In this blog post, we take a quick look at:

• What happened,
• How it all unfolded,
• What the impact of Google’s August 2024 core update was,
• Recovery tips for those who were affected,
• What the current state of SERPs volatility looks like,
• And what’s next

A response to feedback

This update was more than just a routine algorithm adjustment.

Google listened closely to the feedback generated by the September 2023 helpful content update, which had inadvertently affected many smaller, independent publishers. The August update aimed to rectify these unintended consequences and promote more useful content from these often-overlooked sources.

A ranking bug and recovery

Adding to the complexity of the situation, a significant search ranking bug emerged during the initial days of the August update. This bug, fortunately, was resolved within four days.

Therefore, it’s essential to disregard any ranking fluctuations that occurred during this period when assessing the long-term impact of the update.

The Impact of Google’s August 2024 core update

While the overall picture is still emerging, early data suggests that the August update brought some relief to websites that were negatively impacted by the previous helpful content update.

However, the recovery was far from universal.

Many sites continued to experience declines or stagnation in their rankings and traffic.

Barry Schwartz recently conducted a survey on his X profile in which over 1,500 website owners participated.

According to the results of that survey:

• 1% of participants said that their rankings and traffic declined,
• 4% of participants said that they noticed no change after the update, and
• Only 26.5% of participants said that their rankings and traffic improved after the udpate.

Google’s perspective

John Mueller, Google’s Search Advocate, clarified the goals of the August update:

“This update is designed to continue our work to improve the quality of our search results by showing more content that people find genuinely useful and less content that feels like it was made just to perform well on Search.”

Google emphasized its commitment to supporting smaller, independent publishers and ensuring that their high-quality content reaches a wider audience. The update aimed to better recognize improvements made by websites and reward those that consistently provide valuable information to users.

Advice for impacted websites

While Google hasn’t offered any groundbreaking new advice for websites negatively affected by the update, it’s essential to remember that a ranking drop doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem with your content.

Google encourages websites to focus on creating helpful, reliable, and people-first content. By prioritizing quality over quantity and ensuring that your content genuinely addresses user needs, you’re more likely to weather future algorithm updates and maintain your position in the SERPs.

Current state of the SERPs

Although the Google’s August 2024 core update has finished rolling out — at least, officially — we are still noticing a lot of volatility on SERPs.

Perhaps Google is still making some last-minute changes to the core algorithm update it just rolled out, or perhaps there is something else is going on that nobody knows about. But if your search rankings are still being volatile, know that you are not alone in this.

Take a look at the SERP volatility for the past 30 days, as per Semrush.

A quick recap

• The August 2024 core update was a significant event in the search landscape.
• Google listened to feedback and aimed to address issues raised by the September 2023 helpful content update.
• The update had a mixed impact on websites, with some seeing improvements and others experiencing continued challenges.
• A ranking bug briefly affected the search results during the early stages of the update.
• Google emphasized the importance of creating high-quality, user-focused content.

Conclusion

As the dust settles on the August update, website owners should continue to monitor their performance and adapt their strategies accordingly. By focusing on providing valuable content and staying informed about Google’s algorithm changes, you can increase your chances of long-term success in the competitive world of search engine optimization.

The post Google August 2024 core update has finished rolling out. Here’s what happened. appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

One of the primary reasons for price discrepancies is the complexity of Google’s algorithms. These algorithms work tirelessly to match search queries with relevant products, but sometimes, they can make mistakes. Additionally, outdated structured data and duplicate content issues can also contribute to the problem.

In a recent Google SEO office hours Q&A, Senior Search Analyst John Mueller addressed a common concern among retailers: inaccurate product pricing in search results.

Mueller provided valuable insights and recommendations to help businesses ensure their prices are displayed correctly.

Leveraging Google Merchant Center for Accurate Pricing

One of the most effective ways to address inaccurate pricing is by utilizing Google Merchant Center. This powerful tool allows retailers to submit their product data directly to Google, including pricing information. Mueller emphasized the importance of using Merchant Center feeds, stating, “I’d recommend using the Merchant Center feeds if you can.”

“There are ways to submit pricing information in [the] Merchant Center that don’t require a lot of work, so check that out. If you can’t find ways to resolve this, then please drop us a note in the help forums with the details needed to reproduce the issue,” Mueller continues.

By using Merchant Center, businesses can gain more control over how their product information, including prices, appears in search results. This can help prevent errors and ensure that shoppers see the correct price when they click on a listing.

Addressing Currency Discrepancies

Another issue that can arise is discrepancies in currency display in rich results, which can lead to confused customers and lost sales.

Mueller explained that this often occurs when Google’s systems view pages as duplicates, particularly when content is nearly identical across different regional site versions.

“Often, this is a side effect of Google systems seeing the page as being mostly duplicate. For example, if you have almost exactly the same content on pages for Germany and Switzerland, our systems might see the pages as duplicates, even if there’s a different price shown,” says John Mueller.

