Contents Overview
- What Was the August 2023 Core Update?
- Timeline and Rollout Details
- Key Focus: Rewarding High-Quality, Relevant Content
- The Role of E-A-T Signals in This Update
- Winners and Losers: Real-World Impacts
- How the Update Differed from Previous Ones
- Strategies for Recovery and Future-Proofing Your Site
- Long-Term Lessons from the August 2023 Update
- FAQs
What Was the August 2023 Core Update?
Google's core updates are major changes to its search algorithm. They aim to improve how the search engine evaluates and ranks web pages. The August 2023 Core Update was no exception. It focused on delivering better results to users by prioritizing content that truly helps them.
This update was the second broad core algorithm change of 2023. The first happened in March. Unlike targeted updates that fix specific issues, core updates look at the big picture. They tweak how Google assesses all content across the web.
At its heart, the August 2023 update rewarded sites with high-quality, relevant content. Google wanted to push helpful pages higher in search results. At the same time, it demoted pages that fell short. This shift affected rankings for many sites, but not in a punitive way. Instead, it was about better matching user needs.
Many website owners saw changes in their traffic during this time. Some gained visibility, while others faced drops. The key takeaway? Google is always evolving to make search more useful. Understanding this update helps you adapt and thrive.
Core updates like this one remind us that SEO is not just about tricks. It's about creating value for real people. By focusing on user intent, you position your site to benefit from these changes.
Timeline and Rollout Details
The August 2023 Core Update began on August 22, 2023, at around 1:30 p.m. ET. Google announced it via its Search Central Twitter account. The rollout took longer than some past updates. It wrapped up on September 7, 2023, after 16 days and about three hours.
Why the extended time? Google rolls out core updates gradually to all regions and languages. This helps minimize disruptions. During the process, search results can feel volatile. Rankings might shift multiple times before settling.
Early signs of impact appeared around August 25. Tools like Semrush's Sensor showed a peak volatility of 9.3 on that date. That's higher than the March 2023 update's peak of 8.0. But the overall footprint felt milder due to ongoing search fluctuations throughout the year.
By September 9, most changes had stabilized. Google confirmed completion on its Search Status Dashboard. If you track your site's performance, compare data from before August 22 and after September 9. This gives a clear view of the update's effect.
Patience is key during rollouts. Avoid knee-jerk reactions like rewriting all your content. Wait for the dust to settle, then analyze what happened.
Key Focus: Rewarding High-Quality, Relevant Content
Google's mission is simple: organize the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful. The August 2023 Core Update advanced that goal. It refined how the algorithm spots content that meets user needs.
High-quality content got a boost. This means pages that are original, in-depth, and directly answer queries. Google wants to surface results that save time and provide real value. Thin or duplicated content often saw declines.
Relevance played a huge role too. The update better matched pages to search intent. If your content solves a problem or informs without fluff, it likely fared well. On the flip side, pages chasing keywords without substance dropped.
This wasn't about penalties. Google doesn't target sites. Instead, it rewards what's already strong. Think of it as a rebalancing act. Better content rises naturally.
To align with this, audit your pages. Ask: Does this help my reader? Is it fresh and accurate? Small tweaks, like adding examples or sources, can make a difference.
The Role of E-A-T Signals in This Update
E-A-T stands for Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. It's a key part of Google's quality guidelines. While not a direct ranking factor, strong E-A-T signals help content earn trust and rank higher.
In August 2023, E-A-T was front and center. Sites showing clear expertise saw gains. For example, pages written by qualified authors with credentials ranked better. Author bios, linked sources, and transparent updates all contributed.
Authoritativeness comes from backing claims with evidence. Cite studies, data, or expert opinions. Trustworthiness means accuracy and transparency. Avoid misleading info or outdated facts. Update content regularly to stay current.
Note: Google evolved E-A-T to E-E-A-T in 2022, adding Experience. Firsthand insights, like personal stories or tested advice, became even more valuable. User-generated content with real experiences, such as reviews, benefited.
Especially in YMYL topics—Your Money or Your Life, like health or finance—E-E-A-T matters most. Weak signals here led to drops. Strengthen yours by showcasing who you are and why readers should trust you.
- Expertise: Prove knowledge through details and credentials.
- Experience: Share real-world applications or tests.
- Authoritativeness: Build reputation with consistent, cited content.
- Trustworthiness: Use clear sourcing and error-free info.
Winners and Losers: Real-World Impacts
The August 2023 update created clear winners and losers. Data from tools like Sistrix showed shifts in visibility for thousands of sites.
Reddit emerged as the biggest winner. It gained 183.67 visibility points—a 64.68% jump. Why? Its user-generated content demonstrates strong E-E-A-T through authentic experiences. Forums and review sites with genuine discussions also rose.
Educational and government sites benefited too. They often have inherent authority. High-E-E-A-T content in niches like finance and health saw gains if it was original and helpful.
Losers included sites with low-quality or AI-generated content. "Parasite SEO" tactics—posting on high-authority platforms without value—tanked. Content farms relying on scraped or thin material dropped sharply.
