Google’s core algorithm updates can significantly impact websites, and the March 2024 update has been particularly volatile and wide-ranging. If you’re unsure how to assess and recover from these changes, you’re not alone. Here’s a clear and structured guide to help you navigate the aftermath of a Google core update.

Step 1: Assess the Impact on Your Site

Begin by determining how the update has affected your website. This requires a thorough examination of various metrics.

• Visibility Overview: Use tools like Semrush, Ahrefs, or Sistrix to gauge search visibility changes. Look for fluctuations in visibility and identify if they correlate with the update.
• Monitor Traffic and Rankings: Analyze Google Analytics for traffic patterns and ranking changes. Focus on high-traffic pages and identify which keywords have seen the most significant shifts.
• Google Search Console Analysis: Check for manual actions, crawl errors, and changes in impressions, clicks, or average positions. This can help detect technical issues or penalties that may have impacted your site.

Step 2: Evaluate the Market and Gain Industry Insight

Once you’ve assessed your site, it’s crucial to understand the broader market context and industry insights to inform your response strategy.

• Industry Analysis: Follow reputable SEO sources like Search Engine Journal, Moz, and Search Engine Land for expert analysis and trends following the update.
• Competitive Analysis: Compare your site’s performance with industry competitors. Identify whether they experienced similar impacts or if the update favored a particular content or structure.
• Market Trends: Stay updated on all market trends and user behavior changes to ensure your strategy meets current expectations and demands.

Step 3: Isolate the Bad and the Good

With the data and insights gathered, isolate which parts of your site are thriving and which need attention.

• Identify Affected Content: Determine which pages or content types suffered the most significant drops. Look for commonalities in structure, topic, or other factors that could explain the decline.
• Highlight Successful Areas: Similarly, identify areas of your site that have benefited from the update. Understanding what worked well can guide future content strategy.

Step 4: Review Areas for Improvement

Having identified the areas of concern, focus on opportunities for improvement.

• Technical SEO Audit: Address technical issues like crawl errors, slow site speed, and mobile responsiveness. These can have a very significant impact on search rankings.
• Content Quality Review: Evaluate your content for depth, relevance, and user value. Consider updating, expanding, or restructuring underperforming content.
• Backlink Profile: Examine your site’s backlink profile for toxic links or opportunities to build high-quality backlinks.

Step 5: Review Your Strategy and Plan

To better understand the update’s impact and areas for improvement, revisit your overall SEO strategy.

• Adjust SEO Tactics: Based on your findings, adjust your SEO tactics. This could include keyword optimization, on-page SEO, or content diversification.
• Plan for Recovery: Prioritize the most impactful changes first. Implement them incrementally, monitoring their effects on your site’s performance.
• Set Measurable Goals: Define specific recovery goals, such as increased traffic, improved rankings, or enhanced user engagement. These goals will guide your ongoing efforts.

Step 6: Communicate with Stakeholders

Keeping critical stakeholders informed throughout the process is essential to ensure alignment and support.

• Internal Communication: Update internal stakeholders, including marketing, sales, and management teams, on the update’s impact and your recovery plan.
• Client Communication: If you’re managing client websites, communicate the impact and your planned approach to recovery. Transparency is key to maintaining trust.
• Report Progress: Provide regular progress reports to stakeholders, highlighting key metrics and milestones achieved. This will demonstrate the effectiveness of your strategy and foster continued support.

By following these steps, you can assess the impact of a Google core algorithm update and create a comprehensive plan for recovery and ongoing SEO success.

If this all sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. We offer monthly SEO packages to relieve the stress of navigating Google algorithm updates. Our team will handle everything, from assessing the impact to creating a custom recovery plan. Let us help you stay ahead in the SEO game so you can focus on what you do best. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your SEO needs.