Google SEO Updates for Business Owners: What to Expect from July 2024 Onwards 

With an increasing number of people conducting online searches each and every day (Irrespective of what engine they use) ensuring that your search results come up at the top is essential for success.  

Throughout this year, Google has been undertaking a number of large search platform updates, many of which have had a large impact on search results for many businesses. Google’s frequent algorithm updates can significantly impact website rankings and traffic. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest updates this year and what marketers need to be aware of post the end of July 2024.

#1. June 2024 Google Spam Update

Google regularly updates its search algorithm to improve search results quality. The June 2024 Spam Update was one such change, aimed at reducing low-quality or “spammy” content in search results. 

Key Changes: 

1. Timing: The update ran from June 20 to June 27, 2024. 
2. Purpose: It targeted websites that violate Google’s spam policies. This means sites using tricks or low-quality tactics to try to rank higher in search results. 
3. What it didn’t target: This update wasn’t about penaliszing bad links or misuse of a site’s reputation. It focused on other types of spam. 
4. Potential impact: Websites using spammy techniques might have seen a drop in their search rankings and traffic. 
5. Recovery: If a site was negatively affected, fixing the issues and aligning with Google’s guidelines can help, but it may take months to see improvements. 
6. For business owners: Check if your website traffic dropped around June 20-27 

The main takeaway is that Google is continually working to reward genuine, helpful content while pushing down low-quality or manipulative content in search results.

#2. March 2024 Core Update

AI May be the future in so many different ways, but at the moment, many aspects of it are frowned upon by search engines.  

The March 2024 Core Update was significant, focusing on cleaning up low-quality and AI-generated content. This update aimed to enhance the quality of search results by rewarding high-quality, user-centric content.  

Implications for Businesses: 

• Content Quality: Ensure your content is high-quality and user-focused. Avoid generic, mass-produced AI content. 
• Monitoring Performance: Use tools like Google Search Console to monitor traffic and rankings. Look for patterns that align with the update’s rollout date
  

#3. Continued Scroll Reversal

Google is making a significant change to how search results are displayed on both desktop and mobile devices. They are planning to revert the continuous scroll feature, which means that instead of automatically loading more search results as you scroll down, users will need to click a “Next” or “More results” button to see additional pages. 

What This Means for Businesses 

Page 2 Visibility 

• Impact: Websites that currently rank on the second page of search results might see a decrease in clicks. This is because users will now have to take an extra step to view these results, and many users tend to stick to the first page. 

• Action: It’s more important than ever to aim for a first-page ranking. Being on the first page significantly increases the chances of users clicking on your site. 

Optimisation 

• Focus: To improve your chances of landing on the first page, you need to optimize your content effectively.  This means ensuring it is contextual, value adding, interesting and easy to find. 

 #4. Zero-Click Searches

The 2024 Zero-Click Search Study by Rand Fishkin span data-contrast=”auto”> highlights the increasing prevalence of zero-click searches, where users find answers directly on the search results page without clicking through to a website. 

Implications for Businesses: 

• Featured Snippets: Businesses should try to have their content featured in featured snippets and other types of zero-clicks formats. This helps them stay visible to users who get their answers directly from these snippets without visiting the website. It’s like having your key information at the top of the search results. 

• Brand Presence: To make up for potential losses from zero-click searches, businesses should work on boosting their brand presence across different platforms. This means being active on social media, making sure their business appears in local search results, and participating in relevant online communities. By doing this, they can encourage users to click directly on their brand’s links when they do search. 

#5. Upcoming Core Update

A new core update is expected to roll out in the coming weeks. This update follows the March 2024 core update and is anticipated to address ongoing issues with low-quality content and spam. 

Implications for Businesses: 

• Preparation: Stay vigilant and prepare for potential fluctuations in rankings and traffic. 

• Adaptability: Be ready to adapt your SEO strategy based on the new update’s impact. 

Your Next Steps 

Google’s algorithm updates are a constant in the SEO environment. Business owners, marketers and anyone responsible for how a business is found online must stay informed and adaptable to maintain their website’s visibility and performance. Focus on producing high-quality, user-centric content, monitor your site’s performance regularly, and be prepared to adjust your SEO strategies in response to these updates.  

If you are unsure what you need to do, have questions, or even if you would like a free site audit,
get in touch with the 3PM team and let us start the conversation.