Google's Year in Review: How Edmonton SEO is Affected by Google's 2024 Algorithm Changes

Google has been kind of crazy this year, with several updates, the leak, and some big shifts that were pretty much expected now that AI can be found in pretty much everything.

These shifting winds have caused a stir in the online world, with some businesses thriving under the new rules and some livid their businesses have been seemingly Thanos snapped off the web.

Some for good reason and others unfairly.

So, where does this lead your business? Have you been affected by the changes? What adjustments have you made to pivot to what's important? Did you know it even happened? 

Since we're nearing the end of 2024, we're taking this time to look back over how Google has changed this year, what it means for your business, what you should do with this information as an Edmonton business, and what we can look out for moving forward.

Let's get into it.

2024: The Year Google Shook Things Up

Google usually releases a handful of updates every year, and this year was no different. This time, however, there were some major algorithm quality-of-life changes that aimed to deal with the rising influx of AI-generated content that was causing backlogs of spam in the SERPs, and help valuable, well-processed content remain on top.

First up, we had the March Core Update, which kicked off on March 5th and dragged on for an epic 45 days (talk about suspense!). 

Oh, and let's not forget the March Spam Update, which ran alongside the March Core Update. This one targeted sneaky tactics like AI-generated content and authority abuse. Google even introduced some new spam policies to keep things squeaky clean.

This update was all about cracking down on low-quality content, especially AI-generated spam. Google even boasted a 45% reduction in unhelpful content cluttering up the search results, as of April 2024.

Then, Google unleashed the August Core Update on August 15th. This time, the focus was on prioritizing "genuinely helpful content."

Basically, Google wanted to make sure that websites were providing real value to users, not just churning out keyword-stuffed fluff to game the system.

Now, you might wonder, "How did all this affect businesses here in Edmonton?" 

Well, while specific local data is hard to come by (Google likes to keep things vague, you know!), it's safe to say that Edmonton businesses across all sectors felt the tremors. 

Likely every business and website saw fluctuations during this time, for better or for worse, but the top takeaways here is that you should never panic when these things happen.

Sure, it's hard not to. 

People literally saw sites with hundreds of thousands of impressions drop to mere hundreds, but if you're reactive to such changes, if Google moves to correct a poorly implemented feature, revert a change, or otherwise adjust the algorithm, if you've made reactive changes, all that effort will be for nothing.

You see, Google is active after updating its algorithms and continues to tweak over the coming weeks to ensure everything works properly. So any changes made during this time will deliver incorrect long term results. 

The best thing you can do is to pause, read up on what Google are doing, plan how you're going to change your content (depending on the data of your website), wait about six weeks after the update, and then implement changes if you need to.

From these updates of 2024, everything boils down to one core goal: rewarding websites that provide a fantastic user experience. 

Provide that, and you win.

Google's Secrets Revealed: Unpacking the May 2024 Leaks

May 2024, Google experienced a 2,500-document leak that they later confirmed to be official. It was a problem with their GitHub backend that caused it, so it wasn't intentional, but of course the internet was quick to explore and see the inner workings of Google and how the giant works. 

A peak behind the curtain into the algorithm that has been kept secret for so many years.

Now, before you start dreaming of cracking the code and achieving instant SEO domination, let's be real: these leaks didn't reveal everything. Google's still holding onto plenty of secrets. 

But what we did learn was pretty darn significant, confirming many suspicions we SEO folks have had for years.

So, what juicy tidbits did we uncover?

• User Experience Matters (More Than Google Admitted!) Remember when Google swore up and down that user clicks didn't affect rankings? Yeah, well, the leaks suggest otherwise. Turns out, Google's been tracking things like click-through rates, engagement, and dwell time (how long you stay on a page). Basically, they're using our behaviour as a giant feedback loop to determine which websites are truly satisfying users.
• The Sandbox is Real Another long-held suspicion confirmed! New websites often experience a "sandbox" period where they struggle to rank, even with stellar SEO. The leaks suggest this is indeed a thing, especially for new domains or those undergoing significant changes.
• Content is Still King, But Freshness Reigns Supreme The leaks reinforced the importance of high-quality, relevant content. But here's the kicker: newer content seems to get a little extra love from Google. So, keep those blog posts coming, Edmonton!
• Backlinks: Quality Over Quantity (and Freshness Counts!) We've always known that backlinks are crucial, but the leaks revealed that Google's backlink analysis is far more sophisticated than we thought. They're looking at freshness, relevance, and overall authority. So, ditch those spammy link-building tactics and focus on earning genuine links from reputable sources.

The takeaway? 

Google is getting smarter, and they're prioritizing user experience above all else. This means that Edmonton businesses need to focus on creating amazing websites that people actually enjoy visiting.

Edmonton SEO: Your Action Plan for 2025 Domination

Here's the truth: SEO isn't just some magic trick you pull out of a hat. It's an ongoing process that requires dedication, strategy, and a deep understanding of how Google works. But don't worry, I'm here to break it down into bite-sized pieces, so you can act and see real results.

Content is King (Still!)

I know, I know, you've heard it a million times. But seriously, folks, content is the heart and soul of your online presence. Google craves fresh, original, and helpful content that answers your audience's burning questions.

