Google
January 2020 Core Update
In brief
First core update of 2020, rolled out quickly, with strong swings reported notably on YMYL sites.
Key points
- The first core update of 2020, rolled out quickly over a few days.
- Strong variations reported, notably on YMYL sites.
- Marked re-rankings on health, finance and news.
- A reminder of the importance of quality signals and E-A-T.
Analysis
The January 2020 update confirms the particular sensitivity of YMYL topics to core updates. Sites dealing with health, finance or news experienced significant movements, in continuity with the Medic logic initiated in 2018: the credibility of the source weighs heavily on these subjects.
For the publishers concerned, each core update is an opportunity to reassess the perceived reliability of their content. Claims must be sourced, updated and carried by identifiable authors, a foundation that also conditions reuse in AI answers.
What to do
- On YMYL topics, update and source sensitive content as a priority.
- Check author attribution and authority signals on high-traffic pages.
- Compare the movements with those of previous updates to target recurring weaknesses.
Impact
Marked reshuffling in health, finance and news. A reminder of the importance of quality and E-A-T signals.