Google Algorithm Update.What the tools and the market are showing.

We observed significant fluctuations in Google’s search results, which we believe marked the initial signs of an algorithm update becoming evident on July 18, 2023The changes began at approximately midnight GMT on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, with the search results undergoing dramatic shifts, affecting a wide range of industries. While we initially noticed more significant changes in the last two days, as of July 18, 2023, it appeared that things were moving with a level of purpose not seen since the March 2023 Core Algorithm Update. Google Algorithm Update 2023

What happens when a Google Algorithm Update occurs?

A Google algorithm update is a change made to Google’s search engine algorithm. These updates are designed to improve the quality of search results and to make it easier for users to find the information they are looking for.

When a Google algorithm update occurs, it can have a significant impact on the ranking of websites in search results. Some websites may see their ranking improve, while others may see their ranking decline. The impact of an algorithm update can vary depending on some factors, including the nature of the update, the content of the website, and the competition.

Here are some of the things that can happen when a Google algorithm update occurs:

Websites may see their ranking improve. This can happen if the website is updated to reflect the changes in the algorithm. For example, if an algorithm update focuses on mobile-friendliness, a website that is not mobile-friendly may see its ranking decline. However, if the website is updated to be mobile-friendly, it may see its ranking improve.
Websites may see their ranking decline. This can happen if the website is not updated to reflect the changes in the algorithm. For example, if an algorithm update focuses on high-quality content, a website that has low-quality content may see its ranking decline. However, if the website is updated to include high-quality content, it may see its ranking improve.
The ranking of websites may change. This can happen even if the websites are not updated. This is because the algorithm update may change the way that Google ranks websites. For example, if an algorithm update focuses on user experience, websites that have a good user experience may see their ranking improve, even if they are not updated.
New websites may start to rank higher. This can happen if the new websites are more relevant to the search queries that users are using. For example, if an algorithm update focuses on local search, new websites that are located near the user may start to rank higher.
Some websites may disappear from search results. This can happen if the websites are not relevant to the search queries that users are using. For example, if an algorithm update focuses on freshness, websites that have outdated content may disappear from search results.

It is important to note that Google does not disclose the details of its algorithm updates.

This is done to prevent website owners from gaming the system. However, Google does provide some general information about its algorithm updates. This information can be found in the Google Search Central blog.

If you are concerned about the impact of a Google algorithm update on your website, you can take a few steps to improve your chances of maintaining or improving your ranking. These steps include:

Keeping your website up-to-date. This includes updating your content, making sure your website is mobile-friendly, and fixing any errors.
Creating high-quality content. This means creating content that is relevant, informative, and well-written.
Building links to your website. This means getting other websites to link to your website.
Monitoring your website’s ranking. This can be done using a variety of tools, such as Google Search Console.

By taking these steps, you can help to ensure that your website is not negatively affected by a Google algorithm update.

What the SEO tools tell us about the Google Algorithm Update in 2023

Semrush Sensor 19th July 2023

Mozcast Algorithm Weather Report 19th July 2023

Rank Ranger Risk Index 19th July 2023

Semrush Sensor volatility by category

A look at the Semrush volatility sensor by category indicates that there are some big changes in the works with an average of 9.2 out of 10 on the Semrush volatility sensor across all categories.

Remember, these fluctuations are taken from a measurement of a fixed set of keywords that are refreshed daily to measure change. Semrush is tight-lipped about what those keywords are, however, in our experience, it is one of the most accurate tools for measuring SERP volatility and provides an accurate guide for SEOs and webmasters to measure personal changes (changes to the sites that they track and follow) against a broader audience in their niche.

It’s important to remember that each category is unique, and each will show a different value based on the keywords that are being tracked by Semrush.

