Google released a new Google Core update in May 2022. The search engine does this quite regularly, but the May update is a broad Google Core update. This means that the impact on your rankings can be quite significant. The purpose of such Core updates is to ensure that people still see the most relevant content possible when they search for certain terms. Google's so-called search algorithm changes slightly with every update. No one knows exactly how this algorithm works, but there are always a few things we can get from the updates.

Impact visible since early June

The Google Core update of May 2022 has been implemented in all countries and languages, making the impact quite significant. Rolling out a Google Core update always takes a number of days or weeks. This lasted two weeks, so the impact on the rankings was visible at the beginning of June. 

What are the effects of the update?

As you probably already know, content is of course a huge factor for Google in determining rankings. This is still the case after this update. However, there is speculation that AI-generated content is now indexed differently. Content generated by AI will never be one hundred percent unique and written in correct language and grammar. 

The importance of content

Google finds unique, relevant and quality content actually very important. We also see this in the fact that Google now ranks web pages or websites with poor content differently. People often think that it is mainly about the amount of content, while content and relevance are of paramount importance to Google. Especially when you refer to strong websites in the content, it is all the more important that the content is relevant and of quality. 

What does this do to my rankings?

After each update you will notice that your rankings can suddenly shoot up or down. However, this is not exactly a moment to get stressed, because this is quite normal. After a while, see if your rankings have improved or deteriorated overall. Have the rankings improved over time? Then the update has had a positive impact on your website.

What if my rankings have deteriorated? 

Have the rankings actually deteriorated? In that case the content one of the most important things to focus on. Make sure that the content is not only extensive, but also really relevant to the subject and of course relevant to your website and company. Make sure you write according to truths and don't make promises you can't keep.