Google has announced the rollout of its November 2023 core update, marking the fourth broad core algorithm update of the year.
As with previous core updates, this latest revision is set to have a significant impact on search results. Google stated that this core update might take up to two weeks to be fully implemented.
The series of core updates for 2023 began with the March 2023 core update, followed by the August 2023 core update, and then the October 2023 core update.
Each of these updates aimed to enhance the overall search experience and improve the quality of search results.
Google emphasized that the new core update involves an improvement to a different core system than the previous one in October.
However, the general guidance provided by Google regarding core updates remains consistent.
Additionally, Google announced that a reviews update will be introduced in the coming week.
This update signifies a transition to a regular and ongoing pace for improving the reviews system. Consequently, Google will no longer provide periodic notifications of reviews system improvements.
Google has posted a detailed Q&A regarding the November 2023 core update and the upcoming reviews update to provide webmasters and site owners with more information about these changes.
One common question is why Google releases core updates so frequently. Google clarified: “We have different systems that are considered core to our ranking process; this month’s core update involves an improvement to a different core system than last month.”
The distinction between a ranking update and a ranking system was also highlighted. Google explained that: “Ranking systems are what we use to generate search results. We use multiple ranking systems that do different things. We have a guide to Google search ranking systems that explains some of our more notable ones. Updates are when we make an improvement to a ranking system.”
Regarding the timing of updates, Google acknowledged that “We do try to avoid having updates during the late-November to mid-December period when possible. But it’s not always possible. If we have updates that can improve Search, that have been developed over the course of several months, we release them when they’re ready.”