One study found UGC sites up 290 points overall. Retail and news domains had mixed results, with some losing ground due to outdated info.
| Category | Examples of Winners | Visibility Change | Reasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| UGC Platforms | Reddit, Forums | +290 points | Authentic experiences, strong E-E-A-T |
| Educational/Gov | Universities, .gov sites | +50-100 points | Inherent authority, reliable info |
| Content Farms | AI-heavy sites | -20-80% | Lack of originality, thin content |
| Parasite SEO | Guest posts on forums | -40-60% | No added value, manipulative |
These shifts highlight the update's focus. Quality trumps quantity every time.
How the Update Differed from Previous Ones
Compared to the March 2023 Core Update, August's felt less intense overall. March peaked at 8.0 volatility and hit more verticals like arts and business. August reached 9.3 but affected fewer sectors, focusing on retail, finance, and health.
Both emphasized quality, but August built on 2023's trends. It incorporated feedback from earlier updates, like the Helpful Content system. AI-generated content faced more scrutiny here.
Unlike spam-focused updates, this was broad. No manual actions—just algorithmic rewards. Recovery from March was possible in August for some, but not all.
Looking back, September 2022 was milder. August 2023 bridged to later changes, like the October core update. Each builds on the last, pushing toward people-first content.
Key difference: Greater weight on experience. Sites with firsthand insights outperformed those with generic advice.
Strategies for Recovery and Future-Proofing Your Site
If your site dropped, don't panic. Google advises self-assessment over quick fixes. Start by reviewing affected pages.
Audit content quality. Remove or rewrite thin pieces. Ensure every page adds unique value. Focus on user intent—answer questions directly.
Boost E-E-A-T. Add author bylines with expertise proof. Link to sources. Encourage user reviews for experience signals.
Technical checks matter too. Improve site speed, mobile-friendliness, and Core Web Vitals. Fix broken links or crawl errors.
- Content Audit: Identify low-performers via Google Analytics.
- Enhance E-E-A-T: Add credentials, update dates, cite facts.
- User Focus: Shorten paragraphs, add visuals, test readability.
- Monitor Tools: Use Search Console for impressions and clicks.
- Diversify Traffic: Build email lists, social presence.
Recovery takes time—weeks to months. Publish fresh, helpful content consistently. Track progress between updates.
For prevention, create with people in mind. Avoid keyword stuffing. Aim for depth over breadth.
Long-Term Lessons from the August 2023 Update
The August 2023 Core Update taught us that SEO evolves with user needs. High-quality, original content wins. E-E-A-T isn't optional—it's essential for trust.
AI tools rose in 2023, but Google prioritizes human touch. Authentic experiences stand out. Diversify beyond search; build direct audience connections.
Stay informed via Google's Search Central. Join SEO communities for insights. Adapt by testing what resonates.
Ultimately, success comes from value. Help your readers, and rankings follow. This update was a step toward smarter search—embrace it for lasting growth.
Reflect on your site's journey. What one change will you make today? Small steps lead to big results.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. When did the August 2023 Google Core Update start and finish?
Answer: The update began rolling out on August 22, 2023, and was fully completed on September 7, 2023, taking just over 16 days.
2. What was the main goal of the August 2023 Core Update?
Answer: The primary goal was to better reward high-quality, helpful, and relevant content while reducing the visibility of low-value or unhelpful pages in search results.
3. Did this update introduce new ranking factors?
Answer: No, it did not introduce brand-new factors. Instead, it refined how existing signals—especially content quality and E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness)—were evaluated.
4. Why did Reddit and forums see huge ranking gains?
Answer: Reddit and similar user-generated content platforms benefited because their discussions often demonstrate real first-hand experience and authentic answers, which align strongly with Google’s emphasis on helpful, experience-based content.
5. My site dropped after this update—was I penalized?
Answer: Core updates are not penalties. If your rankings dropped, other sites simply outperformed yours in Google’s improved quality evaluation. Focus on creating better, more helpful content rather than looking for a manual action.
6. How important was E-E-A-T in the August 2023 Core Update?
Answer: E-E-A-T played a major role. Sites that clearly showed expertise, real experience, authority, and trustworthiness—especially in YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics—were rewarded significantly.
7. Can I recover from a traffic drop caused by this update?
Answer: Yes, many sites recover in future updates by removing or improving low-quality content, adding author expertise, citing reliable sources, and focusing on genuine user value.
8. Was AI-generated content specifically targeted?
Answer: Google targets unhelpful content regardless of how it’s created. Poorly written or low-value AI content was hit hard, while high-quality AI-assisted content that was edited and enhanced by humans often performed well.
9. How does this update relate to the Helpful Content Update?
Answer: The August 2023 Core Update incorporated signals from the Helpful Content system and further emphasized people-first content over content created primarily to rank in search engines.
10. What is the best long-term strategy after this update?
Answer: Create original, in-depth content written by or heavily reviewed by qualified experts, regularly update it, demonstrate real experience, and always prioritize solving the user’s problem better than anyone else.
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Written by RGB Web Tech
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