Playbook: distinguish a dead-cat bounce from real recovery

Playbook: distinguish a dead-cat bounce from real recovery
Post-update traffic often spikes briefly then settles lower. Don't mistake it for recovery:

— Step 1: Ignore any single-day or weekend spike — measure on 14-day rolling averages instead.
— Step 2: Check whether the bounce is broad (all clusters) or one viral page — viral isn't recovery.
— Step 3: Confirm the rollout is marked complete — mid-rollout bounces routinely reverse.
— Step 4: Verify position recovery in GSC, not just clicks — clicks can rise on seasonality alone.
— Step 5: Require the trend to hold across the next confirmed update before declaring victory.

Real recovery is boring and gradual; bounces are exciting and temporary.

One to bookmark: Google's Search Status Dashboard — confirm 'completed' status before trusting any post-update upswing.