Google Core Algorithm Updates – Steps to Recover and Survive

Do you want to know “How to Recover From Google Algorithm Updates”?

Okay, picture this: You’re following a recipe, and suddenly the rules change.

That’s a bit like Google’s algorithm updates.

Sometimes, they tweak the rules for how they decide which websites show up first.

It’s not a punishment, it’s just Google’s way of making sure you get the best results.

Now, why does it matter?

Well, Google processes over 3.5 billion searches every day.

So, when they update, it affects a lot of websites.

In 2023 alone, Google reported over 9 algorithm updates.

If your site isn’t in tune with these changes, it might not appear in search results as much as it could.

What exactly is Google Algorithm Update?

Think of Google as a wise librarian who organizes all the books in the library, but instead of books, it’s websites.

Now, the librarian uses a set of rules to decide which books should be on the top shelf and which ones should be at the bottom.

These rules are like the Google algorithms.

An “algorithm update” is like the librarian adjusting those rules.

It’s Google making changes to how it decides which websites should show up first when you search.

They do this to improve the search experience for everyone.

Here’s a simple breakdown with a bit of data:

• Google updates its algorithm thousands of times a year. That’s like the librarian making small tweaks to the bookshelf every day.

• Sometimes, there are major updates, like changing the whole way they organize information. One significant update in 2021 was called the “Page Experience Update,” where they started considering how fast a website loads and how easy it is to use on mobile devices.

However, Page Experience Update now ended (in 2023) and has nearly no effect now as per John Mueller (Google Search Advocate).

10+ Tips to Recover From Google Algorithm Updates

1. Stay Informed: Monitor Google’s Official Announcements

Imagine Google as the captain of a ship, steering through the internet sea.

Google occasionally announces changes to its navigation rules (algorithm updates).

Keeping an eye on these announcements is like knowing about upcoming waves – it helps you prepare.

Following official updates can be crucial, in fact, Google confirms thousands of algorithm updates each year.

2. Regularly Audit Your Website’s Content

Think of your website as a garden. Just as you need to prune and care for plants, your site needs regular checks.

Conducting content audits is like inspecting your garden to remove any weeds.

Did you know that 61% of marketers believe that improving content is the most effective SEO tactic?

Regular audits ensure your content stays fresh and aligns with what Google is looking for.

3. Embrace High-Quality and Relevant Content

Picture Google as a librarian, recommending books based on quality and relevance.

When your content is top-notch and related to what people are searching for, Google promotes it.

High-quality content not only attracts visitors but also helps your site recover after updates.

Studies show that websites with quality content get 97% more backlinks.

So, create content that’s like a bestseller – valuable, engaging, and loved by your audience.

4. Optimize for User Experience (UX)

Imagine your website as a cozy bookstore.

When visitors walk in, you want them to easily find what they’re looking for, right?

Optimizing for user experience is like arranging the books in a logical order, making it enjoyable for customers to explore.

Did you know that websites that provide a great user experience are more likely to rank higher?

Google considers factors like page loading speed and easy navigation, making your site a pleasant place for users.

5. Prioritize Mobile Friendliness

Think of your website as a superhero with two identities – one for desktop and one for mobile.

With more people using smartphones, ensuring your site works smoothly on mobile devices is crucial.

Google even introduced mobile-first indexing, prioritizing mobile-friendly sites.

A whopping 62% of internet users access websites through mobile devices.

So, if your site isn’t mobile-friendly, it’s like the superhero forgetting their mobile costume, missing out on a significant audience.

6. Build a Diverse Backlink Profile

Imagine your website as a social network.

The more diverse and reliable friends you have, the more trustworthy you appear.

Building a diverse backlink profile is like having connections from various reputable sources.

Did you know that websites with a diverse range of backlinks are more resilient to algorithm updates?

Google sees this diversity as a sign of credibility.

It’s like having friends from different circles – it adds credibility and strength to your online presence.

7. Improve Page Loading Speed

Imagine your website as a race car.

The faster it zooms down the track, the more exciting the race, right?

Well, the same goes for your website’s loading speed.

If visitors have to wait too long, they might leave before the race even begins.

