Google
December 2024 Core Update
In brief
Core update launched less than two weeks after the end of the November core update, a rare case of two closely spaced core updates.
Key points
- Core update launched less than two weeks after the end of the November 2024 one.
- A rare case of two very close core updates.
- Second wave of reshuffles in one month.
- A period hard to analyze for isolating the cause of the changes.
Analysis
Two consecutive core updates in such a short time is a rare event that heavily blurs the reading of the data. The November and December effects overlap, making it risky to attribute any change to one or the other.
This chaining reflects a sustained pace of iteration on Google's part. For sites, it demands rigorous tracking hygiene so as not to overreact to movements that are still unstable during the holidays.
What to do
- Set dated tracking markers to separate as much as possible the November and December effects.
- Avoid abrupt strategy changes as long as the SERPs are not stabilized.
- Document the winning and losing pages to build a reliable review at the start of the year.
Impact
A second wave of reshuffling in a single month. A period hard to analyze when isolating the cause of the swings.