10 Local SEO Strategies That Actually Work in 2024
Proven local SEO tactics to dominate local search results and attract more customers to your business.
Read Article
January 2024 Google Algorithm Update Overview
Google confirmed a broad core algorithm update beginning January 9, 2024, with completion announced on January 19, 2024. This update represents one of the most significant algorithm refreshes in recent months, impacting multiple aspects of search quality and user experience.
Update Details
Name: January 2024 Core Update
Type: Broad Core Algorithm Update
Rollout Start: January 9, 2024
Rollout Complete: January 19, 2024
HIGH IMPACTThis update focuses on improving how Google assesses content quality, expertise, and overall user experience. Unlike targeted updates, broad core updates affect all content types across all languages and regions.
Key Changes in the January 2024 Update
1. Enhanced E-E-A-T Assessment
Google has refined its approach to evaluating Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).
- Experience Signals: Greater emphasis on first-hand experience content
- Expert Validation: Improved detection of genuine expertise vs. surface-level content
- Author Tracking: Better tracking of author credentials across multiple sites
- Trust Indicators: Enhanced evaluation of trust signals and security factors
Warning: Sites with "expertise inflation" (claiming expertise without proof) have been significantly impacted.
2. Content Depth and Value Assessment
Google has improved its ability to differentiate between comprehensive, valuable content and thin, superficial content.
Most Affected Content Types:
Negatively Impacted:
AI-generated content without human editing, thin affiliate pages, content farms, aggregated content without added value
Positively Impacted:
First-hand experience content, original research, comprehensive guides, expert-authored content
3. User Experience Signals Integration
Core Web Vitals and overall user experience metrics now play a more significant role in rankings.
- Page Experience: Increased weight given to page speed and interactivity
- Mobile-First: Enhanced mobile user experience assessment
- Visual Stability: Better detection of layout shifts and visual disruptions
- Accessibility: Improved consideration of accessibility factors
Impact: Sites with poor Core Web Vitals scores have seen ranking declines, while optimized sites gained visibility.
Industry Impact Analysis
Most Affected Industries
| Industry | Impact Level | Primary Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Health & Medical | High | Stricter E-E-A-T requirements |
| Finance | High | Your Money or Your Life (YMYL) focus |
| E-commerce | Medium | Product page content quality |
| Travel | Medium | First-hand experience emphasis |
| Technology | Low | Generally high expertise content |
Geographic Impact Patterns
The update has shown varying impact levels across different regions:
- North America: Most significant impact, particularly on English-language content
- Europe: Moderate impact with variations by language
- Asia-Pacific: Growing impact as rollout completes
- Emerging Markets: Less impact initially, expected to increase
Recovery Strategy for Affected Sites
Immediate Actions (First 30 Days)
Step 1: Comprehensive Audit
- Analyze traffic drops by page and keyword
- Identify patterns in affected content
- Compare with competitors who gained rankings
- Use Google Search Console's Core Update report
Step 2: Content Quality Assessment
- Review all affected pages for E-E-A-T compliance
- Add author bios with credentials
- Update outdated information
- Add first-hand experience where possible
Step 3: Technical Improvements
- Optimize Core Web Vitals scores
- Improve mobile user experience
- Fix accessibility issues
- Enhance page speed
Long-Term Strategy (60-90 Days)
- Content Enhancement: Add depth and value to thin content
- Expert Collaboration: Partner with industry experts for content creation
- Original Research: Conduct and publish original studies
- User Experience: Continuous improvement based on user feedback
- Monitoring: Regular tracking of key performance indicators
Update Timeline and Future Expectations
Jan 9, 2024
Rollout Begins
Google announces the start of the broad core update. Initial fluctuations observed.
Jan 12, 2024
Peak Impact
Maximum volatility observed across multiple industries and regions.
Jan 19, 2024
Rollout Complete
Google announces completion. Rankings begin to stabilize.
Feb 15, 2024
Expected Stabilization
Rankings expected to stabilize for most sites that implement fixes.
Important: Recovery from core updates can take several months. Sites making substantial improvements may see gradual recovery over 2-4 months.
Preventive Measures for Future Updates
Ongoing Best Practices
Content Quality Checklist
Provide unique value not found elsewhere
Demonstrate first-hand experience and expertise
Update content regularly to maintain accuracy
Include author credentials and expertise
Focus on user needs and intent satisfaction
Technical Foundation
- Regular Audits: Monthly technical SEO audits
- Performance Monitoring: Continuous Core Web Vitals tracking
- Mobile Optimization: Regular mobile usability testing
- Security: Maintain HTTPS and security best practices
- Accessibility: Regular accessibility compliance checks
Need Help Recovering from Algorithm Updates?
Our SEO experts can analyze your site's performance, identify issues caused by algorithm updates, and implement effective recovery strategies.
