Google Search Update: March 2024 Core Changes Explained

Hold onto your hats, folks! The Google search update announcement included some bombshells, and it’s got the SEO world buzzing. If you’re wondering what the heck this means for your website, don’t worry – I’ve got you covered.

In this post, we’ll break down the key changes and what you need to do to keep your rankings soaring. No confusing jargon or tech mumbo-jumbo, just straight-up advice from someone who’s been in the trenches. Ready to tackle this Google search update head-on? Let’s go!

Google’s March 2024 Core Update and Spam Policies

On March 5th, 2024, Google unleashed its first core update of the year. And it’s a big one. This core algorithm update is more complex than usual, involving changes to multiple ranking systems. Google’s also incorporated its helpful content system into the overall core ranking process. So if you were waiting for the next helpful content update to see ranking improvements, the wait is over. Those signals are now part of the core algorithm.

Overview of the Google Search Update

Buckle up, because this Google March core update is going to be a wild ride for search rankings. The rollout could take up to a month, way longer than the typical 1-2 weeks for core updates. Why? Because it’s a big one. Google’s making meaningful changes to improve search quality and address the recent rise in low-quality, spammy content.

Key Takeaways for Site Owners

So what’s a site owner to do? Focus on creating helpful, reliable, people-first content. That’s really the key. There’s nothing special you need to do for this update if you’re already prioritizing quality content for humans, not search engines. But if you’re not ranking well, it’s time to take a hard look at your content. Make sure you’re nailing Google’s helpful content guidelines and E-E-A-T signals. Some key things to prioritize:

• Demonstrating expertise, experience, authoritativeness and trustworthiness.
• Providing original, valuable information.
• Satisfying searcher intent.
• Using clear structure, headings, lists.
• Avoiding large amounts of ads that distract from the main content.

As the update progresses, keep an eye on your search rankings and traffic. Don’t panic if you see fluctuations. Wait until the dust settles before making major changes.

Addressing Reputation Abuse and Expired Domain Abuse

Along with the core update, Google’s tackling some big spam issues with spam update policies. Two key targets? Reputation abuse and expired domain abuse.

Understanding Reputation Abuse

Reputation abuse is when people try to game the system by adding low-quality content to websites with good reputations. The goal is to piggyback off that site’s authority to rank well. Google’s cracking down on this big time. If you allow third-party content on your site, make sure it’s high-quality and relevant. Consider noindexing or blocking low-quality or irrelevant pages.

Impact of Expired Domain Abuse

Expired domain abuse is another sneaky trick. People buy expired domains that used to have good reputations. Then they build low-quality sites on those domains to try to rank well based on the old site’s authority. Google’s not having it anymore. Sites built on expired domains solely to manipulate search rankings will be considered spam.

Strategies to Avoid Domain Abuse

If you’re buying an expired domain, make sure you’re using it to build a legitimate, quality site. Don’t just stuff it with keywords and low-quality content. Do your due diligence on the domain’s history. Check archive.org to see what content used to be on the site. Make sure it’s not associated with anything shady or spammy. Focus on creating original, valuable content that serves a real purpose for users. Prioritize quality over quantity.

Targeting Low-Quality and Unhelpful Content

The core update and spam policies have a common goal: to reduce low-quality, unhelpful content in search results. Google’s been on a mission to combat this for a while now with things like the helpful content update. But now they’re kicking it into high gear.

Characteristics of Low-Quality Content

So what exactly is low-quality content? Here are some common characteristics:

• Thin content with little original value.
• Content created primarily for search engines, not humans.
• Keyword stuffing and unnatural keyword usage.
• AI-generated content designed to rank without providing value.
• Duplicate, rewritten or aggregated content without adding value.

Essentially, if your content exists solely to manipulate rankings and doesn’t help searchers, it’s low-quality in Google’s eyes.

Google’s Helpful Content Guidelines

On the flip side, Google has provided extensive guidance on creating helpful, people-first content. It’s all about focusing on the searcher and providing real value. Your content should be trustworthy, credible and written by people with real expertise on the topic. It should provide a satisfying experience for the searcher and fully achieve their intent. Think about what makes your content unique and valuable. What fresh perspectives or depth of knowledge are you offering? Make that the focus, not just ranking for keywords.

Prioritizing People-First Content

At the end of the day, the key is to create content for people, not search engines. That’s been Google’s mantra for a long time, but it’s more important than ever with these updates. Don’t chase algorithms. Chase providing an amazing experience for your audience. Demonstrate your expertise. Be trustworthy. Provide unique value. If you do that, you’ll be on the right side of these updates. It’s all about helping searchers, not trying to outsmart search engines. So take Google’s helpful content guidelines to heart. Prioritize building trust and authority through quality content. Because that’s what Google is prioritizing too.

Combating Scaled Content Abuse and Product Review Manipulation

Google’s taking a stand against scaled content abuse. You know, the kind that’s pumped out just to game the system. We’re talking low-quality, unoriginal fluff. Content that pretends to have all the answers but delivers zilch in terms of actual value.

