The recent Google August 2024 Broad Core Update has officially rolled out, confirmed by Search Engine Roundtable, leaving some photography websites struggling to maintain their search engine rankings. Launched on August 15, 2024, and completed on September 3, 2024, this update focuses on rewarding websites that provide genuinely helpful and informative content. Although this isn’t a penalty-driven update, many photography websites may see shifts in their visibility. Now is the time to reassess your content strategy and ensure it meets the standards Google values, so your portfolio shines in search results.

Adapting to Changes in Google Discover and Feature Snippets

If your photography website was negatively affected by the August 2024 update, you may notice changes in how your site appears in areas like Google Discover, feature snippets, and even AI-generated overviews. This update is designed to promote content that offers clear, concise, and valuable information across these features.

For Discover, ensure your photography content is visually engaging and highly relevant to current trends in the industry. Make sure your site is optimized for mobile use and showcases high-quality images, as this improves the likelihood of your photography appearing in Discover feeds.

When it comes to feature snippets, your photography content needs to be structured in a way that answers user questions immediately. Using bullet points, tables, and direct answers can increase your chances of being featured. Similarly, AI-generated overviews prioritize well-organized, straightforward information related to your photography services.

How the Update Benefits Photographers

One notable aspect of the August 2024 Broad Core Update is its emphasis on rewarding small and independent photography studios. Google has long focused on promoting high-quality, niche content, and this update reinforces that commitment. If you run a smaller photography studio, this could be an opportunity to gain visibility over larger competitors, especially if you’ve been producing authentic and well-researched photography-related material.

If you find your rankings have dropped, it might be time to look at whether your photography content truly showcases your expertise in your niche. Building trust through accurate, relevant, and timely information can make a big difference. Additionally, creating content that resonates with your photography audience and covers topics other larger sites might overlook can help your recovery efforts.

Looking Ahead: Adapting to Future Updates

The August 2024 Broad Core Update is a reminder that Google’s algorithm will continue to evolve, often with little warning. If your photography site was affected by this update, now is the time to focus on creating content that meets the highest standards of relevance and quality. Regularly revisiting your strategy and staying updated with Google’s guidelines will help you not only recover from this update but also remain adaptable to future changes. As Google will continue to refresh its algorithms periodically, maintaining an emphasis on helpful, informative content will position your photography business for long-term success.