What You Need to Know If You Lost Google Search Traffic In 2023
If your business saw a steep drop in Google search traffic around September 2023, you’re not alone. Google’s Helpful Content Update (HCU) aimed to prioritize genuinely valuable content but led to unexpected traffic declines for many sites, even those with high-quality content.
Here’s the Good News
The August 2024 Core Update is rolling out now and could be the turning point you’ve been waiting for. According to Search Engine Land, early signs suggest that some sites hit hard by last year’s update are starting to recover. If you’ve been focusing on delivering real value on your website, you might see your content start to climb back up in search rankings.
What’s Changing?
This update is refining Google’s algorithm to better recognize and reward high-quality, user-focused content. The update affects all content types, across all languages and regions, so it’s comprehensive.
What Should You Do Now?
- Review Your Content: Revisit your site’s content with fresh eyes. Focus on improving sections that add real value to your users. Google is putting more emphasis on content that’s genuinely helpful, relevant, and trustworthy.
- Avoid Quick Fixes: Don’t rush into changes just because you think they might boost your SEO. Google advises making changes that will genuinely improve the user experience.
- Be Patient: While some changes might show results quickly, others could take months. If you don’t see improvements right away, it’s important to stay the course.
Why This Matters to Your Google Search Traffic
For business leaders, this update is an opportunity to regain lost ground. If your site’s traffic took a hit last year, the August 2024 Core Update could help you recover a critical source of leads into your funnel, provided you stay focused on quality and user experience.
Next Steps
- Review your site’s traffic metrics with your SEO team to understand the impact of this update.
- If you’re still struggling, contact Hamilton Revenue for a deep dive into your lead funnel performance and a tailored recovery plan.
Sources
• Google Search Status Dashboard
• Google Search Central Blog
• Search Engine Land Article on August 2024 Core Update