Defining Scaled Content Abuse

So what exactly is scaled content abuse? It’s when content is mass-produced with the sole purpose of manipulating search rankings. Whether it’s churned out by humans, AI, or a combo of both, Google’s cracking down. They’re expanding their policy to target this spammy behavior head-on.

Does having two websites hurt my rankings? What’s better, a hyphen or a underscore? Join @JohnMu and @methode as they answer your questions in this month’s #SEO Office Hours → goo.gle/4b0vhegApr 18, 2024

As Google’s John Mueller and Gary Illyes discuss in this tweet, site owners often have burning SEO questions. But the real issue is creating genuinely valuable content, not gaming the system with scaled junk.

Product Review Best Practices

Product reviews are another area ripe for manipulation. Google’s doubling down on its spam policies to promote authentic, trustworthy reviews. Best practices? Keep it real, folks. Share your genuine experience with products. Provide in-depth, balanced insights that actually help people make informed decisions.

Maintaining Authentic Reviews

Authenticity is key. Don’t fall into the trap of churning out shallow, rehashed reviews just for the sake of content. Put in the work. Test products thoroughly, consider multiple angles, and provide unique value. That’s how you earn trust and stay on Google’s good side. The days of gaming the system with scaled content abuse are numbered. Google’s sending a clear message: quality over quantity, substance over spam.

The Importance of Original and Valuable Content

In a world drowning in content, originality is your life raft. It’s what keeps you afloat in the vast sea of search results. Google’s helpful content updates have made that crystal clear. They’re not just looking for any old content – they want the good stuff. The cream of the crop.

Benefits of Original Content

Original content is like a magnet for search engines. It attracts attention, engagement, and those all-important backlinks. When you bring something new to the table, you’re not just adding to the noise – you’re starting a conversation. You’re providing value that can’t be found anywhere else. That’s the kind of content that Google wants to showcase. The kind that genuinely helps people and enriches the online landscape.

Strategies for Creating Valuable Content

So how do you create content that hits the mark? It starts with understanding your audience inside and out. What are their pain points? Their burning questions? Their secret desires? Tap into those insights and craft content that speaks directly to their needs. Don’t be afraid to go deep. Skim the surface and you’ll get lost in the crowd. Dive in with in-depth, well-researched content and you’ll stand out like a beacon.

Adapting to Algorithm Updates

Google’s algorithm updates can feel like a game of whack-a-mole. Just when you think you’ve got it figured out, BAM – another core update lands. But here’s the secret: if you’re focusing on creating truly valuable, original content, you’re already ahead of the game. Sure, you might need to tweak your strategy here and there. But the core principle remains the same: create content for humans, not algorithms. Stay agile, stay authentic, and keep your finger on the pulse of your audience. That’s how you’ll weather any algorithm storm and come out on top.

Monitoring Search Rankings and Adapting to Updates

Search rankings are like the weather – always changing, sometimes unpredictable, but crucial to keep an eye on. As a site owner, it’s your job to stay on top of those fluctuations. To know when an update is brewing and how to adapt your strategy accordingly.

Tracking Search Rankings

There are a ton of tools out there to help you track your search rankings. From the classics like Google Analytics to more specialized platforms. The key is to choose a tool that works for you and your team. One that provides the insights you need without drowning you in data. Set up regular check-ins to monitor your rankings. Keep an eye out for any sudden drops or spikes. Those could be signs that an algorithm update is afoot.

Identifying Areas for Improvement

When an update does hit, don’t panic. Take a deep breath and start digging into your G4 data. Look for patterns. Are certain types of pages or keywords taking a hit? Are there any common threads among the pages that are thriving? Use those insights to identify areas for improvement. Maybe it’s time to refresh some outdated content. Or maybe you need to rethink your keyword strategy. Whatever the case may be, approach it as an opportunity. A chance to make your site even better and more valuable to your audience.

Staying Current with Algorithm Updates

Staying on top of algorithm and core updates is like trying to keep up with the Kardashians – it’s a full-time job. But it’s a crucial one. Because when an update hits, you need to be ready to adapt and evolve. Follow industry blogs and forums. Subscribe to Google’s official channels. Join SEO communities and learn from your peers. The more informed you are, the better equipped you’ll be to navigate any algorithm changes that come your way. Remember, Google’s ultimate goal is to provide the best possible user experience. If you keep that north star in mind, you’ll be well on your way to search success. So keep calm, keep creating killer content, and keep adapting. The search landscape may change, but your commitment to quality never should.

Conclusion

So, there you have it – the lowdown on the March 2024 Google search update. This core update is a lot to take in, but don’t panic. By focusing on creating top-notch, user-friendly content and keeping an eye on your site’s technical health, you’ll be well-equipped to ride out this Google search update and come out on top.

Remember, SEO is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay the course, keep learning, and most importantly, keep putting your audience first. You’ve got this!