Google Core Update: How to analyze if your rankings were affected

Google’s at it again. Another Google Core Update. And just like that, rankings shift, and marketers and business owners everywhere are refreshing their dashboards like it’s the stock market.

But before you hit panic mode, let’s take a deep breath. Google’s algorithm updates aren’t here to ruin your life — they are here to improve search results. And while some sites see a dip, others climb, and many hold steady, the key to surviving (and thriving) throughout a Google Core Update is knowing how to navigate the changes.

So, let’s talk about what to do and what to analyze when the algorithm shakes things up.

Understanding Google Core Updates

Google’s Core Updates aren’t small tweaks. They are broad changes to how search results are ranked. Unlike smaller updates that target spammy tactics or technical SEO issues, Core Updates focus on improving the overall relevance and quality of search results.

That means, if your rankings drop, it’s not necessarily because you did something wrong — it could just mean that Google’s understanding of what’s relevant has shifted.

These updates happen multiple times a year, and while Google doesn’t always spell out exactly what changed, it’s possible to figure it out by analyzing trends and patterns post-update.

What to do when a Google Core Update rolls out

Google rolls out a new algorithm update, and suddenly, all our internal alarms start going off. But before making any changes, it’s crucial to assess exactly what’s happening..

Wait before you react

Core Updates take time to roll out, often over a couple of weeks. Your rankings may fluctuate before settling, so don’t make any drastic changes on day one. Instead, keep an eye on your traffic and keyword performance and wait for patterns to emerge.

Check reliable sources for insights

Not all SEO chatter is helpful (shocking, I know). Stick to credible sources like Google’s official site and SEO experts who analyze trends instead of just speculating.

Audit your website’s content quality

Google Core Updates tend to reward websites that prioritize helpful, relevant, and original content. If your ranking dropped, take a closer look at your content:

• Are your pages actually answering user queries?
• Is your content up-to-date and well-structured?
• Are you providing unique insights, or just repeating what’s already out there?

Ensure your site’s technical SEO is solid

Even the best content can struggle if your site has technical issues. Run a quick audit:

• Is your site loading quickly?
• Are mobile and desktop experiences optimized?
• Do you have broken links or indexing issues?

How to analyze whether your rankings were affected by a Core Update

Once you’ve checked the basics, it’s time to dig deeper and determine if the algorithm update had, without a doubt, impacted your rankings.

Compare rankings before and after the update

Before jumping to conclusions, check whether your rankings have actually dropped or if you’re just seeing normal fluctuations. Use a Rank Tracker to review historical trends — if you notice a sharp decline right after the update, your site may have been affected.

Analyze keyword performance

Not all keywords are impacted equally. Some may drop, while others remain steady or even improve. Identify which keywords lost positions and check if they share a common trend — such as changes in search intent.

Evaluate estimated traffic instead of just rankings

Rankings are important, but they don’t tell the full story. A dip in rankings doesn’t always mean a major drop in traffic, and vice versa. Compare estimated traffic before and after the update to see the real impact and understand if Google’s new algorithm update is behind it.

Identify patterns in affected pages

Once the dust settles, compare your rankings before and after the update. Did some pages take a hit? Did others suddenly rise? Identify patterns — Google may be favoring certain content types, intent alignments, or quality signals.

Compare with the competition

If your rankings took a hit right after the Core Update, chances are, someone else benefited. Take a look at who’s ranking higher for your key terms and analyze their content and key metrics to see what they might be doing differently.

What do their pages look like? Are they offering better content, a stronger user experience, or more authoritative backlinks? Are they optimizing better for search intent?

This isn’t about copying — it’s about learning.

Look at search intent shifts

Sometimes, Google adjusts how it interprets search intent. A keyword that once triggered informational content may now favor transactional pages, or vice versa. If you’ve lost rankings, check whether your content still aligns with what searchers (and Google) expect.

What to do next?

Google updates come and go, but each shift in rankings is an opportunity to learn. If things didn’t go your way this time, view it not as a setback, but as valuable insights.

Maybe Google is rewarding more detailed content, stronger expertise, or a better user experience. Whatever the reason, there’s always something to take away and use to improve your SEO strategy.

Keep monitoring and optimizing — SEO is a long game, not something you set and forget. And if you’re wondering where to start, we’ve broken it all down in our guide on recovering from a Google Core Update.