Hey there, SEO enthusiasts and curious website owners! Let’s talk about the latest Google Search Algorithm update—the December 2024 Core Update—and why it’s got the SEO world buzzing.
This one wrapped up faster than a trending TikTok challenge, rolling out between December 12 and December 18. That’s right, just six days! (Google doesn’t waste time, do they?) If your site’s rankings have been doing the cha-cha lately, this update might be the reason. Let’s break it down.
What Went Down in the December 2024 Update?
First things first: this was a broad core update, which means Google basically went in and adjusted how they rank websites on a massive scale. Unlike those tiny tweaks you barely notice, core updates can shake things up big time.
And oh, there’s more: this came right after the November core update—a rare move for Google. Usually, there’s more breathing room between updates, but Google says they’re always working on different systems, so back-to-back updates aren’t that wild anymore.
What’s the Vibe With This Update?
Alright, so Google didn’t exactly drop a blueprint of what changed (classic), but here’s what SEO experts are noticing:
1. Content is STILL King (But Now, Think Like a Queen Too)
It’s all about relevance, baby. Google wants to serve content that hits users’ search intent spot on. Here’s the tea:
- If someone’s Googling “easy pasta recipes,” they don’t want a 5,000-word essay on the history of Italian cuisine—they want step-by-step instructions, pronto.
- Content also needs to feel real and credible. Think research-backed blogs, pro-level advice, or personal experiences that scream, “I know what I’m talking about!”
And let’s not forget E-E-A-T—that’s Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. (Google: “Show me you’re legit or lose those rankings.”)
2. User Experience: Make It Smooth, Like a Spotify Playlist
You can have the best content in the world, but if your site loads slower than grandma’s internet or looks like it was built in 2008, say goodbye to good rankings.
- Page speed? Faster = better.
- Mobile-friendly? Non-negotiable. Everyone’s scrolling on their phones these days.
- Navigation? Make it stupidly easy to find stuff. If users are bouncing around your site like a pinball, that’s not a good sign.
3. AI Content: Handle With Care
Yes, you can use AI to help crank out content (no shame in the game), but don’t let it take over. If your articles feel robotic or don’t actually help people, Google’s probably gonna ghost you in the rankings. Real, human-written (or at least human-checked) content is still where it’s at.
4. More Updates, More Often
Let’s talk about this whole back-to-back update thing. Is Google low-key training us to expect algorithm changes more often? Maybe. It’s like they’re saying, “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”
The takeaway: SEO isn’t a one-and-done deal. You’ve gotta keep your site fresh, your content high-quality, and your strategy on point, or you risk falling behind.
Oh, and There Was a Spam Update To
Right after the core update, Google hit us with a spam update. If your site’s doing sketchy stuff like keyword stuffing, cloaking, or using shady backlinks, you probably felt this one hard.
Moral of the story? Stay ethical. Google’s watching. 👀
What Should YOU Do About This Update?
Okay, so maybe your site took a hit, or maybe it’s doing better than ever. Either way, here’s your playbook:
1. Step Up Your Content Game
Think about your audience first. Are you solving their problems? Are you giving them what they actually want?
- Write like you care (because you should).
- Back up your claims with research or personal experience.
- Update old posts that are still getting traffic but could use a glow-up.
2. Don’t Sleep on User Experience
- Make your site fast—like “blink and it’s loaded” fast. Tools like Google PageSpeed Insights are your BFF here.
- Double-check your mobile experience. Is everything readable, tappable, and scrollable? If not, fix it.
- Clean up your navigation. If users can’t find what they need, they’ll bounce faster than a rubber ball.
3. Monitor, Adapt, Repeat
SEO is basically like fitness: you don’t stop working out just because you hit your goal weight.
- Use tools like Google Search Console to keep tabs on your performance.
- Watch how your rankings shift over the next few weeks.
- If something’s off, tweak your strategy and test again.
What If You Got Hit?
First of all, don’t freak out. Core updates aren’t about punishing sites—they’re about improving search results for users. If your rankings dropped, it’s just Google saying, “Hey, you’ve got some room to level up.”
Here’s how to bounce back:
- Audit Your Content: Look at your top pages. Are they still relevant, useful, and high-quality?
- Boost E-E-A-T: Add author bios, cite sources, and be transparent about where your info comes from.
- Think Like a User: Ask yourself, “If I were searching for this, would I find this page helpful?” If the answer’s no, fix it.
Final Thoughts: SEO Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
The December 2024 Core Update is just another reminder that SEO isn’t about gaming the system—it’s about creating value. Keep your audience front and center, stay adaptable, and don’t let algorithm updates stress you out.
Remember: Google’s whole goal is to serve users the best content possible. If you’re doing that, you’re already ahead of the curve. Now go crush it! 🚀
Wole Oduwole, an SEO & Digital Growth Expert is the Founder of SEOGidi. Harnessing with over 10 years of experience to scaling startups and emerging businesses.
