exactly alike. Whether you're a seasoned SEO professional or a business owner wondering how this might affect your site, it's crucial to stay ahead of the curve.

What’s in Store with the November 2024 Core Update?

Google’s core updates are always significant, and this one is no different. The tech giant has made it clear that the goal of this update is to improve the quality of search results by prioritizing content that users genuinely find useful. According to Google, this update will “show more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.” Essentially, Google continues its ongoing effort to reward helpful, people-first content while demoting content that’s overly optimized or created solely to rank in search engines.

If you’ve been in SEO for a while, you know that Google’s mission has always been to provide the best search results. But what’s different now is how they’re defining “best.” In the past, it was common to focus primarily on keywords, backlinks, and site structure. While those elements are still crucial, Google’s increasingly sophisticated algorithms are honing in on user experience and content quality. So, what does this mean for you?

The Human Element: A Personal Experience

In my own experience, I’ve seen how Google’s updates have shifted from focusing on technical SEO aspects to understanding user intent and content relevance. For example, after the August 2024 core update, I noticed a shift in some of the content we were ranking for at Eezu, my digital marketing agency. Pages that were keyword-heavy but lacked real-world application took a hit in rankings, while content that was more in-depth and genuinely useful for the user gained traction.

I remember one specific project where we were optimizing a blog post for a client in the tech industry. We had done everything right—used the right keywords, built a solid backlink profile, and had a mobile-friendly, fast-loading page. But the post wasn’t ranking as well as we had hoped after the August update. After rethinking our approach and adding more value to the content—like practical use cases, expert quotes, and visual elements—the post finally started to climb the rankings.

The moral here is that Google isn’t just looking for technically sound pages. They’re looking for content that answers the questions people have, with depth and real-world relevance. This is something that will likely continue to be emphasized with the November 2024 update.

How Will This Affect Your Site?

The short answer is that it’s too early to know exactly how this update will impact your site, but let’s break it down:

• Content Quality and User Experience: Google’s emphasis on “helpful content” continues. If your content is overly optimized for search engines but doesn’t provide real value to users, you might see a drop in rankings. The takeaway here is simple—focus on writing for people, not for search engines. Don’t overstuff your pages with keywords or create content simply to rank. Instead, aim to create genuine, helpful material that addresses your audience’s needs.
• Site Reliability: Google has made it clear that content should not only be helpful but also reliable. This is something I’ve seen firsthand with my own work. Websites that focus on building trust—through authoritative content, well-sourced information, and a positive user experience—tend to do well in the long run. If your website is slow, not mobile-friendly, or lacks basic security measures, these factors could harm your ranking.
• Fluctuations in Rankings: As with every core update, it’s expected that we’ll see a lot of volatility in rankings. For some websites, this will mean a boost in rankings, while others may experience a drop. It's important to understand that these fluctuations are a natural part of the process. If you do see a drop, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong with your site—it could just mean that Google has adjusted its algorithms to better meet user expectations.

A Look Back: Lessons from Previous Core Updates

To gain some perspective, it’s helpful to look at what happened during past core updates. For example, the March 2024 Core Update was one of the largest updates we’ve seen in recent years. This update took over six weeks to fully roll out, and many websites experienced significant changes in their rankings and traffic.

What I noticed during the March update—and it’s something that could happen again with this November update—is that Google tends to reward content that aligns well with user intent. In one instance, I worked with a client in the health and wellness space who had been hit hard by a previous update. After reworking their content to focus more on the needs and interests of their audience (instead of just SEO keywords), their rankings saw a steady improvement over time. The key takeaway here: recovery from a core update doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right strategy, it’s definitely possible.

What Should You Do if Your Site is Impacted?

If your website sees a decline in rankings after the November update, don’t panic. There isn’t a quick fix, but there are steps you can take to recover. Google’s advice is consistent: focus on writing helpful, user-centric content. Here are some actions I personally recommend:

• Review Your Content: Take a close look at your content and ask yourself if it truly provides value to your audience. Is it answering their questions? Is it comprehensive? Does it offer real-world applications or insights? If the answer is no, it’s time to revise.
• Focus on User Experience: Ensure your site is easy to navigate, fast-loading, and mobile-friendly. A poor user experience can harm your rankings, so make sure you’re offering the best possible browsing experience.
• Monitor Your Analytics: Keep an eye on your site’s traffic and rankings over the coming weeks. It’s normal for rankings to fluctuate right after an update, but consistent drops in traffic or rankings might indicate deeper issues that need addressing.
• Be Patient: Google’s core updates are not always a quick fix. Recovery from a negative ranking change may take time, sometimes until the next core update is rolled out. Stay committed to producing high-quality, user-focused content.

Final Thoughts: Stay Focused on the Bigger Picture

Ultimately, the November 2024 Core Update is just another reminder that SEO is about much more than technical tactics. It’s about creating content that serves a purpose and genuinely helps people. While it’s tempting to chase every new algorithm update, the best approach is always to keep the user at the center of your strategy. If you focus on providing value, you’re already ahead of the game.

At the end of the day, Google’s algorithms are getting smarter, and they’re increasingly rewarding websites that prioritize user experience and helpful content. This is something I’ve witnessed throughout my career, and it’s a trend that shows no signs of slowing down. Whether your rankings go up or down after this update, remember that there’s always room for improvement. Keep refining your approach, stay committed to quality, and embrace the changes—because, in the ever-evolving world of SEO, those who adapt are the ones who thrive.

So, what’s next for your site? Now is the perfect time to evaluate your content strategy and make sure it aligns with Google’s evolving standards.