A Ladybug on A Computer With A Magnifying Glass

Google has confirmed and resolved a search ranking bug that affected a small number of websites. The bug caused temporary fluctuations in search results for specific sites over the weekends, with rankings dropping out of Google Search results and reappearing during weekdays. The issue was described as “very narrow” and impacted sites with exotic vanity top-level domains (TLDs) such as club, consulting, life, and others.

The bug was initially noticed by the SEO community, with reports of websites losing rankings and traffic, specifically over the weekends. Tomasz Rudzki at ZipTie highlighted that affected TLDs were non-standard, and the issue coincided with unconfirmed Google updates on various dates from November 2023 to January 2024.

Sample ranking chart. Here is one example of a ranking chart showing the weekend drop in performance from organic Google Search:

A graph showing the difference between ad revenue and ad spend.

The dates he shared coincided with the algorithm updates reported on:

  • 25th November 2023
  • 9th December 2023
  • 15th December 2023
  • 22-24th December 2023
  • 29-30th December 2023
  • 4-6th January 2024

Google has since resolved the issue, and affected sites should no longer experience the weekend fluctuations in search results. Website owners and SEO professionals who observed unusual ranking issues over weekends, particularly those with non-standard TLDs, may have been impacted by this bug. The situation underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and awareness of potential technical issues that can affect search rankings.

Why It Matters:

  • Impact on Rankings:

    The bug affected the rankings of a specific set of websites over weekends, potentially leading to a loss of visibility and traffic during those periods.

  • Domain TLD Specifics:

    The issue was particularly associated with websites using non-standard TLDs, emphasizing the importance of considering technical aspects, including domain choices, in SEO strategies.

  • Resolution and Monitoring:

    Google has resolved the bug, but it highlights the dynamic nature of search algorithms. Website owners and SEO professionals should stay vigilant, monitor performance, and promptly address any unexpected fluctuations in search rankings.
This incident serves as a reminder that the SEO landscape can be influenced by both confirmed algorithm updates and technical glitches and staying informed is crucial for maintaining and improving search visibility.

Resource:

https://searchengineland.com/google-confirms-a-search-ranking-bug-where-sites-disappear-from-search-results-over-the-weekend-436768