Ever since the ChatGPT was released, people have been fascinated by the enormous capabilities it offers. From writing a well-crafted email to a great essay outline, ChatGPT nearly excels in every field. However, the capabilities provided by ChatGPT were not used only for crafting an email and writing a YouTube script. It was well-trained to write on multiple types of writing genres, and anyone could write an engaging essay or article with the help of ChatGPT, making it a remarkable and indispensable tool for most website owners.
But at the same time, people are also starting to abuse the system by posting a lot of AI-based content with the help of ChatGPT, which ultimately leads Google to push core updates quickly.
So now let’s have a look at what a Google update is.
What is a Google Update?
First off, what exactly are Google Core Updates? These are significant changes to Google’s search algorithms and systems. They’re designed to improve the overall quality and relevance of search results. When a Core Update rolls out, you might see some shifts in your website’s search rankings and traffic.
Imagine you’re playing a game where the rules change slightly every few months. That’s what it’s like for websites with Google’s updates.
Google is like the referee deciding which websites play fair and deserve a trophy (or a top spot in search results).
This March 2024 update is a big deal –both for website owners and Google itself , because it never cracks down on low quality website ever before since the inception of ChatGPT.
But why is Google pushing these updates so frequently?
Understand this by a real life example, suppose you go to Google to search for a query and you want a unique and balanced answer or solution to your query, but after switching back and forth between multiple website popping up on search result you end up with these same result explained in different wording, yes this is where people are using AI to spoil the SERP result.
This is called regurgitation, which is basically taking up multiple sources, mixing these results, and then presenting a new result, which literally adds no value proposition to the user searching for the same query.
History of Google Core Update in the Last Year
As we have known that Google’s core updates are essential changes to its search algorithm and to provide the people with the latest and useful information they aim to be provided by Google. Through these Core update and algorithm update Google aim to enhance the quality and relevance of search results.
These updates impact how websites are ranked in search engine results pages (SERPs) and can have significant effects on website traffic and visibility. Here is a History of Google Core updates in recent years:
March 2024 Core Update
- Date: March 5th, 2024
- Description: This major update included new spam policies and targeted reducing unhelpful content online by 40%. It resulted in a historic number of manual penalties being issued by Google.
November 2023 Core Update
- Date: November 2nd, 2023
- Description: Google announced this core update, distinct from the October update, focusing on a different core ranking system. The update took around two weeks to complete.
October 2023 Core Update
- Date: October 5th – October 19th, 2023
- Description: This update was part of a series targeting subpar product reviews, affecting websites that publish such reviews.
September 2022 Core Update
- Date: May 22nd – June 9th, 2022
- Description: This core update was the first of 2022 and aimed to improve search results relevance. It was less impactful compared to previous core updates.
September 2022 Core Algorithm Update
- Date: September 12th – September 26th, 2022
- Description: This update overlapped with other updates and focused on improving search result quality without penalizing websites.
August 2022 Helpful Content Update
- Date: August 25th – September 9th, 2022
- Description: Aimed at rewarding content that prioritizes user experience over content created solely for ranking purposes.
These core updates are crucial for website owners and SEO professionals to understand, as they directly impact search engine rankings and visibility. Staying informed about these updates helps in adapting strategies to align with Google’s evolving search algorithm.
Why Google Core Update 2024 Stands Out?
Google often tweaks its rules to keep the game fair. But this time, it’s focusing on kicking out players who are trying to win by copying others’ moves – specifically, those using AI to create content. Google wants each player to bring something unique to the game, not just echo what others say.
Google’s March 2024 core update marked a significant shift in its search ranking strategies. The primary focus wasn’t on technical SEO tweaks but rather on weeding out unhelpful content and elevating the user experience. Here’s a breakdown of the three key features and how they impact search results:
Reduction of Unhelpful Content
AI-generated content is the Main Target. Imagine if every book in the library was just a remix of other books. It wouldn’t be exciting, right? Google thinks the same. With this update, Google is looking closely at websites that use AI to write their articles, wanting to make sure the content is original and genuinely helpful, not just filler.