Studies show that 40% of people abandon a website that takes more than 3 seconds to load.

So, making your site load quickly is like giving your race car a turbo boost, ensuring visitors stick around for the entire journey.

8. Focus on Technical SEO Elements

Think of your website as a sophisticated machine.

Just like any machine needs regular maintenance, your site requires attention to technical details.

Technical SEO elements are like the nuts and bolts that keep everything running smoothly.

Did you know that websites with strong technical SEO foundations are better equipped to navigate algorithm changes?

Addressing elements like crawlability, indexing, and site structure is like giving your machine a tune-up, ensuring it performs at its best.

9. Enhance E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Imagine your website as a knowledgeable friend.

When people trust and respect your friend’s advice, they’re more likely to listen, right?

Enhancing E-A-T is like building your website’s reputation as a trustworthy expert.

Google values expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness in content.

Websites that establish themselves as credible sources are more likely to rank higher.

In fact, 93% of online experiences begin with a search engine, and users tend to trust authoritative sources.

So, becoming a reliable friend in your niche can significantly impact your site’s success.

10. Diversify Traffic Sources

Imagine your website as a popular restaurant.

Relying on one type of customer is risky – what if their preferences change?

Diversifying traffic sources is like welcoming customers from different neighbourhoods.

It ensures your website isn’t overly dependent on one source, making it more resilient to changes.

Did you know that websites with diversified traffic sources are better positioned to withstand fluctuations caused by algorithm updates or changes in user behaviour?

11. Utilize Google Analytics for Performance Insights

Think of Google Analytics as your website’s detective.

It helps you uncover clues about your visitors – what they like, where they’re from, and what keeps them interested.

Using Google Analytics is like having a spyglass to understand your website’s performance.

Over 50 million websites worldwide use Google Analytics to gather valuable insights.

It’s not just numbers, it’s a guide to improving your site based on real visitor behavior.

12. Adapt and Evolve: Continuously Update Your Strategy

Imagine your website as a living organism.

Just like any living thing, it needs to adapt to its environment to survive.

Continuously updating your strategy is like evolving to thrive in the ever-changing online landscape.

Did you know that 74% of marketers believe adapting to new technology and marketing trends is crucial for success?

Staying current ensures your website remains relevant and effective, even as Google’s algorithms and user behaviours evolve.

13. Improve Your Site’s Security

Think of your website as a fortress. If it’s not secure, it’s like leaving the drawbridge down for invaders.

Improving your site’s security is like fortifying the walls, ensuring that sensitive information and user data are protected.

Did you know that Google prioritizes secure websites?

In fact, websites with HTTPS (secure connections) are given a slight ranking boost.

It’s like having a secure moat around your online castle.

14. Avoid Link Schemes

Imagine your website as a party.

You want genuine guests who enjoy the atmosphere, not party crashers looking for shortcuts.

Avoiding link schemes is like keeping the guest list clean.

Google penalizes websites that try to manipulate their rankings through artificial link-building practices.

Did you know that these penalties can significantly impact your site’s visibility?

It’s better to focus on building authentic, high-quality links over time, like inviting the right guests to your online party.

15. Stay Calm and Make Improvements Gradually

Picture your website as a garden that needs regular care.

If you try to change everything at once, it’s like planting a whole new garden overnight – overwhelming and chaotic.

Staying calm and making improvements gradually is like tending to your garden one flower at a time.

Did you know that sudden, drastic changes can sometimes trigger alarms in search engines?

It’s better to make adjustments slowly, allowing your site to adapt without causing unnecessary disruptions.

It’s like nurturing your online space with patience and care.

Wrapping Up – How to Recover From Google Algorithm Updates

Bouncing back from Google’s changes in how it ranks websites is important for your online presence.

Google frequently updates its rules for how it decides which websites to show first in search results.

To recover from these changes, it’s crucial to keep an eye on industry trends, make sure your website is user-friendly, create good quality content, and follow ethical SEO practices.

Being flexible and adapting to these changes is key.

Think about both the technical stuff and what users like when working on your website.

While updates might create challenges, they also bring chances for those who are open to adjusting their strategies.