November 2024 Google Core Algorithm Update

It looks like a potential Google algorithm update may be brewing for November 2024. SEO Forums and communities are all buzzing with reports on search volatility post October 12, 2024.

From my experience, these SERP tremors across industries often signal Google’s preparations for an update.

In fact, many SEO experts suspect that an unconfirmed update might have rolled out mid-October, 2024.

Early Signs of Google Core Algorithm Update

The SERP volatility and Google Discover traffic fluctuations post mid-October shows a possible upcoming rollout of the November 2024 Google Core Update.

Fluctuations in Google Search Traffic

I looked at the last 28 days’ position trends in Google Search Console to analyze ranking changes. There were site-level improvements in positions as well as drops. In some cases, the drop is for a set of keywords.

Site wide Position improvements

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Site-wide Position drops

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Position changes across the Main Content Keyword Cluster

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Fluctuations in Google Discover Traffic

One sign of Google Algorithm Update is fluctuations in Google Discover Traffic and Web stories traffic. This is because the algorithm updates impact rankings in Discover as well.

Increase in Visibility & Traffic in Google Discover

I have analyzed a few websites that saw a drop or gain in traffic in Google Discover. The time period taken here is 28 days.

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Decrease in Visibility & Traffic in Google Discover

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Forbes continues to drop in traffic

Forbes dropped in traffic post mid of Sep’24. The trend continued and there was another steep drop somewhere beginning of Nov’24.

The drop is due to Site Reputation Abuse where Forbes deviated from their typical Main content. Earlier their /coupon folder was impacted.

I looked at the traffic change from Aug’24 to Nov’24 at a folder level. The largest drop is from /health, /betting, and /advisor folders. See the chart below for the breakup.

Reddit continues to gain Visibility from Google Search

Reddit saw gains after the previous core algorithm update. This trend continues even after 3 months. Based on the traffic trends, Reddit might gain a 5%-10% growth in traffic in Nov’24.

About Google Core Algorithm Updates

Google Core Algorithm Updates are significant, broad changes that Google makes to its search algorithms and systems several times a year. These updates ensure that Google’s search results are helpful, relevant, and reliable for users.

Purpose of Core Updates

• Improve search result quality by prioritizing websites that offer valuable, informative, and trustworthy content.
• Encourage websites to focus on user experience and provide content that genuinely addresses user needs.
• Combat spammy tactics and manipulative practices that might artificially inflate website rankings.

How to Prepare for Google Core Updates

While the exact details are unknown, there are general best practices that can help your website fare well in Google’s search results:

• Focus on High-Quality Content: Create informative, well-written, and valuable content that genuinely addresses your audience’s needs.
• User Experience Matters: Ensure your website is user-friendly, loads quickly, and provides a positive experience for visitors.
• Mobile-First: Make sure your website is optimized for mobile devices, as Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in search results.
• Technical SEO: Maintain a clean and well-structured website with proper technical SEO practices.
• E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness): Google emphasizes E-A-T, so establish yourself as a credible source of information in your field.
• Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed about SEO best practices and industry trends.