To avoid this problem, retailers should ensure that their content for different regions or currencies is sufficiently distinct. Additionally, using Merchant Center feeds for pricing information can help prevent currency-related issues.

Additional tips for accurate pricing

• Regularly Update Product Information: Ensure that product data, including pricing, is kept up-to-date to avoid discrepancies.
• Monitor Search Results: Regularly check how prices are displayed in search results and rich snippets to identify any issues.
• Utilize Google’s Tools: In addition to Merchant Center, consider using Google Search Console to monitor your website’s performance and identify potential issues.
• Avoid Duplicate Content: To ensure Google doesn’t mistake them for duplicates, pages for different regions or currencies should have unique content.
• Seek Assistance: If you encounter persistent problems, don’t hesitate to reach out to Google’s help forums for further assistance.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines and leveraging tools like Google Merchant Center, retailers can significantly improve the accuracy of their product pricing in search results. This will not only enhance the shopping experience for customers but also boost sales and build trust in your brand.

The post Google’s John Mueller Offers Tips For Removing Pricing Discrepancies In Search appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

They’re not just pathways leading readers to more information; they also tell search engines what your content is about and how it connects to the broader web. But, like any tool, when used incorrectly, they can cause more harm than good.

In this article, I mention a few common mistakes people make with outbound links. I’ll also share tips on how to avoid these common pitfalls.

1. Using irrelevant anchor text can be harmful

Anchor text is the clickable text in a hyperlink, and it’s a key factor in SEO. The problem comes when anchor text doesn’t match the content of the linked page, is vague, or is over-stuffed with keywords.

Common mistakes:

• Using vague phrases like “click here” or “read more.”
• Choosing text that’s unrelated to the content it links to.
• Using keyword-stuffed anchor texts that have a negative effect on the user experience.

Why it matters:

• Poorly chosen anchor text can confuse both users and search engines. It may reduce the relevancy signals your site sends, negatively affecting your rankings.
• It can also frustrate readers, leading to a higher bounce rate.

How to get it right:

• Always use descriptive, relevant anchor text that gives readers a clear idea of what they’ll find when they click the link.
• For example, instead of “click here,” use “learn more about SEO best practices.”
• Avoid keyword-stuffed anchor texts and keep it organic.

2. Linking to low-quality websites can lead to Google penalties

Not all websites are created equal. Linking to sites with poor reputations or low-quality content can damage your site’s credibility.

What to avoid:

• Linking to sites filled with spammy or irrelevant content.
• Pointing to websites that have thin content or questionable practices.
• Sending users to websites that do not provide the best user experience.

Risks involved:

• Associating with low-quality sites can make search engines view your site as less trustworthy.
• In extreme cases, this can lead to penalties or a drop in rankings.

How to avoid this pitfall:

• Before linking, check the quality of the website. Look for well-researched, informative content and a clean design.
• Use tools like Moz or Ahrefs to assess the domain authority and overall reputation of the site.
• You can also check if other credible websites link to the target website.

3. Overusing dofollow or nofollow links can send wrong signals to Google

Understanding the difference between dofollow and nofollow links is essential. Dofollow links pass on SEO value, while nofollow links tell search engines not to follow them. It’s important to keep a natural profile by mixing dofollow and nofollow links where it makes sense to do so.

Common mistakes:

• Overloading your content with dofollow links can appear manipulative, signaling that you’re trying to game the system.
• On the other hand, using too many nofollow links might also send the wrong signals to Google that you’re hoarding all the link equity.

The right balance:

• Use dofollow links for reputable, high-quality sites that add value to your content.
• Reserve nofollow links for less authoritative sites or for situations where you want to avoid passing on SEO value, like in user-generated content or ads.

4. Failing to regularly audit outbound links

Outbound links aren’t a “set it and forget it” aspect of your site. Over time, links can break, become outdated, or lead to irrelevant content.

Common oversights:

• Broken links that result in 404 errors.
• Links that point to content that is no longer relevant or useful.

Why it’s a problem:

• Broken links frustrate users and can harm your site’s SEO.
• Outdated links may mislead readers or fail to provide them with the value they’re seeking, disturbing their search journey just because they landed on your website.

Staying on top of it:

• Regularly audit your site’s outbound links using tools like Semrush, Screaming Frog, or Ahrefs.
• Fix broken links promptly, either by updating them or removing them altogether.
• Replace outdated links with more current, relevant content.

5. Not considering the user’s journey when placing links

Outbound links should enhance the reader’s experience, not interrupt it. Misplacing them can disrupt the flow of your content.

What often goes wrong:

• Placing links too early in the content, causing readers to leave before fully engaging with the material.
• Overloading a page with links, making it hard for users to focus on the main message.

How to get it right:

• Place links where they naturally fit within the context, guiding readers smoothly to additional information without disrupting their experience.
• Use links strategically, focusing on quality rather than quantity.

