Google Core Update August 2024: Expert Reactions and Key Insights

Last week, Google announced the rollout of a new Core Update.

Another Google update has shaken the SEO world, sparking a storm of discussions among SEO experts and webmasters. Admit it—you're holding your breath, too, waiting for the results, aren't you? The update has just started, but the SEO community is already buzzing with initial reactions. 

Alongside the update, Google announced a ranking bug. Details are scarce as they work to resolve it, but it's worth noting that it's too early to draw conclusions about traffic changes—whether they're due to the bug or the update. We've gathered insights and observations from SEO specialists worldwide on these changes.

Core Update 2024: First Reactions from the SEO Community

According to Google, the August Core Update aims to "show more content that people find truly useful and less content created solely for good search rankings." Social media is buzzing with discussions about the first noticeable changes:

Carl Hendy, a founder of Audits.com, highlights that while the update is still shaking things up, it has already hit the "vouchers" vertical in the U.K. like a wrecking ball, wiping out revenue for newspaper publishers. The rapidly declining organic traffic graph Carl attached shows just how quickly the SEO landscape can turn upside down. It's a real game of survival as websites try to pivot and recover from this seismic shift.

SEO Consultant Ryan Darani's tweet is a high-stakes wager with a side of humor. He's ready to take back all his past criticisms of Google if this update turns out to be a winner. With SEO currently thriving, he's betting big on the update's success. But he's got an escape plan—if things go south in the next couple of days, he'll erase this tweet faster than you can say "rollback" and act like it never happened. 

P.S. The tweet is still up 😉

SEO Consultant at G-Squared Interactive LLC Glenn Gabe’s update from the SEO trenches reads like a report from the front lines of the Core Update. He's tracking over 380 sites, and it looks like the August update is shaking things up, with some HCU(X) sites showing impressive growth. While some sites with initially low visibility are seeing a sharp rise, others with already strong visibility are bouncing back quickly to their previous standings. Glenn provided a peek into this SEO rollercoaster with screenshots that showcase the wild ride of site performance. It's a fascinating glimpse into how the update is playing out in real-time.

No comments are needed. — @2030MarsMission

SEO Expert Beth Sachs strikes a note of cautious optimism with her take on the new Core Update. Despite it being early days, she's already seeing some positive signs: search result thumbnails are making a comeback, and lost rankings are beginning to recover. Here's hoping that this trend continues and the update brings even more good news!

Aleyda Solis, a founder of Orainti, is also already spotting major shifts thanks to the August Google Update. She notes that many of these changes are hitting sites that were affected by last year's updates, including some dramatic reversals. While it's time to check your rankings and see where you stand, Aleyda reminds us that the update's full rollout could take up to a month. So, buckle up and stay tuned—there's more to come in this SEO saga!

Francisco Zuasti’s tweet is a lighthearted reminder of how SEO experts are on high alert, analyzing every detail for clues about the update's effects. 

@MorganOMedia serves up a dose of reality with a side of humor. The "bug fix" didn't quite deliver the expected recovery, leaving Morgan on a wild SEO rollercoaster ride.  

Grant Mucha’s tweet is a refreshing dose of optimism amidst the update frenzy. Grant has observed a lot of sites making a comeback over the past few days and remains hopeful about the long-term outcomes. 

Lily Ray’s tweet uncovers yet another notable trend: several health-related sites are experiencing a sharp drop in popularity, with some major "authority" sites slipping by 10-20%. Meanwhile, heavyweight names like NIH, Cleveland Clinic, CDC, CVS, and Harvard Health are still on the up and up. It's a clear snapshot of how the Core Update is shaking up the health sector and a reminder that even top players can face turbulence while the big names continue to hold their ground.

Interesting observations, aren't they? We'd like to remind you that while some changes may be noticeable already, it's important not to jump to conclusions—wait until the update is fully rolled out.

Have you noticed any changes since the start of the August Core Update 2024? Share your first observations and results in our SEO community on LinkedIn!