April 2018 Google Core Update: Rollout & Analysis

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Google confirmed a broad core algorithm update that began rolling out on Monday, April 16, 2018, describing it as benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded rather than penalizing anything.

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Google's Search Liaison account confirmed on April 20, 2018 that a broad core algorithm update had begun rolling out the previous Monday, April 16, as reported by Search Engine Land. It followed the broad core update Google had confirmed in March, a few weeks earlier.

Google's framing was notable and has been quoted ever since: "There's nothing wrong with pages that may now perform less well. Instead, it's that changes to our systems are benefiting pages that were previously under-rewarded." The company added that there is "no 'fix' for pages that may perform less well, other than to remain focused on building great content." Google did not name a target, and no formal end date for the rollout was announced.

For sites that moved in mid-April 2018, the standing core-update playbook applies: review the affected pages against the self-assessment questions in Google's core updates documentation and invest in overall quality, with recovery typically registering at a later core update. Our recovery guide covers the sequence.

Rollout log

  • The broad core algorithm update begins rolling out on Monday, per Google's later confirmation.

  • Google's Search Liaison confirms the update and says the changes benefit "pages that were previously under-rewarded".

Sources

Frequently asked questions

When did the April 2018 core update start and finish?

It began rolling out on Monday, April 16, 2018, and Google confirmed it publicly on April 20. No formal completion date was announced, which was normal before Google's Search Status Dashboard existed.

What did the April 2018 core update target?

Nothing specific, according to Google. It said there was nothing wrong with pages that dropped; its systems were now benefiting pages that had previously been under-rewarded.

How do you recover from the April 2018 core update?

Google said there is no fix beyond focusing on great content. Audit the pages that lost visibility against Google's core-update self-assessment questions and improve site-wide quality; recovery typically shows up at a subsequent core update.

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Cite this page: Keywords Everywhere, "April 2018 Google Core Update: Rollout & Analysis", last updated 16th Apr 2018, https://keywordseverywhere.com/news/google-algorithm-updates/april-2018-core-update/