In August 2023, Google rolled out a significant broad core update that substantially impacted search rankings and traffic for many websites. The update started on August 22 and was finished 16 days later, on September 7, 2023.
With Google's algorithms, updates can bring both opportunities and challenges. While some websites experienced an increase in organic search traffic, our client’s website found several pages that were not getting traction.
This “recover traffic after Google Core Update August 2023” case study documents the strategies you need. Additionally, check factors that contributed to the website’s success in the face of this major algorithm change.
Google Core Update August 2023 Overview
Screenshot from Google Search Status Dashboard
Google core updates have the objective of providing the best search experience. To achieve this, Google frequently refines and updates its search algorithms.
Core updates, like the one in August 2023, involve extensive changes to these algorithms. This marks the second core update in 2023, with the initial update rolling out in March.
In the case of the August 2023 update, it impacted the importance of delivering high-quality, relevant, and authoritative content. Websites that align with Google’s guidelines and adhere to best practices are rewarded.
What we found:
Upon conducting a comprehensive analysis of the website, we found out that it has a lot of content. However, most of their pages aren’t getting traction.
Our analysis has revealed these key observations on the areas requiring attention and strategic improvements:
- The domain is not ranking for competitive keywords relevant to its niche.
- There are a lot of URLs with high impressions but low CTRs.
- The site needs technical adjustments for good site health and better user experience.
To solve the issues, an analysis of your SEO practices is necessary. This will help to regain lost impressions and clicks on several pages. Further measures may be necessary to address this decline and improve the page’s performance.
What we did:
In response to the recent Google core update, we checked the website and applied integrative strategies to generally improve the performance of the domain on search.
To enhance the overall performance of the domain, the following recommendations were applied:
- Implemented keyword research to determine the competitive and BOFU keywords in the client’s niche.
- New content is continuously written by targeting the competitive words and BOFU keywords from the keyword and topic research.
- Content optimization included updates to meta titles, meta descriptions, H1s, and alt texts.
- 404 pages and internal links pointing to them and HTTPS pages linking to HTTP pages are checked and addressed.
- Sitemap URLs were verified, and the robots.txt file was updated.
- CTA buttons were added to the section and homepage.
Our response to the recent Broad Core Algorithm Update involved a holistic SEO approach to website optimization. At SEOLeverage, we aim to improve the overall performance and visibility of our domain on search engines. These efforts underscore our commitment to staying ahead with Google's ever-evolving algorithm.
What results we achieved:
We checked Ahrefs and noticed an increase in organic traffic when the client’s team started to actively implement our recommendations.
The rectangle covers the period when suggestions and recommendations began to be implemented. We are closely monitoring this client’s domain, and it shows that the traffic is improving.
In essence, Google Core updates do not have a focus on singling out particular pages or websites. Rather, these Google updates aim to enhance our systems' overall content assessment process. Consequently, these alterations may result in certain pages performing better in search results.
Take note: Google highlights that improving your website may not immediately change your rankings. See how your website works in Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
Wrapping-Up
Broad-core updates typically occur every few months. When content is affected, it may not bounce back, even if improvements have been implemented.
While not all the Google algorithm updates are announced, they can still help content recovery if the improvements justify it. However, it’s clear that enhancements made by website owners do not come with a guarantee of recovery.
Consistently, Google and other search engines recommend website owners to focus on high-quality content. If you’re experiencing a decline in rankings, conducting an audit is advisable. An SEO Audit can help you pinpoint which pages have been most affected and the specific types of searches involved.
If you want to optimize for search engine results pages, SEOLeverage is the ideal partner. Our proven strategies and deep expertise in SEO can help you regain your lost website traffic due to a Google update and achieve sustainable growth. With SEOLeverage, you’ll have a dedicated ally to ensure your online presence remains competitive.
Choose SEOLeverage to improve your website’s performance. Secure its success in the ever-changing world of online search!
