Google Algorithm Volatility Spikes Again

If you’re experiencing a drop in rankings, you’re not alone. The SEO industry is at arms, seeing their site rankings drop again as the year 2023 ends. 

Barry Schwartz, the executive editor of Serch Engine Roundtable, reports multiple tools showing Google’s search ranking volatility spiking. Here are some screenshots captured from his article:

Semrush

SERPmetrics

Accuranker

Additionally, there has been a lot of talk on WebmasterWorld about this latest volatility:

Many think that this volatility could be the cause of Google’s AI going wonky. Others think another update is in the works. Most, however, are unsure of what Google is doing. 

While ranking volatility can be frustrating, you don’t need big SEO changes to right the ship. Instead:

• Continue creating helpful content and optimizing for searchers. 
• Optimize your site’s user experience.
• Review the data to see if there is a pattern to the fluctuations. 
• Make sure the search intent is clear for your pages. 
• Make sure all pages are being indexed correctly. 

With any luck, this is just a bug that will soon be fixed.