SEO Marketing
Google’s Core Update March 2024
The Fall-out of AI and Unhelpful Content
Across the SEO industry, AI has been one of the biggest topics for debate; the panic, the innovation and the evolution of the SERPs, so it's no surprise we have seen a correlation in the increased number of several core updates from Google targeting spam in particular. One of the core questions has been whether AI has made content better or worse for users. It’s obvious to see that there have been clear advantages to the content producer in using AI tools to generate quick win content, however, does this come at the cost for users in the mass generation of poor quality, unuseful content popping up all across the internet? Add this to the long-term issue of many websites producing spam-like content purely for keyword stuffing and we could discover that AI has created the perfect storm for users getting lost in an online maze of nonsense webpages. Well, it appears Google seems to think so, and in response has launched the rollout of the March 2024 core update, where Google has successfully reduced ‘unhelpful’ content by 40%.
Content in the Crosshairs of the Google March '24 Update
As harsh as the March roll-out appears it is not totally out-of-the-blue and some may even say long overdue. Over the past few years, Google's number one aim has been improving the experience for its Searchers. Namely, we have seen E-E-A-T in 2022, aimed to combat spammy content and rewarding websites that prioritise expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. October 23’s update saw heavy improvements to the already sophisticated SpamBrain central platform, closely followed by the 4th core update in 2023 in November and now the biggest update of 2024 has landed. To say Google is on a clean-up mission is an understatement and it has certainly caused fluctuation in the SEPRs.
So, what are the specific characteristics of this update and the effects?
Firstly, the March 2024 update places a heavy emphasis on content quality. Websites with thin, shallow, or plagiarised content are being pushed down in search rankings, while those offering valuable, original, and well-researched content are being rewarded. The update doesn’t specifically go after AI-generated content, however, as AI-generated content has a tendency to not pass Google’s quality control, we have seen a strong correlation in AI generated content and it being removed from Google. While categorically AI content has not been the target of the update, this has also meant human generated poor quality content that has been churned out with keyword-stuffing or recycled content from other sources, has suffered a similar fate.
The effects of this update in some cases has been drastic, there have been reports of complete websites being removed from the Google index and facing manual penalties. Without immediate action, the repercussions could be catastrophic, leading to total loss of organic traffic, organic lead generation, reputation damage, and the worst case the website being permanently removed from Google if the website remains unmanaged.
This brings us to the importance of adhering to Google's best practices and E-E-A-T guidelines. Our SEO services do just that, no matter the current SEO health of your website, our strategy is to optimise each website from the foundations up minimising all risks of getting caught by Google Algorithm updates or getting issued a manual action against your website.
What exactly does Google look for when identifying spam content, and how can you avoid your website being penalised?
First and foremost when optimising and generating content for your website, it's key to remember in order to gain favour with Google that both your and Google’s aims should align in providing the best possible experience and service for your website users. Google evaluates the quality and relevance of your content. Is it well-written, informative, and engaging? Does it provide value to the user? Additionally, Google assesses the authority of your website and the expertise of its authors. Are you a recognised authority in your field? Do you have credentials or qualifications to back up your expertise?
It goes without saying, to avoid falling afoul of Google's spam detectors, steer clear of any ‘black hat’ or deceptive SEO tactics and focus on creating high-quality, original content that aligns with your specific user niche. Invest in building a strong online reputation through ethical SEO practices, genuine engagement with your audience, and transparent business practices.
However, if your website has already been affected by the March core update, all hope is not lost. Here are some top tips to mitigate the damage:
- Conduct a thorough audit of your website to identify any issues or violations of Google's guidelines.
- Improve the quality of your content by adding depth, relevance, and originality.
- Address any technical issues that may be negatively impacting your site's performance and user experience.
- Build high-quality backlinks from reputable sources to boost your website's authority.
- We offer free a SEO consultation for any websites which are facing a Google Penalty. We are specialists in penalty recovery and have partnered with businesses to rebuild their websites to make a full recovery and go on to exceed pre-penalty performance.
Google's March 2024 spam update serves as a stark reminder of building honest, ethical and quality content. Most of all, understand that your website is there to provide the best possible digital service for your prospective customers. By prioritising quality, relevance, and trustworthiness in your content, you not only align with Google's guidelines but also lay the foundation for long-term success in the ever-changing world of online search. So, heed the warning, embrace best practices, and safeguard your website from the wrath of Google's algorithms.
To speak to one of our SEO experts and receive a free SEO consultation, drop us an email or give us a call on 01794 830042
