Google Confirms Core Search Ranking Algorithm Update

Google acknowledged the suspected update but says there is nothing webmasters can do to fix their sites if they dropped in rankings.

Google has confirmed that they ran a “broad core algorithm update” last week that has impacted the appearance and rankings of some websites in the search results.

Google posted on Twitter that Google does these types of updates “several times per year” and there is nothing a site can do specifically to “fix” their ranking after the core update runs. “Some sites may note drops or gains,” Google explained and said if a page drops, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is something wrong with that page, it is just how Google changed their ranking models that now benefits “pages that were previously under-rewarded.”

Here is Google’s statement on Twitter:

Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year.

As with any update, some sites may note drops or gains. There’s nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it’s that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.

There’s no “fix” for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content. Over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages.

There was speculation over the weekend about a Google update; this is Google confirming that speculation.

Earlier we reported on a Google algorithm update that seem to have been kicked off and then we talked more about how the shuffling has continued throughout the week. So I asked Danny Sullivan at Google if they can confirm there was an update and he said on Twitter while he was on vacation that yes, there was an update.

What Do You Do If Your Rankings Dropped?

The answer, according to Google, is really nothing. Google went on to explain that "as with any update, some sites may note drops or gains." Google says your site may be fine, "there's nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well," they said. "Instead, it's that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded," Google added.

"There's no "fix" for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content," Google said. So wait it out and improve your overall site and "over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages," Google says.