Google Algorithm Update - August 2023

The wait is over… sort of.

Google’s latest algorithm update is now rolling out. In the dynamic world of digital marketing, it’s vital to stay up-to-date with the latest Google algorithm updates. These updates define how websites are ranked and appear within search results. As your strategic partners, we’re dedicated to keeping you informed about these developments.

What’s changing?

In short, we don’t know yet. As of right now, Google has published no public information about the update - although it's very rare that Google communicates its changes directly.

However, there are a few theories floating around the SEO community. These theories are based on recent changes to search results and through monitoring other Google changes and events such as Google I/O.

The theories and recent changes

FAQs and website authority

Google updated their HowTo and FAQ rich results criteria earlier in the month, focusing on displaying FAQs for authoritative domains only. 

“Going forward, FAQ (from FAQPage structured data) rich results will only be shown for well-known, authoritative government and health websites. For all other sites, this rich result will no longer be shown regularly. Sites may automatically be considered for this treatment depending on their eligibility”

• FAQPage schema will only be shown for well-known, authoritative government and health websites.
• HowTo rich results will only be shown on desktop users, although the mobile version of your site must still have the appropriate markup.

Read Google’s full update here: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2023/08/howto-faq-changes

E-E-A-T

Experience. Expertise. Authority. Trustworthiness.

We preach this because it’s truly what matters. A majority of Google’s updates and guideline changes as of recent boil down to delivering quality content from authoritative sources. And that’s what we’re here to help you achieve.

Core Web Vitals

With recent changes to the INP (Interaction to Next Paint) metric and website trustworthiness, Core Web Vitals continues to be a major factor in ranking. You can read a blog post on Search Engine Journal about the new metric and how to improve your scores.

Structured data, SGE and search appearance

While there isn’t any solid evidence available, much of the community is linking structured data/schema with the push and focus on Google’s Search Generative Experience. 

The reason for this being that structured data is a major player in Google understanding what entities exist on your website and how they interact with each other, and their relationship with your website. Managing an easy-to-use website has never been more important.

While many SEOs aren’t happy with the changes - as Google will effectively be “stealing” content and displaying it in search results, Google have been making changes such as including citation links to sources.

How this update affects marketers

While Google has stated that only authoritative websites will have their FAQs displaying, a well-ranking website would presumably be considered authoritative within their industry. There are a number of actions that you should take to ensure you’re making the most of the algorithm updates and putting your business ahead of your competitors.

You should review your websites for Schema usage, and determining whether implementation for a number of schema types is recommended.

Continue to focus on creating quality content for relevant topics, building authority, broadening content scope, and establishing our clients as leaders within their industry.

Expand your content scope to ensure you are covering all related areas to your industry and services you offer. E-E-A-T is not just about creating good content, but about demonstrating your expertise. The perfect way to do that is to provide quality content in all related areas to your business.

More information

What is an algorithm update?

Google treats algorithm updates as essential improvements to its search engine’s functionality. These updates are designed to enhance the quality and relevance of search results, aligning with Google’s commitment to delivering a positive user experience to their searchers.

How can you stay up-to-date on the latest updates?

Google typically communicates algorithm changes through official blog posts, webmaster guidelines, and announcements on their social media channels.

You can find a list of current and historic updates at Google’s Search Status Dashboard.

Other helpful links include the Google Search Central X (formerly Twitter) account, as well as industry leading publications such as Search Engine Land and Search Engine Journal. The latter two both have newsletters that are worth signing up for if you are not already.