Google
December 2020 Core Update
In brief
Last core update of 2020, one of the broadest of the year, with significant reshuffling across many topics.
Key points
- The last core update of 2020, among the broadest of the year.
- Significant re-rankings across many topics.
- Strong position fluctuations at the end of the year.
- Rolled out over about two weeks.
Analysis
The December 2020 update was one of the most notable of the year by its scale, with felt volatility across a broad range of sectors. Its size makes it a reference point for analyzing the quality trends valued by Google heading into 2021.
An update of this magnitude warrants a structured analysis of winners and losers: identifying the common characteristics of the pages that progress helps steer content strategy. The effects may also only be fully readable once the rollout is complete.
What to do
- Wait for the end of the rollout before drawing conclusions about winners and losers.
- Analyze the pages that progress to spot the quality signals to replicate.
- Adjust the 2021 editorial strategy based on the lessons of this broad update.
Impact
Strong position swings at year-end. The need to analyze winners and losers to adjust the content strategy.