What it means:
Google aimed for an ambitious 40% reduction in low-quality and unoriginal content appearing in search results. This content often takes the form of:
- Thin content:Webpages with minimal or superficial information, lacking depth or unique value.
- Content farms:Websites churning out mass-produced content for search engine optimization (SEO) purposes but offering little value to users.
- Scraped content:Content copied directly from other sources without adding any originality or insight.
- Keyword-stuffed content:Content unnaturally overloaded with keywords in an attempt to rank higher in search results, ultimately making it difficult to read and understand.
Impact:
This update prioritizes user-centric content. Webpages that provide genuine value, in-depth information, and a positive user experience will see a boost in rankings. Websites relying on manipulative tactics will struggle to gain traction.
Improved Spam Policies
Spam is what Google has been fighting from the very beginning; fighting spam and providing the user with fresh and unique value to its user is what keeps Google’s monopoly. Through this update, Google tries to remove AI regurgitation, which it considers spam.
What it means:
Google introduced new and updated policies to tackle specific manipulative practices used by spammers. These practices included:
- Scaled content abuse:Creating large networks of websites with low-quality, repetitive content to manipulate search rankings.
- Site reputation abuse:Artificially inflating the reputation of a website through fake reviews or backlinks to improve search ranking.
- Expired domain abuse:Taking over expired domains with established backlink profiles and using them to host spammy content.
Impact:
These stricter policies make it harder for spammers to game the system. Search results will be more trustworthy and reliable, as websites with a history of such tactics will be penalized.
Algorithmic Enhancements
Google has updated its ranking algorithms to prioritize content with high expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. Sites with good reputations, security, and user experience will benefit.
What it means:
Google designed its central ranking algorithms to be more accurate at measuring the quality of the content and the user experience. Although the article doesn’t specify this, it probably includes the examination of the factors related to the E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness). Here’s how this might play out:
- Expertise:The update aims to boost the profile of content that is authored by individuals generally acknowledged as subject matter experts in their area.
- Authoritativeness:The primary material from sites with good track records and strong reputations will be estimated more than the other materials.
- Trustworthiness:Such an update would probably look at issues such as website security, parentage clarity, and the presence of deceptive information.
Impact:
This edit aims to assume skilled and respectable content from a reputable source. Sites that have a responsive design and bring about a good user experience (simple structure, good navigation, and mobile-friendliness) will have an added advantage.
What should Website Owners now look for?
If you run a website, think of this as a wake-up call to check how you’re playing the game. Use tools like SEMrush or Moz to keep an eye on your standings. If you notice your site dropping, it’s time for a strategy shift.
There are no shortcuts to Success.
The clear message here is that using shortcuts like AI for accessible content won’t get you far in the long run. Google values hard work, originality, and content that truly helps and informs people. It’s a reminder that the best strategy is to focus on creating something valuable and unique.
Making content that wins by focusing on quality
Now, let’s talk about making your website a star player in Google’s eyes. To create winning content that Google values, focus on quality over quantity. Instead of churning out mediocre content daily, aim for fewer but more insightful and informative pieces. Showcase your expertise and authority on the topic by providing advice and facts only someone with your background can share. You should always keep in mind that quality trumps quantity. Rather than spewing out bland stuff on a daily basis, be a creator of fewer items that are a bit incisive and informative. Try to remember what your standpoint is and why it is better than others.
Show Your Expertise
Google just loves content that is more of an evidence of mastery and authority. If you’re highly skillful in the field that you write about, the content of your site should match that. Please offer bits and pieces of advice and facts that only someone with your background can share. Also, try to engage your audience directly by addressing their primary concerns in an open, conversational style. Quality content that truly helps and informs will likely get shared, discussed, and valued by both your audience and Google.
