Google may have released an update to its search ranking algorithm between July 18 and August 1, 2024. Several search tracking tools detected volatility similar to that of an algorithm update, and SEOs reported fluctuations in their traffic.
There are considerations that this unconfirmed update may actually be two unconfirmed updates, with one starting on July 18, 2024, and the other one starting on July 22, 2024.
What Are People Saying?
On July 18, 2024, Barry Schwartz shared reports from several analytic report tools on X (formerly Twitter).
Google Search ranking algorithm volatility https://t.co/qzVdHn3grE pic.twitter.com/BkZg2BvOIM
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) July 18, 2024
Glenn Gabe replied to the post, saying he had observed multiple volatilities on search results pages since early May, a few weeks after the March 2024 Core Update that ran from March 5 to April 19, 2024. He suggested this unconfirmed update could be a test for an upcoming broad core update.
There has been so much volatility since early May (AFTER the March core update completed), with a number of reversals, that I don't recommend making huge changes based on that volatility until the next core update rolls out. I've seen sites drop heavily only to recover, or… https://t.co/MdbQMk352q pic.twitter.com/LoniH8BoPt
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) July 18, 2024
Barry shared more reports on July 24, 2024. This time, he suggested that Google may be testing something with this unconfirmed update.
Google Search ranking update/volatility around July 23rd – maybe Google is testing… https://t.co/MO1WUYvsOT pic.twitter.com/qYyvGiVSDm
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) July 24, 2024
Again, Glenn Gabe mentioned that Google was likely running tests for an upcoming broad core update. Glenn added that this broad core update is expected to be released within the next few weeks and may include the algorithm part of the site reputation abuse update.
Yep, looks like more possible testing as we lead up to the next broad core update (which could include the algorithmic part of 'site reputation abuse'). And again, we've seen crazy volatility (with some reversals) since 5/3… As Danny explained, the next broad core update is… https://t.co/vVNYhehkio
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) July 24, 2024
Gabe’s suggestion is in sync with a comment Google Search Liaison Danny Sullivan left on a Search Engine Roundtable post that he expects the next core update to be released in the coming weeks.
On July 31, 2024, Glenn Gabe mentioned that this unconfirmed update is a huge one. He added that the upcoming core update would significantly impact the search results pages.
I've been digging into some of the latest volatility and there is some huge movement over the past week (as reported by @rustybrick). Specifically, 7/19 and 7/26. I'm seeing a lot volatility in ecommerce, recipes, UGC, jobs, and more. Again, the next core update is close… and… pic.twitter.com/QIy7DNLzNC
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) July 31, 2024
On August 1, 2024, Barry published a new post, indicating the volatility had become more severe. Again, he hinted that a major core update was on its way.
Google Search ranking volatility is bursting at the seams – huge volatility over the past 24 hours – is this a sign that the Google core update is coming? More details at https://t.co/dTcqoLdqTQ pic.twitter.com/810O3uqUYA
— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) August 1, 2024
Google typically notifies everyone when it releases a core update, so it is unlikely that this is a core update, considering there has been no such announcement from Google.
What’s Next – Dealing With This Update
It remains to be seen if these volatility are perhaps connected to the upcoming broad core update. In the meantime, you should monitor your site with Rank Math Analytics. If you observe a drop in your traffic, refer to this video on recovering from a Google algorithm update.
