Google’s most sought after broad core algorithm update Google August 1 Core Update is now fully rolled out. Also deemed as the Medic Update by some experts, the update appears to be focused on health and medical sites. The list of the niche impacted could be more beyond this.
Google August 1 Core Update: Key Takeaways
Google is consistent about its version that there is nothing one can do to fix the site. So, webmasters should continue with offering impeccable user experience and quality content. The update gets its name the Medic update as it was focused on the medical and health space. Google confirmed that the update was a broad core algorithm update and Google rolls out such updates several times per year.
The search engine giant also said that like other updates Google August 1 Core Update could lead to significant drops in website rankings. If some sites may note drops or gains or perform less well, nothing wrong with the website pages.
Rather it’s happening due to some changes made to the algorithms that are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.
Googler Danny Sullivan confirmed this as update as a “global” rollout that impacts all Google search results across languages or regions. Google, though, didn’t confirm how much of the search results were impacted by this update.
Google August 1 Core Update: The Most Impacted
Being a global update, it will impact every niche and every type of site. But based on the data that available from SEO consultants, it appears that the update targets on medical and health niches, as well as “Your Money Your Life” types of sites. Its impact is slightly seen on entertainment and gaming niches as well.
Based on the data available, following may be the most impacted niches:
- Pages that solicit personal information, such as personal identification numbers, bank account numbers, drivers license numbers, etc., which could be used for identity theft.
- Pages used for monetary transactions, on which users might give their credit account or bank account information; for example, any page that allows you to buy something.
- Pages that offer medical or health information that could impact your physical well-being.
- Pages offering advice on major life decisions, such as pages on parenting, purchasing a home, a vehicle and so on
- Pages offering advice on major life issues that could impact your future happiness and finances, such as pages giving legal or financial advice.
Experts concluded the name of above niches as the majority of changes can be seen for YMYL-sites and health and finance pages. Means, those are the websites that have been majorly affected by this update.
Google August 1 Core Update: What SEOs Can Do?
So, now that the update is fully rolled out, the question remains is what to do to recover from negative impact.
As of now, we go by what Google says: there is nothing you can do. There is no fix. But Google has recommendations. The search engine giant suggests that search engine optimization experts should continue working on improving their website, content and overall user experience. If they keep working on these aspects, the next update may lead to rank recovery.
If experts are to be believed, the August 1, 2018 Google update was a massive one and Google’s attempt to determine E-A-T for a website. The search engine juggernaut is working harder to determine which websites are the most trustworthy to show searchers, and the update seems to be a big push towards establishing it.
Image courtesy: Search Engine Journal
Tarun Gupta, CEO of Brainpulse Technologies, is a prolific author and digital marketing specialist. His insightful writings span SEO, content marketing, social media strategy, and email campaigns, offering invaluable expertise to businesses worldwide. Tarun’s contributions continue to shape the digital marketing landscape, guiding success in multiple niches.