6. Ignoring the context of the linked content

It’s essential that the content you link to matches the context of your page. Irrelevant links can confuse and frustrate readers.

Common mistakes:

• Linking to content that doesn’t directly relate to the topic at hand.
• Directing users to pages that don’t add value or are off-topic.

How to ensure relevancy:

• Always vet the content you’re linking to, making sure it aligns with your page’s message.
• Ask yourself if the link truly benefits the reader and enhances their understanding of the subject.

7. Overloading pages with outbound links

While outbound links are valuable, too many can overwhelm readers and dilute the impact of your content.

What to avoid:

• Filling a page with so many links that the main content gets lost.
• Creating a spammy appearance that turns readers and search engines off.

Keeping it balanced:

• Focus on linking to high-quality, relevant resources.
• Aim for a balance that provides value without overwhelming the reader.

Conclusion

By avoiding these common outbound link mistakes, you can maintain a site that not only ranks well but also offers a valuable, seamless experience for your readers.

Regular audits, thoughtful anchor text, and strategic link placement will keep your outbound linking strategy on point.

How do you use outbound links on your website? Let us know in the comment section below.

The post 7 Common Outbound Link Mistakes & How To Avoid Them appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.

Frustration sets in. This scenario, unfortunately, is a common one, highlighting a crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect of local SEO: time-based ranking factors.

The ever-evolving world of local SEO has thrown us a curveball recently. Gone are the days of simply optimizing keywords and building backlinks.

Now, it seems Google is taking into account the very notion of time itself when deciding how to rank local businesses.

In this post, we discuss it in more detail.

The Opening Hours uproar

It all started with a bombshell dropped in the local SEO community in late 2023. Sterling Sky, a leading SEO firm, revealed their discovery – opening hours appeared to be influencing local search rankings.

The news sent ripples through the industry, sparking debate and uncertainty. Some SEOs hailed it as a game-changer, emphasizing the importance of accurate and up-to-date opening hours. Others remained skeptical, questioning the validity of the claim and potential negative consequences.

Google, on the other hand, remained tight-lipped. Their silence fuelled speculation, with some even suggesting it could be a temporary glitch. To this day, there’s no official confirmation from Google about the extent to which opening hours impact rankings.

Popular Times: A new time-based ranking factor?

The plot thickens further with the emergence of “Popular Times” as a potential ranking factor. Introduced by Google, Popular Times displays graphs on local business listings indicating typical busy and slow periods throughout the week.

Here’s where things get interesting – a recent case study by Claudia Tomina suggests a correlation between a business’s Popular Times and its local ranking.

Tomina’s research indicates that businesses with higher peaks in their Popular Times graphs tend to rank higher for relevant keywords during those peak hours. This isn’t to say Popular Times is the sole ranking factor, but it seems to be playing a role in the complex algorithm.

So, how can you leverage Popular Times to your advantage?

• Monitor Your Popular Times: Regularly monitor your Popular Times data on Google My Business. This will give you valuable insights into customer traffic patterns.
• Targeted Promotions: During slow periods, consider running targeted promotions or special offers to incentivize customers to visit during those times. This can help improve your Popular Times graph and potentially boost your ranking during those hours.

Here’s a word of caution: Popular Times data is based on anonymized user location history. It’s not an exact science, and trends can fluctuate over time. Don’t chase temporary spikes in popularity; focus on providing a consistently excellent customer experience throughout your operating hours.

Best practices for time-based optimization

While the exact weight Google places on opening hours and Popular Times remains a mystery, there are steps you can take to optimize your local presence for these time-based factors.

• Claim and Verify Your Google My Business Listing: Google My Business (GMB) is the central hub for managing your local business information on Google. Claim and verify your GMB listing to ensure you have complete control over your business hours and other crucial details.
• Update Your Opening Hours Regularly: Keep your opening hours on GMB accurate and up-to-date. This includes accounting for holidays, special events, or temporary closures.
• Utilize Scheduling Tools: GMB offers tools to schedule specific opening hours for holidays or events, ensuring your information is always accurate.
• Monitor Reviews and Respond Promptly: Customer reviews can significantly impact your local ranking. Pay close attention to reviews mentioning your business hours, both positive and negative. Respond promptly and professionally to all reviews, addressing any concerns about opening hours.
• Track Your Local Rankings: Keep a close eye on your local search rankings using local SEO tools. By monitoring your rankings over time, you can identify any correlations between changes in your opening hours and your search visibility.

Conclusion

The world of local SEO is constantly evolving, and the introduction of time-based ranking factors adds another layer of complexity for businesses to navigate. While the full impact of opening hours and Popular Times on rankings is still unfolding, it’s clear that accurate and consistent time-related information is crucial for local search success.

By following the best practices outlined in this blog post, you can take proactive steps to optimize your business for these time-based factors

The post How Opening Hours & Popular Times Impact Local Rankings appeared first on Improve My Search Ranking.