Google announced on Wednesday that it has implemented a broad core search ranking algorithm update this week.
“Our guidance about such updates remains as we’ve covered before,” the company stated.
This week, we released a broad core algorithm update, as we do several times per year. Our guidance about such updates remains as we’ve covered before.
— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) March 13, 2019
Google Search Liaison Danny Sullivan confirmed that this update started on March 12.
Why it matters: Google performs several core ranking updates per year and rarely confirms updates. Regarding broad core updates, Google has reiterated that there is no specific action needed to improve your rankings. Google’s past advice indicates that there’s no singular “fix” for pages that may perform less well, aside from focusing on building quality content. Over time, your content may perform better relative to other pages.
If your rankings fluctuated recently, it might be related to this broad core ranking update, rather than any technical changes made to your website.
What changed? It is still early to determine the specific changes resulting from this update. Based on discussions within the SEO community before Google confirmed the update, some speculate it might target the health or medical sectors. However, Google has stated previously that the August 1st update did not specifically target medical or health sites.
Currently, it is challenging to ascertain which types of sites were most affected. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on any relevant insights.
Google’s previous advice: Google has consistently shared the following advice regarding broad core algorithm updates:
“Google releases one or more changes daily to improve search results. While some updates focus on specific improvements, others are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update, a routine event several times per year.
As with any update, some sites may experience drops or gains in ranking. There’s nothing inherently wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it indicates that our system’s changes are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.
The only solution for pages that perform less well is to remain committed to creating great content. Over time, this effort might cause your content to rise relative to other pages.”
For more advice from Google regarding updates, refer to their official communication channels.
