Overview of the March 2024 Google Core Update

• Focus on quality: The update aims to enhance Google’s ranking systems. Google now aims to ensure that search results display the most helpful and high-quality information. They have stated that they will be reducing unoriginal content by 40%​​.
• Combatting spam: The new spam update has introduced policies which target scaled content abuse, site reputation abuse, and expired domain abuse. These measures are designed to remove the lowest-quality content from search results​​.
• Manual actions: Google has increased the speed at which it implements manual actions for sites violating its guidelines. This is likely to lead to rapid deindexation of low-quality websites​​.
• AI-generated content: The update emphasises the use of high-quality, reliable, and people-first content. Although Google is not explicitly targeting AI-generated content, the focus is on the quality and originality of the content, regardless of how it’s produced​​. Some site owners have seen the complete de-indexing of websites with 100% AI generated content.

Steps for SEO marketers and site owners to adapt

It is important to highlight that Google has started to completely de-index websites, specifically those who have been identified by Google as using certain actions to manipulate search rankings. Such actions include producing only AI content and producing content at scale using automation software.

• Prioritise high-quality content: Website owners should take steps to ensure their content is original, useful, and designed with the user in mind. Be sure to avoid generating content solely for search engine rankings.
• Avoid spam tactics: Steer clear of practices like expired domain abuse, scaled content production (especially low-value AI-generated content), and making use of a website’s reputation for unrelated topics​​​​. This may include posting third party content on a high domain authority website with no relevance to the topic.
• Monitor for manual actions: Keep an eye on your Google Search Console for any notifications of manual actions and address them as soon as possible to avoid deindexation​​.
• Make your content more human: Even if you are using AI tools to assist with content generation, make sure the output is edited and augmented by human expertise to ensure that it is original and of high quality. Focus on creating content that reflects expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T)​​.
• Understand Google’s evolving criteria: Google’s approach to evaluating content helpfulness has evolved. These changes highlight the need for SEO strategies to focus on genuinely serving users’ interests and providing valuable information​​.

SEO marketers should view these updates as an opportunity to improve their content strategies and ensure their sites meet Google’s quality standards. A focus on creating valuable, user-centric content and avoiding spammy practices, can help marketers to align with Google’s goals and potentially improve their search rankings.

Google March core update: FAQs

What types of content are considered “low-quality” by Google’s new update?

Low-quality content typically includes content that is unoriginal, copied, or provides little to no value to the user. This can also include content generated to manipulate search rankings rather than to inform or help users, such as keyword-stuffed articles or pages with excessive ads and thin content.

How can I ensure my content complies with the new update?

Focus on creating content that serves your audience’s needs and interests. Make sure your content is original, informative, and provides value. It should also reflect expertise, authority, and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T). Review your content for quality and remove or improve pages that might be considered low-quality according to Google’s guidelines.

Can AI-generated content still rank well after the update?

AI-generated content is not inherently penalised by Google, but the focus remains on quality and originality. If AI-generated content meets Google’s criteria for high-quality, helpful, and user-first content, it can still rank well. However, reliance on AI to produce bulk, low-value content could negatively impact your site’s visibility.

What should I do if my site is deindexed following the update?

If your site is deindexed, it’s likely due to a violation of Google’s guidelines. Review any manual actions in Google Search Console, and address the issues specified. This might involve removing or improving low-quality content, ceasing manipulative SEO practices, and submitting a reconsideration request to Google once the issues are resolved.

How long will it take to see changes in my rankings after the update?

The impact of a core update can vary. Some sites might see changes in their rankings relatively quickly, while others may notice shifts over several weeks. Google’s algorithm updates can take time to fully roll out, and the effects can be gradual.

Are there any tools to help me assess the quality of my site’s content?

Yes, tools like Google Search Console can provide valuable insights into your site’s performance, including search traffic, impressions, and clicks. Other tools like SEMrush, Ahrefs, and Moz can help analyse your content’s SEO performance, identify issues, and suggest improvements.

How can Bark Street Digital assist?

Bark Street Digital focus on producing high-quality, user centric content that ranks well on Google. For advice or assistance on your SEO content strategy, get in touch today.