Be Original
Originality is key. For example, when you’re addressing a topic others have handled, be unique and add your own voice. Highlight your real-life experiences, stand out by offering new perspectives, or share fresh data that make your writing unique in the content marketing niche. You can strive for originality by adding your unique voice, personal experiences, fresh perspectives, and new data.
Engage Your Audience
Develop content that provides direct answers to your audience’s primary concerns. With an open, conversational style, they will probably get the feeling that you are talking to them directly. While quality content will be spread and become widely discussed, it may also be valued by both your audience and Google.
Recommendations for recovering your website after the March 2024 Google Core Update
Now, dive into key points from recovering your website after the March 2024 Google Core Update. We’ll keep it simple and engaging, just like we’re having a chat over coffee.
Remove unhelpful AI content
In the wake of Google’s crackdown on low-quality, AI-generated content, website owners must critically evaluate their existing content. You should manually identify and remove any pages or sections that rely heavily on AI writing tools without substantial human input, original insights, or added value. Try to add fresh and unique human perspective by rewriting them. For the future you should prioritize creating fresh, high-quality content authored by subject matter experts to align with Google’s new standards to avoid any unforeseeable penalties.
Choose Your Niche Wisely
Imagine if everyone in your neighborhood decided to open the same type of restaurant. It wouldn’t be special anymore. That’s how Google feels about websites that all talk about the same things. If your website is in a super crowded niche, it might be time to find a unique angle. What makes your restaurant (website) different from the rest? Serve up something no one else does.
Content is still king.
This is like showing your work in math class. Google doesn’t just want the right answer; it wants to see how you got there. If your website uses content that’s copied from elsewhere or written by a robot, Google’s not going to be impressed. It’s like trying to pass off someone else’s homework as your own. The update is encouraging you to create original, helpful content. Think about what unique insights you can offer. It’s not just about avoiding punishment; it’s about standing out as the student who does the work well and brings new ideas to the table.
Quality backlinks Are Crucial
Let’s imagine that Google is a scholar looking over your shoulders and checking your work. If students (different learners) obtain help (backlinks) from students involved in academic dishonesty (learner who was cheating), the professor might as well get suspicious of you, too. Google’s system, named a “Spam Brain,” teaches by doing this as well. It doesn’t bring good to it if a website is receiving tons of untrusted backlinks. Hence, saying to Google, “No, I don’t want it,” which will be performed by the action of ‘disavowing,’ is the technique of informing the webmaster that specific backlinks were not requested and the association is worthless.
User Experience Matters
The visitors to your website are the visitors to your theme park. Advertising is a great way to monitor your product, as it will give you information on what strategies work and do not work so you can make necessary changes as needed. On the other hand, if your visitors see the site as too crowded with ads or too slow, they won’t have the pleasure of the game (your content). In its latest update, Google is looking very keen on the role of the website’s usability in regard to user-friendliness. Let’s say your website slows down. Another situation is when you put everything on the front page of visitors. They find it hard to find out what they want, which leads to a cleanup. Give your website a dimension where visitors can seamlessly enjoy the rides; they do not have to wait in long queues.
Be Careful with Expired Domains
If you wish to purchase an extensive domain, you might face some challenges, as it is similar to buying a used car. On the one hand, this could still be a great deal, but it could have some issues on the other. Now, Google is being more rigorous as it targets websites that illegally make use of old domains to attain an unnatural advantage. If you are from these domains, it could be a good option to make its history verification. Get maximized by mentioning that, “This is not related to me. This was a false mistake.” if the non-personalized background has prior suspicion.
Future Trends in Google Core Updates
We want to mention the fact that the 2024 March update is just one of the many steps that Google takes with regard to fighting against unhelpful content. They continuously update their algorithms and policies that can identify and counter manipulative tactics, which are being developed even faster. Web content creators and site owners should keep the top priority on the provision of useful, informative content that is truly oriented on meeting the gamut of user needs. Through this, we’ll sustain our gains in the face of future changes for the foreseeable future.
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