#google-core-update

#google-core-update

Google changes its algorithm frequently. Some are more widespread than others. Unlike Spam Updates, Core Updates generally do not penalize but, instead, alter how the algorithm treats certain queries and their intent. For example, a Core Update may result in more "best of" listings (rather than product categories) in search results. Ecommerce sites may lose traffic, but not because of anything they've done, so no fix is required.

For years, big publishers treated Google as a distribution utility: publish a lot, cover everything and let domain authority do the rest. The December core update - rolled out Dec. 11-29 - is another sign that bargain is breaking. In multiple readouts, volatility hit news hard, and the sites that appear to be holding up best are those that behave less like general-interest news hubs and more like "the best answer" engines.

Google also said it does not pre-announce core updates or quality updates. Gemini 3 Flash now powers Google AI Mode. Google Search Live gets a conversational language upgrade with the help of Gemini. Google's Danny Sullivan and John Mueller spoke about SEO for AI and more. Nick Fox from Google said optimizing for AI Search is the same as for traditional search.