Summary
- Google has started the August 2024 core update. Early analysis shows user-generated content and forums still perform well.
- Reddit gained traffic by 5-10%, which is significant due to its high traffic volume.
- Local businesses and niche-specific businesses are ranking high for many national queries.
- Domain level relevance is key; niche-focused businesses with highly relevant domains perform well.
- Brands with strong, trusted backlink profiles continue to dominate SERPs.
- Influencer sites with large audiences outside of Google are also ranking well, likely benefiting from branded searches and high engagement.
- Google is increasing the rollout of AI overviews in search results, now appearing even in incognito mode.
- A Google ranking formula includes creating niche-focused businesses, having relevant domains, building an actual brand, acquiring strong backlinks, and producing relevant content.
- Links from legitimate websites with traffic and authority are essential. You can use PR-based link-building services for this.
- Continuously create highly relevant content to maintain domain relevance and topical authority.
- Utilize tools like RankAbility to generate and optimize content outlines.
- User-generated content is optional but beneficial.
- Anticipate that businesses and strong brands will continue to dominate Google rankings.
- The ongoing inclusion of AI overviews in search results might affect organic click-through rates (CTR).
- Following these steps ensures better rankings and reduces the impact of future Google updates.
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How To Take Action
Here are some tips for using Google’s new core update for your business or personal growth:
1. Focus on Your Niche:
I would suggest implementing a very specific niche for your business or content. Being super specific can help you rank higher on Google. For example, if you sell coffee, don’t just aim for “coffee.” Be more specific like “eco-friendly coffee beans.”
2. Optimize Your Domain:
A good way of making your website more relevant is by having keywords in your domain. If possible, choose a domain name that includes your main topic or service. This helps Google see your site as more relevant.
3. Build Your Brand:
Think about how you can develop an actual brand, not just a website. Use social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube to get more people to know and trust you. This can lead to more searches for your brand name, which helps your rankings.
4. Update Your Backlinks:
I suggest building a strong profile of trusted backlinks. Reach out to reputable websites for guest posting or collaborate with influencers. You can even use services that specialize in PR-based link building to get high-authority links.
5. Create Relevant Content:
Continuously publishing relevant and valuable content is key. Use tools like RankAbility or even free versions of ChatGPT to create content outlines. This keeps your website fresh and engaging, making it more attractive to Google.
6. Harness User-Generated Content:
Consider adding forums or comment sections to your site. User-generated content can boost your rankings because it shows Google that people engage with your site. Just make sure this content is monitored for quality and relevance.
7. Adapt to AI Overviews:
Be prepared for AI summaries to appear in search results. Keep your content concise, well-structured, and make sure key information is easy to find. This increases the chance that Google will feature your content in their AI overviews.
By taking these steps, you can improve your Google rankings and protect your site from future updates. Start small, and gradually add more strategies to your plan to see the best results without feeling overwhelmed.
Quotes by Wiki Wayne
“Google has started rolling out the August 2024 core update”
– Wiki Wayne
“Forums and user generated content is still crushing it”
– Wiki Wayne
“Local businesses are actually ranking for a lot of national queries”
– Wiki Wayne
“Websites or brands with strong trusted backlink profiles continue to dominate”
– Wiki Wayne
“Google’s really put a lot of weight on domain level relevance”
– Wiki Wayne