Think about it: what are people searching for when they're looking for businesses like yours in Edmonton? Are they searching for "best patio restaurants in Edmonton"? Or maybe "family-friendly activities in Edmonton this weekend"?

Whatever it is, your website needs to be the source that provides the answers.

Here's the deal:

• Keyword Research: Before you write a single word, do your homework! Use tools like Ahrefs, Semrush, or even Google's Keyword Planner to identify the terms your target audience is using.
• High-Quality Writing: No more robotic, keyword-stuffed nonsense. Write for humans, not search engines. Keep your content clear, concise, and engaging.
• Content Variety: Mix it up! Don't just rely on blog posts. Create videos, infographics, downloadable guides, and interactive content to keep your audience engaged.

Pro Tip: Think beyond just promoting your products or services. Become a valuable resource for your audience by providing information, insights, and entertainment.

Technical SEO: The Foundation of Your Online Home

Imagine building a beautiful house on a shaky foundation. Disaster waiting to happen, right? Well, that's what it's like to have a website with poor technical SEO.

Technical SEO is all about the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes your website run smoothly and efficiently.

Here's what you need to know:

• Site Speed: Nobody likes a slow website. Optimize your images, leverage browser caching, and consider a Content Delivery Network (CDN) to speed things up.
• Mobile-Friendliness: In today's mobile-first world, your website must look and function flawlessly on all devices. Use the Developer menu on your browser to check everything manually, or use Google’s official Lighthouse tool to check your site.
• Structured Data: This is a fancy way of saying "organized information." Use schema markup to help Google understand the content on your pages, which can lead to rich snippets in search results.

Pro Tip: If you're not tech-savvy, don't hesitate to hire an Edmonton web developer to help you with these technical aspects.

User Experience (UX): Make Your Website a Joy to Visit

Think about your favourite websites. What makes them so enjoyable to use? Is it the easy navigation? The beautiful design? The clear and concise information?

That's user experience (UX) in a nutshell. And guess what? Google loves it too!

Here's how to boost your UX:

• Intuitive Navigation: Make it easy for visitors to find what they're looking for. Use clear menus, internal links, and a search bar.
• Engaging Design: Your website should be visually appealing and reflect your brand personality. Use high-quality images, videos, and a consistent design aesthetic.
• Clear Calls to Action: Tell your visitors what you want them to do! Whether it's making a purchase, signing up for a newsletter, or contacting you, make it obvious.

Pro Tip: Use heatmaps and analytics tools to track user behaviour on your website. This will give you valuable insights into how people are interacting with your site and where you can make improvements.

Link Building: Building Bridges to Your Website

Think of backlinks as votes of confidence from other websites. The more high-quality links you point to your site, the more Google trusts your authority and relevance.

But here's the catch: not all backlinks are created equal.

Here's how to build links the right way:

• Create Amazing Content: This is the foundation of any successful link-building strategy. If you have content that people love, they'll naturally want to link to it.
• Guest Blogging: Contribute high-quality articles to other websites in your industry. This is a great way to get your name out there and earn valuable backlinks.
• Local Partnerships: Team up with other businesses in Edmonton to cross-promote each other and build links.

Pro Tip: Focus on earning links from reputable websites with high domain authority. Avoid spammy link-building tactics, as these can actually harm your SEO.

Local SEO: Dominate the Edmonton Search Scene

If you're a brick-and-mortar business in Edmonton, local SEO is your bread and butter. It's all about making sure you show up when people search for businesses like yours in your area.

Here's how to nail your local SEO:

• Google Business Profile: Claim and optimize your Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business). Make sure your information is accurate, complete, and engaging.
• Local Citations: List your business on relevant online directories, like Yelp, Yellow Pages, and industry-specific directories.
• Location-Based Keywords: Use keywords that include your city and neighbourhood in your website content and meta descriptions.

Pro Tip: Encourage your customers to leave reviews on your Google Business Profile. Positive reviews can boost your local rankings and attract new customers.

Ready to Conquer Edmonton's Search Results in 2025?

Sure, analyzing Google's algorithms, secrets, and developing some strategies is effective, but this isn't about tricks or shortcuts. 

It's about building a strong online presence that truly serves your audience. 

That's how you build a business, a legacy, and a community that thrives and can stand the test of time. 

So, what are the golden rules of SEO in 2025?

• Obsess your audience. Create a website that's so helpful, so engaging, so darn amazing that people can't help but stick around.

• Content is still king, but quality reigns supreme. Ditch the fluff and create content that truly answers your audience's questions.

• Tech matters. Make sure your website is fast, mobile-friendly, and built on a solid foundation.

• Build genuine connections. Earn links from reputable sources that vouch for your awesomeness.

• Shout your location from the digital rooftops. Make sure Edmonton knows where to find you.

By following these principles and staying ahead of the curve, you can ensure your Edmonton business thrives in the ever-evolving world of SEO.

But hey, we get it. SEO can be a beast. If you're feeling overwhelmed or you're not seeing the results you want, Ignite Web Design is here to help.

We're not just another web design company. We're your partners in online success. We'll help you craft a killer SEO strategy, build a website that converts, and climb those search rankings like a champ.

Ready to ignite your online presence? Contact us today for a free consultation. Let's make 2025 your year to dominate Edmonton's search results.