Google’s March 2024 core update concluded on April 19th. Learn about the potential impact on your website’s ranking and discover best practices to improve SEO in the aftermath.
Understanding Google Core Updates and Their Impact on SEO
Search engines like Google constantly refine their algorithms to deliver the most relevant and helpful results for user queries. A crucial part of this process is through core updates, which are significant modifications made to Google’s search ranking system. These updates happen several times a year and can have a substantial impact on a website’s visibility in search engine results pages (SERPs).
For SEO professionals, staying informed about core updates is essential. By understanding the focus of these updates, website owners can adapt their SEO strategies to ensure their content aligns with Google’s evolving preferences. This can lead to improved website ranking and increased organic traffic.
Google’s March 2024 Core Update: Timeline
The SEO landscape shifted significantly in March 2024 with the arrival of a major core update from Google. Announced on March 5th, the update took a full 45 days to complete, concluding on April 19th. This extended rollout period reflects the update’s complexity compared to typical core refreshes. Adding to the uncertainty, Google only confirmed the update’s completion on its data anomaly page a full week later, on April 26th. This lag in communication left the SEO community speculating for days about the update’s status. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding Google’s transparency with publishers during core updates. Clear and timely communication would be highly beneficial for SEO professionals navigating these significant algorithm shifts.
Potential Impact of the March 2024 Core Update
While the full picture is still emerging, the March 2024 core update has the potential to impact websites in several ways:
- Ranking Fluctuations: This update was designed to be more comprehensive than usual, so website rankings across various industries may experience significant volatility. Some sites might see a boost, while others could face ranking drops.
- Focus on Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T): Google emphasises E-A-T in its search ranking factors. Websites established as authorities in their field with trustworthy and informative content are likely to benefit from this update.
- High-Quality Content: The update likely prioritises high-quality content that addresses user search intent in a comprehensive and helpful way. Sites with thin or irrelevant content may see ranking declines.
- User Experience (UX): Positive user experience continues to be a ranking factor. Websites with fast loading times, clear navigation, and mobile-friendliness are likely to see a positive impact.
- Deindexing: As seen with this update, websites deemed to be violating Google’s webmaster guidelines risk removal from search results entirely.
It’s important to remember that the exact impact will vary depending on the specific content and SEO strategies of each website.
Actionable SEO Best Practices After the March 2024 Core Update
The March 2024 update presents an opportunity for website owners to refine their SEO strategies and ensure their content aligns with Google’s evolving preferences. Here are some actionable steps you can take:
Content is King (and Queen):
- Prioritise User Intent: Conduct keyword research that prioritises understanding the “why” behind user searches. Craft content that directly addresses those needs and delivers value by answering questions, solving problems, or offering unique insights.
- Focus on Quality: Invest in creating high-quality content that is well-researched, informative, and engaging for your target audience. Originality and a strong voice can help your content stand out.
- Content Refresh: Revamp existing content to ensure it remains fresh and relevant. Update information, address new developments, and consider adding new formats like videos or infographics.
User Experience Matters:
- Speed is Key: Ensure your website loads quickly on all devices. Utilise website speed testing tools and implement best practices for efficient page loading.
- Navigation Nirvana: Make sure your website is easy to navigate. Clear menus, logical site structure, and internal linking all contribute to a positive user experience.
- Mobile-First: In today’s mobile-centric world, a responsive website design that provides a seamless experience on all devices is crucial.
Build Website Authority:
- Expertise Signals: Showcase your expertise in your field. Include author bios with relevant credentials, publish content by industry influencers, and cite reputable sources.
- Backlink Building: Earn backlinks from high-quality, trustworthy websites in your niche. This demonstrates the value and credibility of your content.
- Brand Awareness: Build brand awareness through social media engagement, guest blogging on relevant sites, and participating in industry discussions.
Measure and Adapt:
- Monitor Analytics: Keep a close eye on your website analytics to track any ranking fluctuations or changes in organic traffic post-update.
- Identify Trends: Analyse data to identify areas where your website might be underperforming. This can guide your SEO efforts and content strategy going forward.
- Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated on the latest SEO trends and best practices. Google’s Search Central is a valuable resource for staying informed about future algorithm updates.
By implementing these SEO best practices, website owners can position themselves for success in the ever-changing search landscape. Remember, SEO is a continuous process, so ongoing monitoring and adaptation are key to maintaining a strong online presence.