Game plan to fix a 40% traffic drop following a core algorithm update

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• Part 1How to approach traffic drops

  Traffic drops require a systematic diagnostic approach. Sam Torres, Chief Digital Officer at Gray Dot Co, shares her framework for identifying the true source of organic search performance declines. She outlines a three-step process: validating the business impact of traffic changes, isolating patterns through data analysis, and determining whether issues stem from technical problems, content relevance, or external factors. Torres also demonstrates how to effectively communicate findings to executives using data-backed forecasts and resource-based scenarios.

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• Part 2Will there will be more official core updates in 2025 than any other year?

  Core updates are becoming more frequent in Google's algorithm ecosystem. Sam Torres from Gray Dot Co predicts 2025 will see more official core updates than any previous year. This lightning round discussion examines the increasing pace of Google's algorithm changes and what SEO professionals should anticipate as these updates become a more regular part of the search landscape.

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• Part 3Are we moving to a constant state of change search?

  Google's algorithm update patterns are evolving rapidly. Sam Torres, SEO expert from Gray Dot Co, examines whether distinguishable core updates will continue or if search is moving toward a constant state of change. Torres predicts distinguishable updates will remain for the next 12-18 months before transitioning to more continuous evolution, similar to what happened after the introduction of RankBrain.

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• Part 4More sudden traffic drops caused by technical issues or content-related problems?

  When do traffic drops signal technical issues versus content problems? Sam Torres from Gray Dot Co examines the distinct patterns behind sudden versus gradual SEO declines. She explains how technical issues typically cause abrupt two-week traffic drops, while content problems lead to slower, more business-impacting declines, and reveals how website migrations often trigger Google to reevaluate a site's relevance.

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  Part 5Game plan to fix a 40% traffic drop following a core algorithm update

  When a core algorithm update causes a 40% traffic drop, swift action is required. Sam Torres from Gray Dot Co shares her approach to diagnosing content quality and relevancy issues that impact top-of-funnel performance. She emphasizes the importance of transparent communication with leadership, backing claims with comprehensive data analysis, and gathering insights from community platforms like Reddit and YouTube to identify content gaps.

• Part 6Will AI systems be able to fully diagnose traffic drops and identify fundamental issues?

  Can AI fully diagnose SEO traffic drops? Sam Torres from Gray Dot Co examines the limitations of AI in technical SEO diagnostics. She explains why AI can identify traffic declines but struggles to pinpoint fundamental issues, emphasizing that most SEO problems stem from multiple factors rather than single causes. Torres highlights the importance of human experience in comprehensive troubleshooting and avoiding the "one solution" trap that both AI and junior SEOs often fall into.

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