How to recover from a Google Core Update

So, Google dropped another update, and your rankings took a hit? Ouch… But don’t worry! You’re not alone — your website definitely wasn’t the only one affected, and a drop in rankings doesn’t mean the end of the world or your SEO strategy. You just need to learn how to recover from a Google Core Update.

Let’s walk through how to bounce back stronger than ever.

How to fix rankings after a Core Update

First, take a step back. 😌

It’s easy to panic when you see a sudden drop in rankings, but knee-jerk reactions can do more harm than good. Google advises waiting a few weeks before making any major changes — ranking fluctuations happen, and things might smooth out on their own.

Once the Core Update has fully rolled out and you’re certain it’s affected your site, where’s what to do:

1. Analyze what changed

Once you’ve confirmed that your rankings were affected by a Core Update, the first thing to do is to dig into the data.

• Which pages lost rankings?
• Are there patterns in the keywords affected?
• Did you lose traffic from a particular type of query or region?

Check your Rank Tracker, Google Search Console and Google Analytics to pinpoint changes and compare your content to competitors who climbed the ranks — what are they doing better? Is their content fresher, more detailed, or formatted differently?

2. Learn from the Update

Every Google algorithm update has a purpose. Check the Google Search Central Blog to review Google’s guidelines and any official statements about the latest update. Core Updates typically focus on:

• Content quality
• Search intent alignment
• E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trustworthiness)

Once you understand what changed, you can make improvements that align with Google’s expectations.

3. Upgrade, don’t just update your content

If your rankings dropped, don’t just slap a new publish date on your blog post and call it a day. Google’s looking for real value, not minor edits. Your content needs a full makeover, not just a quick touch-up.

Make it more comprehensive

If your content is thin or lacks depth, it’s time to beef it up. Add new insights, updated stats, expert perspectives, and fresh examples to make your page the best answer to the search query. If your competitors are ranking higher after the Core Update, look at what they’re covering that you aren’t — and do it better.

Improve readability & engagement

Nobody likes reading a giant wall of text. Break things up with shorter paragraphs, subheadings, bullet points (where they actually make sense), and visuals. Infographics, videos, and interactive elements keep readers engaged, and the longer they stay, the better your chances of ranking higher.

Answer search intent more directly

Google rewards content that matches what searchers actually want. If a query is “best SEO tools for beginners”, but your page is about advanced SEO techniques, you’re missing the mark. Align your content with user intent, whether they’re looking for quick answers, in-depth guides, or product comparisons.

Freshen up old content with new angles

If Google updates are shifting what’s being prioritized, add new insights or unique perspectives that weren’t relevant before. Maybe there’s a new trend, tool, or case study you can incorporate to keep your content timely and relevant.

4. Strengthen your site’s credibility (E-E-A-T matters)

Strengthening your E-E-A-T is an essential part of how to recover from a Google Core Update. Core Updates tend to favor content that oozes Experience, Expertise, Authority, and Trust (E-E-A-T). Think of this as Google asking “Why should I trust you?” and your content responding “Here’s why I’m the best choice”.

Showcase your expertise

Google loves content created by real experts, so don’t just assume your readers know you’re legit — prove it.

Add detailed author bios, link to professional profiles, and highlight credentials. A sprinkle of first-hand experience (like personal insights, testimonials or case studies) can also help establish authority.

Back it up with trustworthy sources

Opinions are great, but data-backed content wins. Cite reputable sources, reference industry studies, and use clear, fact-driven explanations. If you can contribute your own original data or research, even better. Google loves unique insights.

Earn industry recognition

Google tends to favor sites that others in the industry trust. Get featured on relevant blogs, contribute to expert roundups, or secure mentions from high-authority websites. The more Google sees other vouching for you, the stronger your credibility.

Use structured data for extra visibility

Give Google a helping hand by making up your content with structured data. Adding FAQ, How-To, and Author schema can help search engines understand your content better — and even land you a spot in featured snippets.

5. Fix hidden SEO issues

Even if your content is solid, technical SEO problems can drag rankings down. Run a full site audit and check for:

Slow page speed

Nobody likes a slow website — not users, not Google. Run a Google PageSpeed Insights test and optimize images, enable lazy loading, and check for bloated code that might be slowing things down. If your hosting provider isn’t cutting it, consider an upgrade.

Poor mobile experience

Google’s mobile-first indexing means your site needs to look (and work) great on phones. Run a Mobile Usability Report in Google Search Console and fix any funky layouts, hard-to-click buttons, or intrusive pop-ups.

Thin or duplicated content

Google isn’t a fan of thin or duplicated content. If you have pages that add little value or repeat the same information, consider merging, improving, or removing them. A leaner, more valuable site performs better in search.

Internal linking gaps

Think of internal linking like building bridges — help Google and users navigate your site more efficiently. Link high-performing pages to those that need a boost, and make sure every page has a logical place in your site’s structure.

6. Rebuild authority with smarter backlink strategies

Backlink profiles often shift after algorithm updates. If high-value links were lost, or competitors gained stronger links, you may need to step up your link-building strategy.

Turn mentions into links

Find sites that mention your brand but don’t link to you (it happens more than you’d think). A friendly email asking for a proper link can often do the trick.

Create content people want to link to

Not all content is link-worthy. If you want natural backlinks, focus on original research, industry reports, expert roundups, or unique case studies. The more valuable your content, the easier it is to get links without begging.

Guest posts & partnerships

Guest posting on respected industry sites or collaborating with influencers can land you high-quality backlinks while expanding your audience. Just make sure it’s strategic and not spammy link-building.

7. Stay consistent and keep publishing

Google rewards fresh, relevant content. Instead of only fixing old pages, continue publishing new content that adds value. A well-maintained blog, industry reports, or in-depth guides can help rebuild rankings over time.

8. Be patient

Recovering from a Google Core Update isn’t instant. If you’ve improved content, technical SEO, and user experience, give it time. Keep an eye on performance, continue optimizing, and stay ahead of future updates.

Final thoughts

Recovering from a Google Core Update isn’t about scrambling for a quick fix. It’s about making your website better, smarter, and more valuable than before. Google’s goal is to serve the best results, and your job is to be the best result. So, if you’re wondering how to fix website rankings after a Google Core Update, the answer is rooted in long-term improvements.

And if you’re still not sure whether the update hit you, check out our article on how to know if a Core Update impacted your website. It’ll help you connect the dots and decide what to do next.

Then, take action with confidence. You now know how to recover from a Google Core Update. ✨