What's Going On With Google's November 2024 Core Update?

SEO
What's Going On With Google's November 2024 Core Update?
Article by David Jenkin
Last Updated: January 17, 2025

Google’s latest core update, rolled out in November 2024, has sent shockwaves through the digital landscape. From fluctuating search engine result page (SERP) rankings to shifting search engine optimization (SEO) strategies, this update is a hot topic among marketers, web developers, and business owners alike. 

We’re going to break down the November 2024 core update, explore what’s new, its implications for websites, and actionable strategies to adapt. Let’s dive into what this update means for the future of search and how you can adjust your approach and have your business flourish. 

What’s New in the November 2024 Core Update? 

[Source: SwipeInsight] 

Google’s November 2024 core update, which finished rolling out in early December 2024, focuses on improving user experience by prioritizing high-quality, relevant, and authoritative content. This update is intended to reinforce Google’s ongoing mission to provide users with the most accurate and helpful search results. 

Key Features

Key features of this update include: 

1. Content quality prioritization: Content that demonstrates expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-A-T) gains more visibility. 

2. Improved contextual understanding: Google’s algorithms now have a better grasp on context and intent, resulting in more nuanced search results. 

3. Better handling of AI-generated content: Increased scrutiny on AI-generated content ensures it meets quality and originality benchmarks. 

Sérgio Terrível, CEO of ZnetGuru, called it “a seismic shift in the SEO world”. He continues by stating that “[The update] has recalibrated how search engines assess content. Gone are the days of gaming the algorithm with keyword stuffing and thin content. Now, only rich, authentic pages, brimming with substance, rise to prominence.”  

E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) has evolved into the sine qua non for rankings. Websites backed by credible, authoritative voices thrive, while superficial content languishes,” Terrível concludes. 

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Impact on Ranking Factors

The November 2024 update recalibrates core ranking factors in the following ways: 

  • Content depth and relevance: Comprehensive, well-structured content is prioritized over generic or superficial articles. 
  • Authority signals: Links from authoritative sources play a bigger role. 
  • User engagement metrics: Dwell time, bounce rate, and click-through rates are gaining more weight as indicators of content quality. 

Impact on Featured Snippets and SERPs

Featured snippets have undergone noticeable changes, with an increased preference for: 

  • Structured and concise answers 
  • Content showcasing visual aids like tables, charts, or infographics 
  • Updated information from authoritative sources 

Additionally, the SERPs now highlight a broader range of sources, reducing over-reliance on a few dominant players. 

Mobile-First and AI

Google continues to prioritize mobile-first indexing, ensuring sites deliver seamless experiences across devices, regardless of screen size or resolution.  

Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a pivotal role in: 

  • Enhancing search personalization 
  • Evaluating content authenticity and originality 
  • Providing contextually rich results by understanding complex queries better 

What The November 2024 Core Update Means for Your SEO and Websites 

The emphasis on quality content is stronger than ever. As Horacio Fields, The Fields Agency Founder and Lead Strategist, says, “websites can no longer rely solely on traditional SEO tactics”. 

To adapt to this change, he says, “websites must focus on producing high-quality, relevant and value-driven content that addresses the needs and intent of their target audience. This includes conducting thorough research and providing accurate information from credible sources.” 

He advises prioritizing the creation of a “seamless and satisfying user experience through mobile optimization, fast loading times, and easy navigation because user engagement metrics such as time spent on page and bounce rates are also becoming more important in evaluating content quality.” 

[Source: Search Engine Roundtable]

Google’s algorithms are more laser-focused than ever on rewarding depth, originality, and relevance. If your content lacks these qualities, you might see a drop in rankings.

Let’s inspect these qualities a bit deeper:

  • Provide depth: Superficial content no longer cuts it. Think of your articles as comprehensive guides, addressing every possible question a user might have on a topic. For instance, if you’re covering SEO strategies, ensure it includes actionable tips, case studies, and examples.
  • Showcase credibility: Google is giving more weight to content that demonstrates expertise. To align with this, use bylines with author credentials, link to authoritative sources, and back up claims with data or case studies.
  • Stay fresh: Updating older content can make a big difference. If you have evergreen articles, revisit them regularly to ensure they remain accurate and relevant.

