Google’s Danny Sullivan has confirmed that an algorithm update occurred this week.
“Our core algorithm is updated all the time. For major updates, we’ll continue to share about those on @searchliaison, as we have been. We haven’t had a major update of that nature, but we did have a smaller one this week.”
According to Sullivan, it’s a “smaller” algorithm update. However, it’s large enough for SEOs to have picked up on it.
Many within the community are reporting the update has made a noticeable difference in website traffic.
SEOs and site owners are seeing significant spikes and drops in traffic.
The most common theme seems to be sites that got hit by the August core algorithm update are now making a recovery.
There doesn’t seem to be a common theme with respect to the niches that the sites belong to.
Here is a sample of the chatter so far:
Google Algo Update (1 of 2): I said the other day that we were due for a major update. Little did I know that would arrive so quickly. I've been checking my list of sites that were impacted by prev. major updates and seeing a number either surge or drop. Here are some examples: pic.twitter.com/QF3ziyADbC
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) September 28, 2018
Google Algo Update (2 of 2): And this is my absolute favorite. There's a LONG story behind this one, but they finally surged on 9/26. FINALLY. Here are screenshots from both GA and SEMrush. I really hope this sticks for them. They deserve it. pic.twitter.com/1w155q9UlO
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) September 28, 2018
And to clarify, since I know many will be asking about this, yes, these surges and drops are across different types of sites. Definitely seeing a bunch in the health/medical space again, but also seeing others outside of that niche. E-commerce, coupons, games, and others. https://t.co/CMc8GoX63x
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) September 28, 2018
Also worth noting, I'm seeing some sites reverse from the August 1 update (Medic), but others either surge more or drop more during this update. So it's definitely not some type of straight reversal from 8/1. pic.twitter.com/Uq7wtq0COn
— Glenn Gabe (@glenngabe) September 28, 2018
It's a big change indeed. Seeing big improvements in one of our sites that were heavily affected by the medical update back in august. A correction perhaps? pic.twitter.com/vgbftwoB8d
— Nacho Boza (@nachoboza) September 28, 2018
Any SEOs seeing drops in traffic or rankings?? News posts are killing it in the SERPS. Trying to figure out what might be happening.
— Lynette Zilio (@lzilio) September 27, 2018
Early impressions of this update – seems to be affecting sites in super competitive niches most strongly. Lots of chatter in blackhat circles. Some sites that saw massive drops Aug 1 are seeing big increases & vice versa.
Most sites we monitor show very little change though. pic.twitter.com/ErWdQfjf2h
— Marie Haynes (@Marie_Haynes) September 28, 2018
Google’s John Mueller recently provided some advice for those looking to recover from the August core algorithm update.
In doing so, Mueller suggested it could take several months for Google to process the recommended site changes.
It has been less than two months since the August core algorithm update. So that should be reassuring for those who are still waiting for their changes to be reflected in Google’s search results.
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