In this article, we’ll explore the initial findings from Google’s August 2024 core update, as analyzed by Nathan Gotch, founder of Gotch SEO Academy and Rankability. With over a decade of experience leading successful SEO campaigns, Gotch provides valuable insights into the current state of search engine rankings and offers a formula for achieving predictable results in Google, regardless of updates.
Early Observations from the August 2024 Core Update
While the update is still in its early stages, Gotch has identified several key trends that are likely to persist:
1. Forums and User-Generated Content (UGC) Continue to Dominate
Websites like Reddit and various forum threads, even those dating back to 2007 and 2008, are performing exceptionally well in search results. This trend suggests that Google is placing significant weight on user-generated content, possibly as a strategy to combat generic AI-generated content produced by large language models (LLMs).
2. Local and Niche-Specific Businesses Are Thriving
Local businesses are increasingly ranking for national queries, while niche-specific businesses are dominating keywords related to their products and services. This shift indicates that Google is favoring businesses with real expertise in their respective fields over pure affiliate or niche sites.
3. Domain-Level Relevance is Crucial
Websites with strong domain-level relevance, particularly those that are hyper-specific to their niche, are performing well in search results. This trend suggests that Google is prioritizing domain-level relevance over page-level relevance in many cases.
4. Trusted Brands with Strong Backlink Profiles Maintain Dominance
Established brands with a significant presence outside of Google and robust, trusted backlink profiles continue to perform well in search results. This underscores the importance of building a comprehensive online presence and focusing on high-quality link building strategies.
5. Influencer-Built Websites Show Promise
Some websites created by influencers with large audiences and significant branded searches are performing well in search results. These sites benefit from having a strong presence outside of Google, such as large Instagram or YouTube followings, which likely contribute to increased engagement and branded searches.
6. AI-Generated Overviews in Search Results
Google has begun rolling out AI-generated overviews in search results, even in incognito windows. This feature is expected to expand across more keywords, potentially impacting organic click-through rates (CTR) for websites.
The Google Ranking Formula: A Systematic Approach to SEO Success
Based on his observations, Gotch presents a formula for achieving predictable rankings in Google, regardless of updates. This approach focuses on several key elements:
1. Develop a Niche-Focused Business
To maximize your chances of ranking well in Google, consider building a hyper-focused business around a specific vertical rather than a generic brand. This approach allows you to target your ideal client profile more effectively.
2. Choose a Relevant Domain Name
Keyword-rich domains continue to be powerful, both at the local and national levels. While exact match domains are not necessary, incorporating your core topic into your domain name can help build maximum relevance.
3. Build a Strong Brand Presence
Focus on developing your brand presence across multiple platforms, not just relying on Google. This omnipresent approach can drive positive signals to your website and potentially impact your SEO performance indirectly.
4. Develop a Strong Backlink Profile
Implement an active link building campaign to acquire high-quality backlinks from legitimate websites with traffic, authority, and trust. Consider using professional PR-based link building services or developing in-house processes for link acquisition.
5. Create Relevant Content
Consistently produce relevant content that builds topic authority in your niche. Keep your content tightly focused on your subject matter expertise, creating one relevant page at a time. Utilize tools like Rankability to optimize your content creation process.
6. Integrate User-Generated Content (Optional)
While not essential, incorporating user-generated content into your website can provide an additional boost to your SEO efforts.
Adapting to the Changing SEO Landscape
As the SEO landscape continues to evolve, it’s crucial to adapt your strategies to align with Google’s priorities. Based on Gotch’s analysis, several trends are likely to persist:
- Businesses will continue to outrank pure affiliate websites
- Sites with strong domain-level relevance will maintain an advantage
- Brands with a presence outside of Google will have a competitive edge
- AI-generated overviews in search results are expected to expand
While the dominance of forums and user-generated content may change in the future, the other trends are likely to remain stable. By focusing on building a niche-focused business, developing a strong brand presence, and creating high-quality, relevant content, you can position your website for long-term success in Google’s search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How important is domain-level relevance in Google’s ranking algorithm?
Domain-level relevance has become increasingly important in Google’s ranking algorithm. Websites with strong domain-level relevance, particularly those that are hyper-specific to their niche, are performing well in search results. This trend suggests that Google is prioritizing domain-level relevance over page-level relevance in many cases.
Q: Can affiliate websites still compete with niche-specific businesses in search results?
While it’s becoming increasingly challenging for pure affiliate websites to compete with niche-specific businesses, it’s not impossible. To improve your chances of success, focus on building a strong brand presence, creating high-quality content, and developing a robust backlink profile. Consider transitioning your affiliate site into a more comprehensive, niche-focused business to better align with Google’s current priorities.
Q: How can I improve my website’s backlink profile?
To improve your website’s backlink profile, focus on acquiring high-quality links from legitimate websites with traffic, authority, and trust. Implement an active link building campaign, which may include strategies such as guest posting, broken link building, and digital PR. Consider using professional PR-based link building services or developing in-house processes for link acquisition. Remember that the quality of backlinks is more important than quantity.
Q: What role does user-generated content play in SEO?
User-generated content (UGC) continues to play a significant role in SEO, with forums and UGC-heavy websites performing well in search results. While not essential for every website, incorporating UGC can provide additional value and potentially boost your SEO efforts. Consider implementing features such as comments sections, user reviews, or community forums to encourage user engagement and generate valuable content.
Q: How should I prepare for the increasing presence of AI-generated overviews in search results?
As AI-generated overviews become more prevalent in search results, it’s important to focus on creating unique, high-quality content that provides value beyond what an AI summary can offer. Emphasize your expertise, personal experiences, and in-depth analysis in your content. Additionally, optimize your meta descriptions and title tags to make your search listings more appealing and increase click-through rates. Stay informed about these changes and be prepared to adapt your SEO strategies accordingly.
