Google’s search algorithm updates are notorious for shaking up the rankings, and the latest update is no different. The core algorithm update released on 15 August and officially completed its roll-out on 3 September 2024. Unofficially, we have yet to see the search engine results pages (SERPs) stabilise, with numerous sites across almost every vertical still seeing some degree of fluctuation in their traffic and rankings.Whether you're seeing fluctuations in your rankings or noticing changes in your competitors, understanding what’s happening under the hood can be a game-changer. Let's break the latest update done to get a better understanding of the potential impact it's had on your site. What’s the Latest Algorithm Update About?The latest core update, which rolled out in August 2024, follows Google's ongoing mission to improve the quality of search results. Google is constantly evolving its ranking algorithm to provide more relevant, authoritative, and useful results to users. While Google rarely reveals specific details about its updates, the impact can be felt across industries, and we’ve been seeing signs of volatility in the SERPs.Key Points of This Update:Focus on quality and relevance: Google continues to prioritise high-quality content that is authoritative and answers user queries.User experience: There’s a continued emphasis on mobile-friendly sites, fast loading times, and accessibility.Freshness and context: As with previous updates, fresher content and contextually relevant information tend to rank better.What Does the Data Show So Far?According to the latest data from industry monitoring tools like SEMrush and RankRanger, this update has caused significant volatility in rankings across a wide range of sectors. Search Engine Roundtable reports a "heated" level of ranking fluctuations, with websites experiencing both surges and declines in visibility. Some industries, particularly in ecommerce and informational queries, have seen the largest ...