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A few days ago, Google started rolling out a broad core algorithm update for search results. The company has now confirmed that the algo update—dubbed the Google Medic Update—is now fully rolled out.
This seems to be a part of a series of such “broad core algorithm updates” Google has been rolling out this year, notably in March and April.
This particular algo change appears to be a more significant update, based on many of the metrics SEO professionals are tracking. Google’s aim with these updates is to improve the overall quality of the search results provided to searchers.
Google mentioned that its advice to webmasters on these updates has not changed. Here is what Google has said regarding these:
“Each day, Google usually releases one or more changes designed to improve our results. Some are focused around specific improvements. Some are broad changes. Last week, we released a broad core algorithm update. We do these routinely several times per year.
As with any update, some sites may note drops or gains. There’s nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it’s that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.”
Changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded.
This core algorithm update seems to have had an impact on both local and organic rankings. It appears that one of the functions of the update has been to demote pages with questionable expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness (E-A-T) in the search rankings.
According to search expert Marie Haynes, this particular “Google update was a massive one. I believe that it was primarily about Google’s ability to determine E-A-T for a website. I also think that the T in E-A-T became even more important as Google is working harder to determine which websites are the most trustworthy to show searchers.”
Google has refrained from suggesting any immediate action content creators need to take as a consequence of the update, and referred back to its earlier advice:
“There’s no “fix” for pages that may perform less well other than to remain focused on building great content. Over time, it may be that your content may rise relative to other pages.”
While it’s still early days with this update, the broad consensus appears to be that it will definitely impact websites like forums with low-quality advice, and local businesses are just as at risk from providing advice that doesn’t come from a place of expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness.
In conclusion, Google is advising publishers to “remain focused on building great content,” and the search engine will recognize these improvements over time—even if some high-quality pages were previously under-rewarded.
Websites with better quality content, especially ones with a high E-A-T score as determined by Google, will be positively impacted in the search rankings.
