On 4th of May 2020 Google started to roll out a new ‘May 2020 Core Update’ and it looks like a really big one. This news was made public via Twitter just like all other updates in last one year.
What is A Google Core Update?
It is called a ‘Core Update’ as there will be huge changes to the exiting algorithms and that in turn with impact numerous sites. Google frequently releases smaller algorithm updates to improve the searcher experience, but Core Updates are bigger.Core Updates tend to impact websites in many ways. Like all core updates, this was a global update and was not specific to any region, language or category of web site.
Changes in search rankings are usually a reflection of a connection between the site’s content relevancy and the new algorithm and are visible with weeks of the update.
The Industry Impact
The recent weeks has seen the world’s instability skyrocketing, search keywords changing dramatically. The newest Google Core Update seems to have brought along with it unprecedented additional SERP volatility
Here is some data from SEMrush Sensor on how industries have been impacted by May Core Update
SEMRush data indicates that the industries most impacted were travel, real estate, health, pets & animals. But here one need to keep in mind that the site ranking and search metrics in the recent weeks have also been influenced by changes in search behavior as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This may to an extent obscure the true effects of Google May 2020 Core Update and we may not understand the same till some more time to come.
It’s interesting to note that this update so far has been seen affecting websites across the world, and it’s not being just unique to English search terms.
Why is this Core Update Different?
Usually when there is a core update by Google within few days the changes become evident. But this time Google warned at the very start that it might take a few weeks to settle and that is why webmasters across the globe are expecting this one to be BIG and have a few noticeable side effects.
Who Does the Update Affect?
Google Core updates is not industry specific. Moreover, as seen in last few years the updates a while before any noticeable difference may show. When the roll out starts showing its affects Google sometimes makes a few tweaks and revisions depending on outcomes. Some of the sites and pages might see drops or gains in keyword rankings and organic traffic. No need to hurry up and fix the pages immediately. Let a few weeks go by.
In between make sure to analyze Google Search Console and site traffic analytics regularly over the coming weeks to understand the impact of this Core Update on your search engine existence.
How to Fix Things?
With Google updates its not easy to point out what exactly needs to be fixed when a Core Update algorithm hits your site. But previous experiences and data has shown us that Core updates are not site specific and has a lot to do with the overall quality of a site.
So, if your rankings get hit by this update the only thing to do is take a look at the quality of your site. Follow the golden rule of Google: produce authoritative and quality content that your target audience loves, always use high quality images and do everything possible to keep target audience satisfied.
Spend time in creating content. Go above the industry-standard. Offer your target audience with information that matter. Answer a query.
Google doesn’t rank a web page because it’s on a high-quality site. It ranks a web page because it is relevant. Focus on addressing the search intent.
