Why Semrush Sensor Still Shows High SERP Volatility After Google's August 2024 Core Update

Introduction

Google’s August 2024 core update was a major event for the SEO world. Whenever Google rolls out a core update, it triggers both excitement and concern among digital marketers, as the algorithm that dictates web page rankings undergoes significant changes. However, even though the August update has officially concluded, many monitoring tools, such as the Semrush Sensor, continue to show high volatility in the SERPs. This has caused confusion among SEO professionals who expected a stabilization in fluctuations.

But why is this happening? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the ongoing variations detected by Semrush Sensor and how this may impact long-term SEO strategies.

What Happens During a Google Core Update?

To better understand this phenomenon, it’s essential to know what happens during a Google core update. Core updates don’t focus on just one aspect of the algorithm but involve a broad and complex revision of various factors. Google’s primary goal is to enhance the relevance and quality of search results based on signals that reflect user experience. This means that websites providing high-quality, relevant, and useful content may see improvements in their rankings, while those that do not meet these criteria might experience a drop.

The August 2024 Update: What We Know

Google’s August 2024 core update brought significant changes to the SERPs, affecting various sectors and types of websites. Some of the reported changes include:

  1. Increased focus on content quality: Google continues to reward valuable and useful content while pushing down generic and irrelevant content.
  2. AI optimization: With the rise of generative AI, Google has updated its algorithm to identify and reward AI-generated content that adheres to quality guidelines.
  3. Enhanced user experience: User experience signals, such as page load speed and interactivity, have gained even more importance.

All these changes resulted in immediate and massive fluctuations in website rankings. During the initial phase of the update, it’s common to observe high volatility in the SERPs, but these fluctuations typically stabilize once the update is completed.

The Role of Semrush Sensor in SERP Fluctuations

The Semrush Sensor is a popular tool among SEO experts for monitoring SERP volatility. It measures how stable or unstable the search results are on a scale of 1 to 10. Values close to 1 indicate a stable situation, while values closer to 10 indicate significant changes in the rankings.

After the August 2024 update, one would have expected volatility to decrease, but the Sensor continued to report high fluctuations even weeks after the official end of the update. This has led many to question what is really happening.

Why Is Semrush Sensor Still Showing High Volatility?

There are several possible explanations for this phenomenon:

1. Post-Update Settling Period

After every core update, Google doesn’t stop making changes abruptly. There is often a "settling" period during which Google continues to optimize the algorithm and fine-tune search results. These settling phases can last several weeks or even months after the official conclusion of an update. During this time, continued ranking fluctuations are common, which could explain why Semrush Sensor is still registering high volatility.

2. Minor Updates and Micro-Updates

In addition to core updates, Google regularly implements smaller updates and micro-updates that can affect specific segments of the SERPs. These updates, even if not officially announced, can have significant impacts on specific sectors or types of content. In fact, Google might be rolling out small updates in the background, continuing to tweak certain aspects of the algorithm post-core update, leading to the ongoing variations detected by Semrush.

3. Competitive Changes in the Market

The SEO landscape is highly dynamic, and after each update, many websites rush to optimize their content to align with new guidelines. This results in a wave of optimizations that can contribute to SERP volatility. Competitors may implement new SEO strategies, update content, or improve their site’s technical aspects, indirectly influencing the ranking of other sites. In highly competitive sectors, even small improvements can cause significant ranking fluctuations.

4. Sector-Specific Volatility

Not all industries respond the same way to Google updates. Some sectors may be more prone to fluctuations due to market dynamics, changes in user demand, or evolving competition. The Semrush Sensor might show elevated fluctuations especially in certain specific sectors, amplifying the impression of overall SERP volatility.

5. Possible Algorithm Bugs or Inconsistencies

Another possibility is that during the implementation of the August 2024 update, Google inadvertently introduced some bugs or inconsistencies in the algorithm. These technical issues can cause unusual variations in search results, temporarily affecting SERP behavior until they are resolved.

How to Adapt Your SEO Strategy to This Situation

With ongoing fluctuations, it’s crucial for digital marketers to adopt a flexible approach to SEO. Here are some strategies to better navigate this period of uncertainty:

1. Constant Monitoring

It’s essential to continuously monitor your website’s performance using tools like Google Search Console, Google Analytics, and Semrush Sensor. This will allow you to identify any fluctuations in rankings and better understand how your site is responding to changes in Google’s algorithm.

2. Ongoing Content Optimization

With Google increasingly focusing on content quality, it’s crucial to keep improving your website with relevant, in-depth, and useful content. Avoid outdated practices like keyword stuffing and focus on topics that truly address users’ needs.

3. Focus on User Experience

User experience is becoming a central factor for Google. Ensure that your site is optimized for mobile devices, has fast loading times, and offers an intuitive, easy-to-navigate interface. Even small improvements in usability can make a big difference in terms of ranking.

4. Stay Updated on Google Announcements

Google doesn’t always announce all of its updates, but it’s important to keep an eye on any official communications or discussions within the SEO community to stay prepared for upcoming changes. Participating in industry forums or conferences can provide valuable insights into how others are handling the situation.

5. Avoid Knee-Jerk Reactions

Not all SERP fluctuations require immediate action. Sometimes it’s better to wait for the situation to stabilize before making significant changes to your website. Overreacting can lead to modifications that end up being counterproductive in the long run.

 

Although Google’s August 2024 core update has officially ended, the SERP fluctuations observed through tools like the Semrush Sensor are far from over. This is likely due to a combination of factors, including post-update settling phases, minor updates, competitive dynamics, and sector-specific volatility. The key to navigating this uncertainty is maintaining a flexible, data-driven approach, constantly monitoring your site’s performance, and optimizing content to meet user needs.

Staying calm and continuing to follow SEO best practices will help you successfully navigate these post-update volatility periods.