Definition
A Google Core Update is a significant modification to Google's central search algorithm, typically deployed several times a year. Unlike specific updates like Panda or Penguin that target a particular aspect (content or links), Core Updates globally adjust how Google evaluates page relevance and quality. These updates can cause significant ranking fluctuations, with substantial visibility gains and losses for many sites. Google officially announces each Core Update via its Search Central account and recommends focusing on overall site quality rather than seeking specific technical fixes.
Key Points
- Global algorithm adjustment deployed multiple times per year
- Impacts how Google evaluates quality and relevance
- No specific fix: focus on overall site quality
Practical Examples
Typical ranking fluctuation
After a Core Update deployment, a health site loses positions on certain generic queries but gains visibility on more specific queries related to its actual expertise.
Industry impact
A Core Update can particularly impact entire industries like health (YMYL), finance, or legal, where E-E-A-T criteria are especially scrutinized.
Frequently Asked Questions
Google recommends not seeking specific technical fixes but working on overall site quality. Evaluate your content against E-E-A-T criteria (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness), improve user experience, and ensure your content addresses search intents better than the competition.
A full Core Update deployment typically takes between one and two weeks. Ranking fluctuations can be significant during this period, and it is advisable to wait until the deployment is complete before drawing conclusions.
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Last updated: 2026-02-07