Reviewing 2024’s SEO Algorithm Updates

Google likes to keep SEO professionals on their toes. 2024 saw four core algorithm updates and three spam updates.

Before we get into the nitty gritty of each, here are some key bits of information to know.

What is a core algorithm update?

A core algorithm update is a change to Google’s ranking guidelines that shake up the SERP and how your website ranks for relevant keywords. Typically, core updates will reassess content based on how helpful and unique it is.

What is a spam update?

Spam updates aim to remove low quality and potentially dishonest websites from searches. In these, Google penalises websites that use manipulative practices to deceive users like buying spammy links or hiding text.

So, now you’re an algorithm expert, why was 2024 such a volatile year for Google and what did each core update bring to the SEO landscape?

Inside 2024’s Algorithm Updates

2024’s Core Update #1: March

March’s algorithm update was the first of its kind to fight against AI-generated content. The rise of generative AI meant that people without SEO knowledge could be generating, what appeared to be, SEO-friendly content.

Priding itself on trustworthy, user-friendly content, Google had a massive problem. So it was no surprise that it rolled out this update to help improve the human experience of its results.

Google started to penalise websites and domains that it felt were made to attract clicks without credibility in a particular field.

2024’s Core Update #2: August

The summer update aimed to build further on the helpful content update rolled out in March. Its summer set of guidelines helped Google to put genuinely helpful articles in front of people easily.

In this update, Google outlined that it didn’t really care about the size of your brand name or how much traffic your site drives. Instead, smaller websites could be seen outranking large competitors for competitive informational terms.

This update started to set a pattern for SEOs… make your content high quality, unique, relevant and helpful in order to maximise SEO output.

2024’s Core Update #3: November

The November update is considered to have brought less volatility to results. Its rollout took three weeks but its impact is considered minimal.

In this core update, Google didn’t introduce any new ranking signals. Instead, it drilled down further on content quality, user experience and the importance of E-E-A-T-friendly content.

It reiterated, further, the importance of high-quality, user-centric content aiming to answer a user’s intent clearly.

2024’s Core Update #1: December

December’s core update came as a bit of a shock to many SEOs with November’s update fully rolled out just four days before this one started.

One of the quicker updates, December’s took just six days to complete – just in time for Christmas. Much of this update focused on fighting spammy SEO with an emphasis on combating low-quality content, AI-generated content and manipulative link building techniques.

As well as clamping down on paid link schemes, Google ended the year how it started, by discrediting AI-generated results.

While there will always be jeopardy in SEO, 2024 presented an array of unique challenges for industry professionals to navigate. But, to summarise a busy year for us following it daily… keep your content unique and helpful.

2025 is likely to be much the same with experimental Gemini models and an ever changing SERP landscape. Hold onto your white hats for a thrilling year in SEO.