The November 2024 Google Core Update prioritises useful content and penalises manipulative SEO tactics. Here’s what your SEO strategy needs to focus on.
The November 2024 Google Core Update has landed. Once again, the search engine giant is refining its algorithms to provide users with the most relevant, high-quality content and cracking down on manipulative SEO practices designed solely to improve rankings.
Here’s what you need to know about the update and how to adapt your SEO strategy to stay ahead.
Key Changes in the November 2024 Core Update
Emphasis on Originality and Expertise
Google is doubling down on rewarding original, expert-driven content, and sites relying heavily on aggregated or recycled information will see a decline in visibility. Unique perspectives, in-depth analysis, and firsthand insights are being recognised and ranked higher.
Devaluation of Over-Optimised Content
The update significantly reduces the effectiveness of pages prioritising ranking signals over user experience. Tactics like keyword stuffing, excessive internal linking, or redundant metadata optimisation are now penalised more harshly.
Focus on User Intent and Context
Google has advanced its understanding of user intent and contextual relevance. This means the search engine is better at matching queries with content meeting users’ specific needs, even when the phrasing of a query is unconventional.
Improved Detection of Manipulative Backlink Practices
After the update, Google’s algorithm can better identify backlinks genuinely indicating authority and relevance versus those obtained solely for SEO benefits. Low-quality or irrelevant backlinks have been further devalued.
What This Means for Your SEO Strategy
To ensure the November 2024 Google Core Update doesn’t negatively affect your rankings, you need to ensure your SEO strategy follows these principles:
Prioritise High-Quality, User-Focused Content
Create content that aligns with Google’s E-E-A-T guidelines and is helpful, engaging, and tailored to your audience’s needs. Google’s Search Console and Analytics can help you identify user questions and gaps in your existing content.
Audit and Refresh Your Content
Update your older content regularly to ensure it remains relevant and valuable. Remove outdated information, expand on topics with fresh insights and current data, and optimise technical SEO aspects like page speed and mobile usability.
Improve User Experience
Elements like site design, navigation, and accessibility are increasingly important. Ensure your site has a responsive design, intuitive interface, and seamless browsing experience.
Optimise for Search Intent
Conduct keyword research focusing on understanding user intent. Group keywords by query type (informational, navigational, or transactional) and design your content to address these intents effectively.
Reevaluate Your Link-Building Strategy
Focus on earning backlinks through quality content and genuine industry relationships rather than quick-win schemes. Guest posts, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships can help you build a stronger link profile.
The Bottom Line: People-First Content Puts You Ahead
The November 2024 Google Core Update reinforces the importance of authenticity, originality, and a user-first approach in SEO. If you need to create, maintain, or update your strategy to align with these changes, a team of specialists like Viaduct Generation’s SEO experts are your best bet to help you turn algorithm updates into opportunities for growth.