Strategies for Website Recovery After Google's Core Update Revealed by Mueller

Google's Search Advocate John Mueller recently discussed the SEO community's worries about site recovery following algorithm updates. The discussion came up as individuals wondered if websites affected by the September helpful content update could recover lost traffic and rankings in upcoming core updates.

The conversation started on X when SEO expert Thomas Jepsen asked Mueller if Google still believes that websites can recover once issues are fixed, without holding a grudge.

Mueller confirmed that Google still operates this way, but mentioned that some issues may take longer to be reevaluated (sometimes taking months currently), and some significant impacts may require another update cycle.

Some things still need to be reassessed, and this process can sometimes take months. Additionally, certain significant effects may require another update cycle. For more information, you can visit https://t.co/WDy7Q4dpzb.

Addressing Lingering Confusion

Following Mueller’s statements, confusion persisted around whether sites hit by the helpful content update require a new core update to recover lost rankings.

Mueller clarified:

“… not all changes require another update cycle. In practice, I’d assume that stronger effects will require another update. Core updates can include many things.”

Core updates can be compared to tweaks in ranking formulas and thresholds. When adjustments are made to these elements, it may lead to the need for another round of updates. For instance, updating a ranking formula along with certain thresholds could result in ongoing effects from the formula update, while changes to thresholds usually call for an additional update to fine-tune.

— John … (@JohnMu) May 4, 2024

Dismissing Permanence Concerns

There is worry that websites impacted by the September content update might be stuck in a lower classification, hindering future progress.

Mueller reassured that affected websites have the potential to recover traffic by enhancing their content quality.

However, Mueller says full recovery to pre-update levels is unrealistic.

He states:

Permanent changes are not very useful in a dynamic world, so yes. However, "recover" implies going back to just-as-before, and IMO that is always unrealistic, since the world, user-expectations, and the rest of the web continues to change. It's never "just-as-before".

— John … (@JohnMu) May 6, 2024

When asked directly if a site affected by the helpful content update can grow in traffic if it improves in quality, Mueller stated:

Yes, websites that have been impacted by the 'HCU' (now known as core update) can recover and grow again. This is not a permanent setback. It may require a significant amount of effort, time, and multiple update cycles, but an updated website will also perform differently in search results.

— John … (@JohnMu) May 6, 2024

The Long Road Ahead

Mueller emphasizes that the recovery process extends beyond just helpful content updates or core updates on Google. He highlights that it applies to all types of systems and updates within the platform.

To clarify, it's important to understand that "helpful content update" recoveries do not necessarily take longer than other updates. It's simply that certain types of changes require a significant amount of time to take effect, which is true for all systems and updates in Google or any other large computer system. It would be incorrect and misleading to attribute this solely to the helpful content system or core updates.

Mueller pointed out that the process of recovering from a drop in rankings is not a straightforward task and may involve in-depth analysis and substantial effort to determine how to make a website relevant again.

The "core update" also takes into account how our systems evaluate content in terms of its helpfulness, reliability, and relevance to users' queries. It's not just a simple tweak that can be made on a website overnight. Understanding how to make a website relevant in today's world may involve deep analysis and significant effort to implement changes that align with the website's goals.

In addition, fixing technical issues alone may not be enough for recovery. It may also be necessary to realign business priorities.

Why SEJ Cares

The changes happening in businesses are not just simple recoveries from technical issues. Instead, they represent shifts in priorities for the business. It is important to understand that a business may choose not to make these changes, depending on their circumstances.

Google's core algorithm updates have the potential to greatly impact how easily a website can be found in search results and the amount of traffic it receives.

It is important for websites that have been negatively impacted by these updates to receive clear guidance on how to recover. This guidance is essential for managing expectations and creating a realistic plan for moving forward.

Mueller’s insights reassure that improvement remains possible through strategic realignment with Google’s current quality standards.

How This Can Help You

Mueller’s insights allow impacted sites to set realistic expectations for recovery.

Regaining visibility remains possible with patience, thorough analysis, and persistent effort.

Mueller’s statements offer the following takeaways for sites impacted by Google’s updates:

Recovery isn’t out of the question but will require significant effort over multiple update cycles.

Merely reverting to old strategies is not enough; websites need to adapt to meet the evolving needs of users and adhere to current internet standards.

A thorough examination is required to pinpoint areas that need enhancement and adjust the content strategy to align with contemporary relevance indicators.

Returning to previous ranking positions is unrealistic due to evolving user needs.

Featured Image: rudall30/Shutterstock

Editor's P/S:

Google's affirmation that websites can recover from algorithm updates provides hope for those affected by the September helpful content update. While recovery may take time and effort, it is possible through strategic content improvements and realignment with Google's evolving quality standards. However, it is essential to set realistic expectations, recognizing that pre-update rankings may not be achievable due to ongoing changes in user needs and internet standards.

Mueller's insights underscore the importance of ongoing analysis and adaptation in the face of algorithm updates. Websites must continuously evaluate their content, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes that enhance relevance and user satisfaction. This iterative process requires patience and persistence, but it is the key to long-term success in search results.