November 2024 Google Core Algorithm Update: What You Need to Know for Your SEO Strategy

Google has just rolled out its November 2024 Core Algorithm Update, and it’s already causing a stir in the SEO community. Core updates are part of Google’s ongoing efforts to refine how it evaluates content, ensuring that users are presented with the most relevant, trustworthy, and high-quality search results. If you’ve noticed fluctuations in your rankings, you’re not alone—let’s dive into what this update means and how you can adapt your SEO strategy to stay ahead.

What We Know About the November 2024 Update

Google hasn’t released all the specifics, but early signs suggest that the November 2024 update places an even greater emphasis on rewarding content quality and authority. Websites that demonstrate strong topical relevance, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-A-T), alongside a user-first approach, are the big winners. On the flip side, sites with thin or outdated content are seeing declines.

Here are some key areas where we’re seeing the impact:

• YMYL Content: Content that falls under "Your Money or Your Life" (YMYL) categories—like health, finance, and legal advice—continues to be closely scrutinised. If your site covers these topics, it’s even more important to demonstrate expertise and trustworthiness.
• AI-Generated Content: As Google becomes more adept at detecting AI-generated content, websites relying heavily on automated or poorly refined AI tools could see their rankings drop. Authenticity remains a key factor.
• Mobile and Speed Optimisation: Core Web Vitals are still important, so websites with poor mobile responsiveness or slow load times may see a negative impact.

What’s Happening in the SEO World

SEO specialists have started noticing some trends that align with the latest update. Here are a few key takeaways:

• Deeper Content: Websites with in-depth, evergreen content tend to perform better than those with shallow or surface-level articles. Google loves content that provides real value over the long term.
• Internal Linking: A clear and well-structured internal linking strategy has become essential. It helps search engines understand the hierarchy of your content and signals which pages are most important.
• Localisation: Local businesses are benefiting from more focused, hyper-relevant content and well-optimised Google My Business profiles. If you’re a local brand, make sure you’re targeting the right keywords for your audience.

How to Protect and Improve Your Rankings

To navigate this update effectively, here are some actionable steps you can take:

1. Audit Your Content Library
   Go through your content and identify underperforming pages.
   Prioritise improving thin content, updating outdated information, and ensuring that every page provides real value.
2. Align Content with Search Intent
   Review the keywords you're targeting. Make sure your content aligns with the user’s intent—whether it’s informational, transactional, or navigational. For example, detailed, trustworthy resources are crucial for informational queries, while clear CTAs and solutions are needed for transactional ones.
3. Use Data to Your Advantage
   Leverage tools like Google Search Console to identify pages that have been impacted by the update. Look for patterns—are certain topics or
   formats underperforming? This insight will guide your next steps.
4. Reinforce Your E-A-T
   Focus on demonstrating expertise and trustworthiness:
   ○ Showcase author credentials where possible.
   ○ Build high-quality backlinks from reputable sites in your niche.
   ○ Incorporate user-generated content or testimonials to build credibility.
5. Don’t Overlook Technical SEO
   A well-optimised site is the foundation of a successful SEO strategy.
   Ensure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and free from technical errors. This is often the first step toward long-term ranking improvements.

A Long-Term Perspective

While Google’s algorithm updates can feel disruptive, they also present an opportunity to fine-tune your SEO strategy. These updates are designed to reward websites that focus on delivering value, clarity, and trust to users—so if your site has been affected, use this as a chance to recalibrate rather than scramble for quick fixes.

Remember, SEO success isn’t about constantly chasing algorithms. It’s about aligning with Google’s ultimate goal: providing users with the best possible experience. So, stay focused on creating high-quality, user-centric content, and the rankings will follow.

If you're ready to optimise your SEO strategy in light of these updates, get in touch with us. We're here to help you stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of search.