Sean Walsh
Sean is a Director at Intelligency heading up our digital marketing and client services operations. Sean has 15+ years experiencing working both in-house and agency with brands including Lloyds, Alstom, Hitachi, Lufthansa, Viaplay, DFDS Seaways and Mercedes-Benz.
Google has started rolling out its latest core update—the fourth one this year—as of December 12, 2024. This update comes just a week after the last one wrapped up, and it’s expected to take about two weeks to complete.
If you’re unsure about what core updates mean for your website, don’t worry—we’ve broken it all down for you.
What is a core update?
Core updates are significant changes Google makes to its search algorithms. These updates happen several times a year to improve how Google ranks content and serves search results. When a core update rolls out, you might notice changes in your website’s rankings or traffic—whether positive or negative.
Why is there another update so soon?
This December core update comes only a week after the November 2024 core update finished on December 5. Google explained this timing by saying they’re continuously improving different systems. So, while it might seem quick, each update is focused on separate aspects of their search algorithm.
What should you do if your site is impacted?
If you notice a drop in rankings or traffic, don’t panic. Google has consistently said that there aren’t specific actions to “fix” rankings after a core update. Here’s their advice:
- Focus on creating quality content: Content that is helpful, reliable, and written for real people (not just for search engines) is your best bet.
- Review Google’s helpful content guide: It offers practical tips for making content that aligns with their ranking systems.
- Be patient: While small recoveries can happen between updates, significant improvements usually come after another core update.
Google emphasized that if your site is already creating people-first content, you don’t need to do anything new. But if you’re struggling with rankings, reviewing their resources is a good place to start.
A quick look at recent core updates
Here’s a timeline of the core updates Google has rolled out in 2024:
- November 2024 core update: Nov. 11 – Dec. 5
- August 2024 core update: Aug. 15 – Sept. 3
- March 2024 core update: Mar. 5 – Apr. 19
Each update impacts sites differently, so it’s always worth monitoring your traffic and rankings after these rollouts.
Why this matters to you
For digital marketers, core updates can create noticeable shifts in search rankings and organic traffic. If you see changes, it could mean that Google’s latest update aligns better (or worse) with your site’s content.
Ultimately, these updates aim to reward high-quality, people-first content. If you’ve been prioritizing helpful, engaging material for your audience, you’re already on the right track.
Don’t be alarmed by the timing of this update—it’s just another step in Google’s constant improvement. Stay focused on delivering value to your audience through quality content, and keep an eye on your website performance over the next couple of weeks.
