Google Search Ranking Bug Resolved Amid August 2024 Core Update
In a recent announcement, Google confirmed that an ongoing search ranking bug that coincided with the August 2024 core update has been resolved. This bug led to widespread disruptions in search results, causing significant concern among webmasters and SEO professionals. Initially, there was confusion about whether the bug was related to the core update or an independent issue. Google’s John Mueller clarified that the problem was unrelated to the core update and assured that it would be fixed within 12 hours. However, it took over four days for Google to confirm that the issue had been resolved. Despite this delay, Mueller stated that while the issue might not be completely resolved, there are no visible effects of the bug anymore. This resolution brings a sense of relief to many who rely on Google Search for their website’s visibility and traffic.
The August 2024 core update is still rolling out and will continue to do so over the next month. This means that website rankings may still experience fluctuations in the coming weeks. The core update aims to improve the overall quality and relevance of search results, but the overlapping ranking bug added a layer of complexity to the situation. Barry Schwartz, a technologist and contributing editor for Search Engine Land, has been closely following these developments. Schwartz, who also owns a web consulting firm and runs the popular search blog Search Engine Roundtable, is a well-known figure in the search engine community. His insights and observations are highly valued by those looking to improve their website’s ranking on Google.
Schwartz noted that the ranking bug caused disruptions in search results over the past weekend. Now that the bug is fixed, he advises website owners to give it a day or two to see where their site ranks. It’s important to remember that with the ongoing core update, rankings may still change. The resolution of the ranking bug is a positive step, but the core update rollout will continue to bring additional changes. Website owners and SEO professionals should stay vigilant and monitor their site’s performance closely during this period.
Google’s John Mueller has been vocal about the impact of the August core update and the ranking bug. He advises waiting until the core update is complete before measuring its full impact. According to Mueller, most sites do not see big changes immediately after a core update, and it takes time for the effects to become apparent. He also suggests not trying to separate the effects of the ranking fix from those of the core update while everything is still settling. Instead, he recommends focusing on improving the website’s content and user experience during this period of change.
Hans Petter Blindheim, another expert in the field, suggests adding a special notice in Google Search Console during core updates or when ranking issues occur. This would help webmasters understand the context of any changes they observe in their site’s performance. The conversation around these updates highlights the complexity of Google’s search algorithms and the difficulty in pinpointing their exact effects on website rankings. For those curious to learn more, Google has recently updated its advice on core updates and offers a step-by-step walkthrough on using Search Console to check for traffic drops.
Google stresses the importance of making user-focused improvements to website content. The search giant’s guidelines emphasize creating high-quality, original content that provides value to users. This approach is crucial for maintaining a strong presence in search results, especially during periods of algorithm updates. The ongoing core update and the recent ranking bug underscore the need for continuous improvement and adaptation in the ever-changing world of search engine optimization (SEO).
The impact of the August core update extends beyond traditional search results. Google’s AI overviews, featured snippets, and rich results are also affected by algorithm updates. Quality is a major factor in determining which sites appear in these features. Glenn Gabe, another well-respected figure in the SEO community, has documented cases where sites impacted by the August core update have shown a decline in appearance in AI overviews. Gabe is tracking AI overviews for several companies and has observed a decline in citations for some sites due to the core update. This decline can affect site traffic and visibility in Google search results.
Maintaining a strong presence in AI overviews requires continuous monitoring and adjustments to ensure high-quality content. Google’s core algorithm updates can have a significant impact on a website’s visibility and ranking. AI overviews are becoming increasingly important for users searching for information, making it crucial for websites to adhere to Google’s guidelines. Gabe’s tracking and reporting provide valuable insights for website owners and publishers affected by the August core update.
In addition to AI overviews, the August core update has impacted local searches. Some webmasters have reported changes in their local pack rankings. Google representatives have emphasized the importance of using structured data for displaying rich snippets. Structured data helps Google understand the content of a page better, leading to improved visibility in search results. The Page Experience update, which focuses on user experience metrics, is also set to roll out in 2021. Google plans to give advanced notice before launching this update, allowing webmasters to prepare accordingly.
Webmasters have also noticed fluctuations in their image search rankings after the core updates. Google clarified that the ranking changes seen after the core updates are not penalties but rather the result of Google improving its algorithm. The search giant advises against trying to optimize for specific keywords, as this can negatively impact the overall user experience. Instead, the focus should be on creating original, high-quality content that meets user needs. The August core update is expected to finish rolling out by the end of the month, so webmasters should continue monitoring their website’s performance.
The search industry is constantly evolving, and staying up-to-date with the latest developments is crucial for anyone involved in SEO. Daily recaps from forums like Search Engine Roundtable provide valuable insights into the latest trends and updates. For example, a recent recap highlighted the importance of high organic rankings for receiving links in Google AI overviews. It also discussed a bug in Google Ads that resulted in erroneous attribution of traffic to a legacy match bidding type. Google is currently testing verification icons on organic search results, adding another layer of complexity to the search landscape.
Overall, the resolution of the Google search ranking bug and the ongoing August core update highlight the dynamic nature of search engine optimization. Webmasters and SEO professionals must stay vigilant and adapt to these changes to maintain their website’s visibility and performance. Continuous improvement, adherence to Google’s guidelines, and a focus on high-quality content are essential for success in the ever-changing world of search marketing. As the core update continues to roll out, staying informed and proactive will be key to navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.