Changes in Technical SEO Requirements

Technical SEO is evolving to keep pace with Google’s focus on user experience. Even small oversights can have big consequences, so staying ahead of technical requirements is critical.

  • Core web vitals: These metrics, including largest contentful paint (LCP), first input delay (FID), and cumulative layout shift (CLS), are now essential. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights or Lighthouse can help you identify and address issues.
  • Schema markup: Structured data helps Google understand your content better, increasing your chances of appearing in rich results. Implement schema for FAQs, reviews, and product listings to gain an edge.
  • Mobile optimization: A mobile-first approach is no longer optional. Make sure your site loads quickly, displays properly, and is easy to navigate on all devices.
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Actions to Take

It’s not too late to tackle any challenges posed by the November 2024 core update with a refined content strategy. Fields points to Healthline.com as an example of a company that thrived as a result of the November 2024 core update, because of “their focus on producing high-quality, authoritative content that is backed by medical professionals and research.”

“They prioritize user experience by providing easy-to-navigate layouts, informative visuals, and mobile-friendly design. Additionally, they constantly update and improve their content based on current trends and user needs,” he adds.

A few actions you can take include:

  • Audit your content quality: Conduct a comprehensive review of your existing content. Use tools like SEMrush or Ahrefs to identify underperforming pages and enhance them.
  • Enhance your technical SEO: Don’t just focus on content — ensure your site’s technical health is robust. Regularly run site audits and fix issues like broken links, duplicate content, or slow page speeds.
  • Monitor your performance: Keep a close eye on analytics. Sudden drops in traffic or engagement can signal areas affected by the update.
  • Stay updated: SEO isn’t static. Follow industry blogs, attend webinars, and stay engaged with the SEO community to keep up with changes.
  • Use AI tools: AI-powered tools can help streamline your SEO efforts. From content creation to keyword analysis, AI can provide valuable insights and efficiencies.

What’s Next for Google’s Core Updates?

“Looking ahead, we expect Google to lean even more on AI to understand user intent and deliver hyper-relevant results,” says Jesse Diamond, founder of Optimize Digital. His pro tip to stay ahead is: “Stay agile — keep tabs on Google’s updates and adapt quickly. Don’t wait until rankings drop.” He also advises investing in evergreen content that will survive shifts better than “trendy fluff”.

The trend of more core updates more often more often shows that Google is doubling down on its efforts to refine search quality faster than ever before. With the growing use of AI to analyze and rank content, businesses will need to adopt a forward-thinking mindset.

Future-proofing your SEO strategies by focusing on user-centric content, technical excellence, and AI-driven insights will be key to maintaining stability as the changes keep rolling in.

Otherwise, a business should expect to be greatly impacted by more core updates that spell rapid changes and immediate widespread effects, as many businesses were in November 2023 with an update that represented a paradigm shift because as it sought to enhance the quality of review-centric content in its search results.

Start preparing for future updates by:

  • Staying proactive, keeping an eye on industry news and Google’s announcements.
  • Investing in high-quality, evergreen content.
  • Embracing new technologies, like AI tools and machine learning, to enhance content strategies.

Google’s November 2024 Core Update: An Overview

Google’s November 2024 core update has once again highlighted the ever-changing landscape of search engine optimization. The update underscores the importance of high-quality content, robust technical SEO, and a user-first approach to ensure long-term success.

For marketers, web developers, and business owners, adapting to these changes is about finding a long-term strategy with which to thrive. By focusing on E-A-T, leveraging AI tools, and staying proactive, you can align with Google's evolving standards and safeguard your rankings.

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Google’s November 2024 Core Update FAQs 

1. Which industries have been most affected by Google’s November 2024 core update?

Some industries have been more significantly impacted than others. Horacio Fields points out the following industries as having seen major changes in their search rankings: 

  • Health and wellness 
  • Finance 
  • News/media 
  • eCommerce 

2. Is keyword research still relevant after the November 2024 core update?

Yes, but the emphasis is on intent-based keywords and context rather than exact-match phrases. Tools that analyze search intent can help identify opportunities to create more aligned, user-focused content. 

3. Does this update make backlinks more or less important?

Backlinks remain crucial, but the focus has shifted to quality over quantity. Links from reputable, authoritative sources carry more weight than ever before, emphasizing the need for a strategic, value-driven approach to link building. 

 

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