Google Search Engine Ranking Bug Unrelated to August 2024 Core Update

On 15 Aug, Google confirmed a bug affecting its search rankings, impacting many search results. The company identified the root cause and clarified that the issue is unrelated to the August 2024 core update.

Google announced, “There’s an ongoing issue with ranking in Google Search affecting many search results.”

Google also wrote about it on its Search Status Dashboard.

John Mueller from Google also addressed the situation on LinkedIn, saying, “Sometimes our systems encounter issues (like everyone else’s), and we aim to be transparent with users and site owners. This issue is unrelated to the core update that’s currently rolling out.”

John Mueller from Google posted on LinkedIn.

When asked why these issues often coincide with a Google search ranking update, John explained,

“Unfortunately, the timing of issues can’t always be controlled. We’ll update the search status dashboard as things develop—for both this issue and the core update rollout.“

Google says this update aims to enhance the quality of search results by prioritizing content people find helpful while reducing the visibility of content created solely to rank well in search. For further details, click here.

In LinkedIn, John replied to comments, “We try to inform users once a visible issue is identified. Even though this issue is unrelated, knowing about it beforehand wouldn’t necessarily have affected the decision to roll out the core update.

For example, if search results accidentally turned green, it wouldn’t influence changes in how titles are generated.”

Given this, it’s possible that the ranking fluctuations and volatility observed yesterday were due to this bug, not the August 2024 core update.

Google Core Update – August 2024

Highlights:

• August 2024 Core Update Launched: Aims to enhance the quality of search results by prioritizing genuinely useful content and reducing content created solely to rank well in Search.
• Incorporated Feedback: The update reflects feedback from creators and others, focusing on connecting users with high-quality sites, including small or independent ones with original content.
• Future Updates: The focus on showcasing quality content and capturing site improvements will continue in future updates.

Also Read: 14 Tips to Help You Create SEO-Friendly Content That Endures Long-Term