In March 2024, Google released its Core Update. If you’ve noticed some changes in your website’s rankings in Google’s search results, this update might be why. Here’s what you need to know about the changes and how they might affect your website.
Overview of the Update
Google frequently updates its algorithms to ensure that the search results you see are relevant and high-quality. However, the March 2024 Google Core Update is one of the longest roll outs of a core algorithms to date. It has caused some notable shifts – we have compiled the key points:
- Improved Quality Ranking: Google has enhanced its ranking algorithms to better identify and promote content that is genuinely useful to users while reducing the visibility of unoriginal and low-quality content. They aim to ensure that the content at the top of your search results is both helpful and relevant.
- New Spam Policies: With this update, Google has introduced stricter rules to tackle spam more effectively. These include:
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- Scaled Content Abuse: Google is cracking down on mass-produced low-quality content that aims to manipulate search rankings. This includes both automated content and manually created content that doesn’t provide real value.
- Site Reputation Abuse: Some sites try to leverage their established reputation by hosting low-quality content from third parties. Google is taking action against this practice to ensure that a site’s reputation reflects the quality of the content it hosts.
- Expired Domain Abuse: Google is also addressing the issue of expired domains being bought and reused to mislead users by associating new, low-quality content with the previous owner’s reputation.
The March 2024 update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the integrity and quality of the information we find online, especially given the rise of AI-generated content.
Impact on Websites and Practical Tips for Website Owners
If you manage a website, here’s three ways you can respond to these changes:
- Monitor Your Site’s Performance: Use Google Search Console to track how your site is doing post-update. It can highlight issues that the update may have flagged.
- Ensure that your content is high quality: Upkeep the quality of your content by making sure it is original and relevant. It is important that you are not hosting low quality third-party content.
- Request a SEO Audit: We offer a free SEO audit at Fat Media. This service can help you understand specific adjustments your site might need to comply with the new standards and improve your search rankings.
If you noticed changes in your website’s search rankings and you’re looking for detailed insights and personalised advice, we are here to help.
