Google Releases June Core Update and Announces July Update

Google released a broad core algorithm update on June 2, 2021. This will be followed by another core update in July.

Later today, we are releasing a broad core update, as we do several times per year. It is called the June 2021 Core Update. Our guidance about such updates is here:https://t.co/e5ZQUA3RC6

This will be followed by the July 2021 Core update. Here’s more information about that…

— Google SearchLiaison (@searchliaison) June 2, 2021

The Skinny

When a core update is rolled out, substantial changes are made to Google’s ranking processes. Rather than targeting specific categories of sites, core updates involve broad improvements to Google Search.

As of now, we don’t have specifics on what types of content and websites will be affected by these updates. But as the updates roll out, it will become more clear how sites are affected and how to implement changes that take advantage of the disruption.

With two major updates rolling out back to back, we’re prepared for a tumultuous several weeks and will be monitoring client sites closely.

Why 2 Core Algorithm Updates

Core algorithm updates typically only happen a few times a year and rarely so close to each other. Google said that some updates were not yet fully ready, so they split the core update in half. What is rolling out this June are the ones that are already complete, and those coming out in July are what are still under development.

Google’s Danny Sullivan stated, “Some of our planned improvements for the June 2021 update aren’t quite ready, so we’re moving ahead with the parts that are, then we will follow with the rest with the July 2021 update. Most sites won’t notice either of these updates, as is typical with any core update.”

How The Core Updates Will Affect Your Website

According to Google’s Webmasters blog post, website or domain administrators or managers may experience a sudden gain or drop in their statistics as the algorithm update rolls out. Rankings are subject to change as the new algorithm assesses content.

Expect a tumultuous couple of months in search. Be sure you’re actively monitoring page rankings, traffic, and other key statistics. Talk with one of our SEO specialists for specifics on your business.

What (Not) To Do With Your Website

Google’s advice is pretty broad, and intentionally vague, but in a nutshell they say, “don’t update too much, and focus on content.” We are inclined to agree. 

Changing a lot of things on your website all at once during an algorithm update may result in poor indexing of your site and a bad user experience (UX) which will do more harm than good in the long run. If you are concerned about your website during an algorithm update, reach out to Wit or your marketing expert with questions. Don’t start changing things without a plan!

Instead of reacting to any changes from this month’s update, look ahead to next month and focus on making your site the best it can be before the July core update.

What The Broad Core Update Really Means

Although Broad Core Updates can shake up a website’s traffic and rankings, an algorithm update is really about one thing: improving Google’s ability to find quality websites and content and serve it to the people who need them.

If you have questions about the recent algorithm update, reach out to a Wit SEO Specialist. We can help you navigate next steps!

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