Google is releasing a broad core algorithm update today on June 2, 2021. This will be followed by another core update in July.
Google originally intended to pack more into today’s update, but couldn’t get everything ready in time. That’s the reason for releasing two core updates one month after another.
It’s exceedingly rare for Google to roll out separate updates so close together. However, the company says most sites are unlikely to notice the impact of either of them.
We’ll see over the coming weeks if that holds true, as it typically takes that long for a core update to fully roll out.
Google’s Danny Sullivan states on Twitter:
“Some of our planned improvements for the June 2021 update aren’t quite ready, so we’re moving ahead with the parts that are, then we will follow with the rest with the July 2021 update. Most sites won’t notice either of these updates, as is typical with any core updates.”
Google’s guidance on recovering from a broad core algorithm update remain the same.
With that said, try not to panic if your site is negatively impacted by the June update.
Don’t be too quick to celebrate if you see positive changes either, because it’s possible the impact of this month’s update will be reversed next month.
Sullivan continues:
“Of course, any core update can produce drops or gains for some content. Because of the two-part nature of this release, it’s possible a very small slice of content might see changes in June that reverse in July….
As a reminder, nothing in a core update is site-specific. Those who seek to perform well with search generally, including with core updates, should look to our guidance here.”
Sullivan elaborates on these statements in an article on Google’s blog explaining the why’s and how’s of core algorithm updates.
In it, he reminds site owners that updates aiming to improve the quality of search results are made thousands of times per year.
Not all updates are equal, however, and the impact of a core update is likely to be more noticeable than others.
What’s the difference between a core update and other updates?
Many updates to Google Search are focused on improving specific categories of results. An example would be the recent update to search results for product reviews.
What makes core updates different from the thousands of other updates is they involve broad improvements to Google Search.
When a core update is rolled out, which only happens a few times a year, substantial changes are made to Google’s ranking processes. Rather than targeting specific categories of sites, core updates target search overall.
To site owners who are impacted by a core update, Sullivan says it’s not because of anything they’ve done. It’s due to changes in how Google evaluates content to meet evolving user expectations.
“Core updates are designed to increase the overall relevancy of our search results. In terms of traffic we send, it’s largely a net exchange. Some content might do less well, but other content gains. In the long term, improving our systems in this way is how we’ve continued to improve Search and send more traffic to sites across the web every year.”
Being negatively impacted by a core algorithm update isn’t necessarily a sign that a site has done something wrong, or that it’s producing bad content. It’s more a sign that what was considered relevant before may not be as relevant to today’s searchers.
Oftentimes refreshing existing content to improve its relevancy can turn a site’s rankings around. The changes will likely not be felt until the next core update, but recovery is possible.
What should I do if I’m impacted by this core update?
The June 2021 Google core update puts site owners in a situation they’ve never been in before.
A core algorithm update is currently rolling out, and another one is already confirmed for next month.
There’s no precedent for this, which makes it difficult to recommend taking any specific action until we see what next month brings.
Instead of reacting to any changes from this month’s update, look ahead to next month and focus on making your site the best it can be before the July core update.
While you’re at it, don’t forget about the page experience update rolling out in mid-June.
It’s going to be a tumultuous couple of months in search, to say the least.
Source: Google
