Core Google Algorithm Update June 2021

Google has released a core algorithm update that began rolling out on 2 June 2021 – just a mere six months since its last update. Although many website owners and SEO specialists are skeptical, Google has stated that this update will have little effect on the existing rankings of websites currently appearing in the search results. However, with a secondary update following in July, this remains to be seen.

Here’s what you can expect from the core Google algorithm update released in June 2021.

What is A Core Update?

Google is evolving all the time, and with its changes come updates that affect how websites are ranked in the search results and what results appear to users.

A ‘core’ algorithm update usually involves substantial changes to Google’s ranking process, and instead of improving specific search functions, a core update targets search overall.

What Does Google’s Latest Core Update Bring?

The latest core update will be split into two installations. Currently, Google has already implemented some of the changes it was ready to release, with the remainder set to be released in July 2021.

According to Google, website owners, domain administrators and content managers can expect a sudden gain or drop in their statistics, such as rankings and visibility, during this time. This is natural and generally occurs during every major algorithm update.

Should You Be Worried About the Update?

Generally speaking – no. Google’s algorithm updates are not intended to penalise websites. Instead, these updates serve to improve Google’s ranking function and the user experience.

Unless your website or the contents thereof are in violation of Google Webmaster’s guidelines, you should not have to worry.

Google’s reassessment of website content will cause fluctuations in the statistics of either the most recent or oldest websites and articles, for better or for worse.

What Other Changes Does the Update Bring?

Based on the guidelines provided by Google, older content on a website may experience a sudden increase in rankings, while newer content may not benefit from the update at all.

Changes on trends for website content may be delayed until the July update. However, Danny Sullivan from Google stated that, if your website is impacted by the algorithm update, it’s because of the changes in how Google evaluates content and its ability to meet user expectations.

What to Do if Your Website is Negatively Impacted

Firstly – don’t panic!

Although challenging, Google’s core algorithm updates can actually serve you and your business. Google’s wealth of data allows them to enhance and tailor their search engine to improve the user experience, and their guidelines can be leveraged for the performance of your own website.

Google has shifted away from website pages that simply checkboxes for robots. Instead, they aim to ensure that using Google, as well as the content on Google, is as simple and enjoyable as possible. To this end, your website should mirror its criteria.

If your website has been negatively impacted by Google’s latest algorithm update, chances are it needs some work. Consider the following:

• Does your website work well on desktop and on mobile?
• Is your website visually appealing and easy to use?
• Are there clear calls to action (CTA) and simple ways for a user to contact your business?
• Does your website speak clearly of your services, products and the nature of your business?
• Is the content on your website unique and well-written, or do you have sections of duplicate copy or repeat use of the same images?

These are important foundations for a website if it aims to perform well on Google and, most importantly, connect with potential customers.

Google and Search Engine Optimisation

Core algorithm updates like these emphasize the need to ensure your website is up to date, functional, and user friendly. Unfortunately, the ever-changing nature of search engines means that having a website is no longer a case of ‘set and forget. Instead, website owners and domain administrators need to work on their websites consistently.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is key to a website’s survival. Our SEO team takes a holistic look at your business, brand, and presence online, and works with each element to implement a structured, focused plan of action.

Our team also monitors data, analytics and Google’s changes to ensure that your website is always ahead of the game. Help your business thrive online and get in touch with our team today!