There has been a recent debate in the SEO community about the impact of Google's core updates on website rankings. The discussion, primarily fueled by Reddit users, highlighted how it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain stable rankings despite adhering to SEO best practices. Many sites have seen a significant drop in rankings since the update. These results suggest that Google's algorithm changes have had a significant impact on SERP functionality, effectively making previously successful ranking strategies obsolete.
The lesson learned from the discussion was that SEO practices require continuous flexibility and adaptability rather than relying on a fixed set of rules. It is becoming increasingly important to keep up with Google's frequent updates. In particular, one website owner reported that their site's rankings dropped on 10 out of 20,000 pages even after they attempted to fix the issue. Regardless of the changes implemented, the downward trend continued.
By April 2024, the same website saw a further drop in rankings, which was due to a Google core update that began in March/April 2024.
Adapting to Google's SEO ranking updates
It's important to note that Google's John Mueller warns against misinterpreting the reasons for ranking drops – instead of focusing on issues with the affected pages, it could be due to algorithm changes or changes in how Google interprets search queries.
Reddit's value in an SEO scenario is also coming under scrutiny, with brands learning how to engage within the Reddit community. This engagement has the potential to generate genuine connections and meaningful conversations that are highly valuable from a marketing perspective. However, Reddit users are highly sensitive to blatant marketing tactics and a lack of authenticity. Therefore, brands must use the platform with care, while respecting self-imposed community rules, to avoid backlash.
In 2024, key SEO trends have transformed Shopping Ads by Google, Amazon, and Bing. Accurately understanding and adapting to these evolving trends will help you achieve stability and growth. In the ever-changing world of SEO, staying informed and adaptable is key to increasing your market competitiveness, visibility, and strengthening your brand presence. Therefore, actively learning and adapting your SEO strategy is essential to survive and thrive in the digital marketing space.