The bigger picture: this one is more about the don’ts than the do’s, and considering the purpose of this Google March 2024 core update is to reduce spammy, low-quality, and unoriginal content by 40%.
What is the Google March 2024 Update?
Continuing Google's battle to deliver useful content and connect people with high-quality websites, the Google March 2024 Core Update isn’t an isolated event but rather part of an ongoing series of enhancements to Google’s search quality. At this stage, the goal was to significantly enhance the quality and helpfulness of search results.
"In 2022, we began tuning our ranking systems to reduce unhelpful, unoriginal content on Search and keep it at very low levels. We're bringing what we learned from that work into the March 2024 core update," explained Elizabeth Tucker, Director of Product for Search at Google.
This update introduces algorithmic improvements to better rank valuable, genuine, and insightful information while decreasing the visibility of unoriginal and spammy content created solely for search engine rankings.
In early March 2024, Google started rolling out the update, which would take 2 to 4 weeks to fully implement. Moreover, the policy was published "two months in advance of enforcement on May 5, to give site owners time to make any needed changes," emphasises Tucker.
Why is This Update Significant?
This update marks a significant pivot in Google’s approach to search quality, prioritising genuine expertise and insights over manipulative tactics. By focusing on reducing unhelpful content by up to 40%, Google sets a new precedent in its quest for quality.
For digital marketers, content creators, and e-commerce entrepreneurs, understanding the nuances of this update is essential. It’s about recognising that the integrity of content and user experience now weighs more heavily on websites’ visibility and rankings.
How Can This Update Impact Your Brand Website?
The implications of the Google March 2024 Core Update on your website could be multifaceted. For those who've adhered to ethical SEO practices and focused on creating unique, high-value content, this update could be a blessing, potentially boosting your site's ranking in search results.
Conversely, websites laden with low-quality, duplicate, or spammy content may witness a notable decline in their search visibility. More specifically, these manipulative behaviours involve:
Reliance on expired domains
Expired domain abuse involves purchasing and repurposing old domains primarily to boost the search rankings of low-quality or unoriginal content. This practice, which often misleads users into associating the new, lesser-quality content with the previous site's reputation, is now considered spam by Google.
Reliance on expired domain redirects can lead to severe consequences, including manual penalties and a significant decrease in search visibility.
Involvement in scaled content practices
Websites engaged in scaled content abuse, also known as Programmatic SEO (pSEO), produce large volumes of low-quality or similar content to boost search rankings and manipulate search results.
Whether the content is generated by automation, humans, or a mix, these practices contradict Google’s standards for high-quality, user-beneficial content, which may result in a decline in search visibility due to little to no real value.
Websites hosting third-party low-value content
Site reputation abuse occurs when reputable websites host low-quality content from third parties, leveraging the site's credibility for higher search rankings. This leads to potential confusion or misinformation for visitors.
Google now classifies such third-party, low-value content aimed primarily at boosting search rankings as spam and is giving site owners until May 5th to make necessary changes. This update underscores the importance of maintaining high-quality control over all content, including guest posts and sponsored articles, to ensure compliance with Google’s standards.
Best SEO Practices Post-Update Launch
As Google intensifies its efforts to promote valuable and reliable content, websites need to reassess their content strategies and ensure they provide user-centric experiences to maintain or improve their search visibility.
One of the first steps you should take to thrive in this new SEO terrain is conducting a thorough review of your website’s content. Review and update outdated content, enhance existing material, and remove content that serves no purpose other than attempting to manipulate search rankings.
Moving forward, adopting best SEO practices is more critical than ever. Here’s how you can align your website with Google’s new standards:
- Choose Content Quality Over Quantity: Focus on creating original, high-quality content that provides real value to your readers. Avoid the temptation to churn out content solely for the sake of posting.
- User Experience (UX) Optimisation: Ensure your website offers a seamless user experience with fast loading times, mobile optimisation, and intuitive navigation.
- Keyword Usage: While keywords remain important, these should be integrated naturally into your content. Focus on user intent rather than forcing a multitude of keywords onto your pages.
- Regular Audits: Conduct regular content and SEO audits to identify and fix issues, such as broken links, outdated information, or SEO malpractices that could affect your site’s ranking.
Ready to Elevate Your Site's SEO Post-Google Update?
The recent Google March 2024 Core Update has changed the game, but navigating these changes doesn't have to be daunting.
If you're looking to improve your website's ranking while adhering to the latest SEO standards, our team is here to help. Clue specialises in tailored SEO strategies that comply with Google's updates, drive meaningful traffic, and improve your online visibility.
Contact us today for an obligation-free consultation and get ready to unlock your website's true potential with our expert SEO services.