Lowest Volatility Category

Health – 5.2

Highest Volatility (all 9.4/10)

Arts & Entertainment – 9.4
Business & Industrial – 9.4
Computers & Electronics – 9.4
News – 9.4
Shopping – 9.4
Sports – 9.4

Mid/High ( -> 5.8 – 7.9) Volatility Categories:

Mid-range volatility is an arbitrary distinction and should be weighed up against a normal range of 2-3 on most days. The lowest volatility category (Health) with a value of 5.7 is still considered above average by normal definitions and is by no means an insignificant number.

Health – 5.8
Food & Drink – 7
Travel – 7.5
Science – 7.9

Extreme (>= 8) Volatility Categories:

In the Semrush sensor, eight and above is considered “very high” which means that all of these categories are seeing significant SERP movements. This is (by and large) the biggest fluctuation that we have seen outside of a core update in a long while.

Again, high-range volatility here may be an understatement. Anything above five and you will find yourself in the red zone which means that all of the categories here are in the red and show significant SERP movements are happening.

Real Estate – 8
Reference – 8.4
Finance – 8.7
Pets & Animals – 8.7
Books & Literature – 9
People & Society – 9
Hobbies & Leisure – 9.1
Home & Garden – 9.1
Beauty & Fitness – 9.2
Jobs & Education – 9.2
Online Communities – 9.2
Autos & Vehicles – 9.3
Games – 9.3
Internet & Telecom – 9.3
Law & Government – 9.3
Arts & Entertainment – 9.4
Business & Industrial – 9.4
Computers & Electronics – 9.4
News – 9.4
Shopping – 9.4
Sports – 9.4

When are we due for the next Core Algorithm update?

In our estimations, a Google core algorithm update is right around the corner. Back in April last year, we provided a breakdown of the average days between Google’s core algorithm updates and found a mean duration of 130 days and a median of 111.5 days between Google Core algorithm updates. Given that the last confirmed update from Google came in the form of the March Core Algorithm update some 125 days ago – I’d say we’re not far away from the next update.

What should I do now?

As we said, the algorithm changes that we are witnessing on the 18th of July 2023 are not a confirmed algorithm update from Google. However, based on the previous duration between updates and the fluctuations that are synonymous with a run-up to a Core algorithm update, our recommendation is to keep a close eye on Google’s search liaison Twitter account over the next week or two. At this stage, we don’t recommend making big changes to your strategy or your pages. We recommend waiting to see what the next few weeks have to hold and assessing once things are in a more stable position.

How Major News Portals Shift Strategies in Response to Google Algorithm Updates: Examples

The news resource CNET has removed many old articles from its website. According to an internal memo, this action is aimed at boosting the site’s ranking in Google search results. It is noted that thousands of articles have been removed from the CNET website since July. The internal memo from CNET states that this “content pruning sends a signal to Google that CNET is fresh, up-to-date, and worthy of surpassing our competitors in search results.” However, the publications recognized as “outdated” are archived using the Internet Archive Wayback Machine, and authors are given at least a 10-day notice.

CNET is owned by Red Ventures

It’s worth mentioning that CNET is owned by Red Ventures, which employs a ruthless SEO strategy across its media assets, including The Points Guy, Healthline, and Bankrate. In January, it was reported that CNET had quietly used AI tools to create content that might contain affiliate advertising. After this revelation and the errors found in articles generated by AI, Red Ventures temporarily suspended the publication of such materials and reviewed its AI policy. In May, CNET employees formed unions, citing the need for more control over the use of AI-powered tools and how the site monetizes their work.

Red Ventures and CNET justify the content removal by citing the impact of Google Search ranking algorithms, claiming that this process “will enhance SEO ranking and lead to greater user engagement.” However, Gizmodo points out that removing parts of the archives may not be a good SEO strategy in essence. Google has stated that its guidelines do not encourage this practice. At the same time, SEO experts told Gizmodo that this could be beneficial for websites if done carefully.

Red Ventures seems willing to take this risk. According to the internal memo, CNET will undergo regular “content pruning” in the future, at least once a year.