Google’s John Mueller says the search team is “explicitly evaluating” how to reward sites that produce useful, high-quality content when the next core update is rolled out.
The comments were in response to a discussion on X about the impact of the March core update and the September useful content update.
In a series of tweets, Mueller acknowledged the concerns, affirming:
“I would imagine that for most heavily affected sites, the effects will be site-wide for now, and it will take until the next update to see similarly strong effects (assuming the new site status is significantly better than before). “
he added:
“I can’t make any promises, but the team working on this is explicitly evaluating how sites can/will improve in Search for the next update. It would be great to show more users the content that people have worked so hard on and where places have been much considered for utility.”
What does this mean for SEO professionals and site owners?
Mueller’s comments confirm that Google is aware of criticism of the March core update and is refining its ability to identify high-quality sites and reward them appropriately in the next core update.
For websites, clearly demonstrating a genuine commitment to producing useful, high-quality content remains the best strategy for improving search performance with Google’s evolving systems.
The consequences of Google’s core updates
Google’s algorithm updates, including the September “Useful Content Update” and the March 2024 update, have a far-reaching impact on rankings across all industries.
While some sites experienced increases in traffic, others faced substantial declines, with some reporting visibility losses of up to 90%.
As website owners implement changes to align with Google’s guidelines, many wonder if their efforts will be rewarded.
There is genuine concern about the potential for long-term or permanent degradation of affected sites.
The road to recovery has been outlined, but challenges remain
In an earlier statement, Mueller acknowledged the complexity of the recovery process, stating that:
“Some things take much longer to be reassessed (sometimes months, at the moment), and some larger effects require another update cycle.”
Mueller clarified that not all changes would require a new update cycle, but warned that “stronger effects will require another update.”
While he claims that permanent changes are “not very useful in a dynamic world,” Mueller adds that “recovery” implies a return to previous levels, which may be unrealistic given evolving user expectations.
“It’s never the same as before,” Mueller said.
Improved ratings on the horizon?
Despite the challenges, Mueller has offered glimmers of hope for the affected sites, stating:
“Yes, sites can grow back after being hit by the ‘HCU’ (well, core upgrade now). This is not permanent. It can take a lot of work, time and maybe upgrade cycles, and/but A different, updated site will also be different in search.”
He says the process can require “deep analysis to understand how to make a website relevant in a modern world and significant work to implement those changes, assuming it’s something that aligns with what the website wants.”
looking ahead
The Google search team is actively working to improve the site’s ranking and resolve issues with the next core update.
However, recovery requires patience, thorough analysis and persistent effort.
The best way to pass the time until the next update is to stay consistent and produce the most outstanding content in your niche.
FAQ
How long does it usually take for a website to recover from the impact of a major update?
Recovery times may vary and depend on the extent and type of updates made to align with Google’s guidelines.
Google’s John Mueller noted that some changes could be quickly reassessed, while more substantial effects could take months and require additional update cycles.
Google recognizes the complexity of the recovery process, indicating that significant improvements aligned with Google’s quality signals may be necessary for a more pronounced recovery.
What impact did the March and September updates have on websites and what steps should owners take?
The March and September updates had widespread effects on website rankings, with some sites experiencing traffic increases while others suffered visibility losses of up to 90%.
Publishing really useful and high-quality content is key for website owners who want to recover from a ranking drop or maintain a strong ranking. Follow Google’s recommendations and adapt as they continue to update their systems.
To minimize future disruptions from algorithm changes, it’s a good idea to thoroughly review your entire site and create a content plan focused on what users want and need.
Is it possible for sites affected by core updates to regain their previous ranking positions?
Sites can recover from the impact of core updates, but it takes significant effort and time.
Mueller suggested that recovery could occur over several refresh cycles and involves deep analysis to align the site with current user expectations and modern search criteria.
While a return to previous levels is not guaranteed, sites can improve and grow by continually improving the quality and relevance of their content.
Featured image: eamesBot/Shutterstock
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