The E-E-A-T Core Update December 2024: What You Need to Know

Google Shakes Things Up Again with a Second Core Update – The E-E-A-T Core Update December 2024

December 2024 saw Google roll out another core update, hot on the heels of the November 2024 update. While core updates are a regular occurrence, this one caused a stir amongst SEO professionals due to its proximity to the previous update and its potential impact on website rankings.

What is a Core Update?

A core update is a significant change to Google’s search algorithm aimed at improving the overall quality of search results. Unlike smaller, targeted updates that focus on specific areas like spam or mobile-friendliness, core updates are broader in scope and designed to better understand content and user intent.

The E-E-A-T Factor

A crucial element in Google’s algorithm, and one that has gained increasing prominence in recent years, is E-E-A-T: Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. This concept applies to both the creators of content and the websites themselves.

• Experience: Does the content creator have real-world experience in the topic they are writing about?
• Expertise: Is the content accurate, well-informed, and insightful?
• Authoritativeness: Is the content from a reputable and trusted source?
• Trustworthiness: Is the content reliable, unbiased, and honest?

The December 2024 core update likely placed even greater emphasis on E-E-A-T, rewarding websites and content that clearly demonstrate these qualities.

Why Another Update So Soon?

Google has various core systems that undergo continuous improvement. The November 2024 update focused on one set of these systems, while the December update targeted another. This explains why two significant updates occurred in quick succession.

E-E-A-T and Your Website

While core updates can lead to fluctuations in website rankings, it’s important to remember that their purpose is to enhance the overall search experience for users. If your website has been negatively impacted by the December 2024 core update, it may indicate areas where your content or website as a whole is lacking in E-E-A-T.

Here are some tips to help your website navigate core updates and maintain strong rankings:

1. Focus on High-Quality Content:

   • Create content that is informative, engaging, well-written, and provides genuine value to users.
   • Use clear and concise language, ensuring your content is easy to understand and digest.
   • Ensure your content is accurate, up-to-date, and reflects current knowledge and best practices.
   • Optimise your content for relevant keywords, but prioritise user experience over keyword stuffing.

2. Build Your Website’s Authority:

   • Earn backlinks from reputable and authoritative websites in your industry.
   • Build relationships with other websites and online influencers to expand your reach and credibility.
   • Encourage social media sharing to amplify your content and attract a wider audience.

3. Prioritise User Experience:

   • Ensure your website is easy to navigate, with a clear and intuitive structure.
   • Optimise your website for fast loading times, as slow loading speeds can deter users and negatively impact rankings.
   • Ensure your website is mobile-friendly, as mobile browsing continues to grow in popularity.
   • Use clear and consistent branding to create a professional and trustworthy online presence.

4. Monitor Your Website’s Performance:

   • Utilise Google Search Console to track your website’s performance in search results.
   • Pay close attention to any significant drops in traffic or rankings, as these may indicate issues that need to be addressed.
   • Regularly analyse your website’s performance to identify areas for improvement and optimise your SEO strategy.

Has your website been affected by the December 2024 Core Update?

If you’ve noticed a drop in your website traffic or search rankings, it might be time for an SEO audit. Our team can help you identify any issues related to E-E-A-T and provide tailored recommendations to improve your website’s performance. Contact us today for a free SEO consultation.