Google has confirmed that the December 2024 core update has now been fully rolled out, completing on December 18, 2024. The update, which began on December 12, took six days to complete and follows closely behind the November 2024 core update.
What Impact Has the December Core Update Had?
Early data from tools like SISTRIX reveals signs of the update’s impact on search rankings. Notably, changes began around December 15, just three days after the rollout began. Some websites, such as Pinterest and BBC, saw positive movements in search results, especially in the US. In contrast, certain e-commerce and informational sites experienced declines around the same time.
This core update coincided with significant changes, such as Twitter’s rebranding to x.com and Virgin Holidays’ content migration to virginatlantic.com. While it’s unclear if these shifts are connected to the core update, such domain and content changes can influence search rankings.
Key Insights from Google’s Update Announcement
Google has reiterated that multiple ranking systems are continuously improved to provide better, more relevant search results. While Google tries to space out major updates, the December update followed closely after November’s, highlighting how Google’s systems evolve.
As always, Google advises website owners to focus on creating helpful, reliable, and user-centered content to thrive through algorithm updates. They recommend staying aligned with Google’s guidance for maintaining strong visibility on search engine results pages (SERPs).
What Should Website Owners Do?
Google has not disclosed the exact details of the changes in this core update. However, site owners who notice shifts in their traffic should closely monitor the Google Search Status Dashboard. This tool offers updates on the rollout and provides valuable resources for interpreting changes.
How Can You Stay Ahead?
The December core update caps off a year of algorithm changes, and it’s essential to stay updated on trends that impact your website’s search performance. Whether you’re in e-commerce, content creation, or another industry, understanding these updates and how they affect your rankings can give you a competitive edge.
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