Google’s December 2024 Core Update Is Now Rolling Out

Google has launched its fourth core update of 2024, the December 2024 Core Update, marking a swift follow-up to last week’s completion of the previous November 2024 core update. According to Google, the rollout will take approximately two weeks to implement fully.

Google is wrapping up a year marked by significant algorithm updates, including the March, August, and November 2024 Core Updates. Now, the December 2024 Core Update is rolling out, capping off a year of continuous search improvements.

Google announced the update on X, sharing a link to a November 2023 blog post titled “A Q&A on Google Search updates,” which offers insights into the company’s approach and frequency of algorithm updates.

The Dec. 2024 core update is rolling out, and we expect it will complete in two weeks.
If you’re wondering why there’s a core update this month after one last month, we have different core systems we’re always improving. This past blog post explains more: https://t.co/N5p3KsJyiI
— Google Search Central (@googlesearchc) December 12, 2024

What Is the Significance of the Proximity Between the November and December Updates?

It’s all about multiple ranking systems. Google revealed that it employs various ranking systems to deliver better search results and frequently updates them for improvement.

“We use multiple ranking systems that do different things… Google Search regularly updates our search ranking systems to ensure we’re showing the most relevant, helpful content that we can.“

While the company typically announces updates expected to cause noticeable changes, it acknowledged that the close timing of the November and December updates reflects the sheer volume of updates it manages, making separation challenging.

“We do try to separate notable updates, so that if they produce changes, site owners can better identify which system is involved. However, given we have so many updates overall, it’s not always possible. In addition, when an update is evaluated and approved because it will make Search better, we don’t want to hold that back.“

What Does Google Recommend Regarding the Updates?

Google has stated that content creators should focus on producing high-quality, people-first content, which generally doesn’t require action during updates. This is because Google’s systems are designed to reward such content. However, if traffic drops after an update, creators should consult Google’s specific guidance, available through the Google Search Status Dashboard and core updates documentation, to identify areas for improvement. The dashboard also offers rollout status updates and the option to subscribe to an RSS feed for alerts.

“If there’s an update, chances are, there’s nothing to do for most creators who have already been working to create helpful, reliable, people-first content. That’s what our systems seek to reward.“

Google explained that any proposed changes to the Search feature undergo a thorough evaluation process. Before implementing any updates or modifications to the Search system, each proposed change is carefully analyzed using specific metrics, such as data or performance indicators. This ensures that the change will improve the system or meet established standards.

For more information, Google invites users to visit the “Rigorous testing” section of the “How Search Works” website to learn the methodology used to assess and implement these changes.

Final Thoughts

Core updates are a regular part of Google’s evolving search algorithm, often leading to significant changes that can affect search rankings. With these updates occurring multiple times per year, law firms need to remain agile and maintain a strong online presence. As the December update rolls out, it’s essential to monitor traffic patterns and rankings to assess its effects once the rollout is fully completed in the coming weeks.

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