Google Core Update Hit Your Rankings? What to Check and What to Do

You open Search Console and see the line falling. Clicks are down 30%, enquiries are slower, and someone on social media says "Google update!" It's tempting to start changing everything at once. Don't. The first job is to find out what actually caused the drop — because the fix for a broken website is very different from the response to a core update.

What is a core update?

Google makes small changes to search constantly. Several times a year, it releases larger core updates that change how it assesses content across the web. Google announces them on its Search Status Dashboard, and they typically take a couple of weeks to roll out. Core updates aren't penalties aimed at specific sites — they reassess which pages best answer searches. Some sites go up, some go down.

Step 1: Rule out other causes

If a technical cause is found, fix it immediately. See indexing problems and hacked website recovery.

Step 2: Match the timing

Compare the date your traffic changed with Google's announced update dates. If the drop starts during a core update rollout and you find no technical cause, the update is the likely reason.

Step 3: Find which pages and queries dropped

In Search Console, compare a few weeks after the update with the same period before it. Sort pages by click difference. Usually the drop is concentrated in certain page types — for example thin location pages, old blog posts, or pages that don't fully answer the search.

Step 4: Assess content honestly

Google's guidance for core updates points back to creating helpful, reliable, people-first content. Questions it suggests asking include:

• Does the content provide original information, research or analysis?
• Does it give a substantial, complete answer?
• Does it show first-hand experience and expertise?
• Would you trust it? Is the author or business clear?
• Was it created mainly to attract search traffic rather than help people?
• Is it mass-produced or very similar to many other pages?

Compare your dropped pages with the pages now ranking above you. See E-E-A-T explained.

Step 5: Improve — don't panic-edit

1. Improve the most important pages first — the ones tied to revenue.
2. Merge or remove thin, duplicate pages, especially near-identical city or route pages.
3. Add real experience: photos, examples, local knowledge, case studies.
4. Clarify who you are: about page, author information, contact details.
5. Improve user experience: speed, mobile layout, intrusive ads or pop-ups.

Avoid quick fixes like changing dates, adding word count, or rewriting with AI without adding value.

Step 6: Be patient

Google has said that recovery from a core update can take time — sometimes until the next core update, when systems reassess sites. Meanwhile, diversify: Google Business Profile, ads, social media, email and referrals reduce dependence on organic search.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I contact Google to get rankings back?

No. Core updates are algorithmic. Only manual actions have a reconsideration request process.

Should I disavow links after an update?

Usually not. Disavowing is for clearly manipulative links you built or bought, not a routine response to updates.

Do core updates affect Google Maps rankings?

Map rankings use local signals and can change independently, but your website's quality also influences local results.

How do I know when an update has finished?

Google posts completion on its Search Status Dashboard. Wait until rollout finishes before judging the full impact.

Need a ranking-drop diagnosis?

Joboo Web investigates traffic drops and builds recovery plans. See SEO services, content refresh, or contact us.