In March 2024, Google rolled out a significant update to its search engine algorithms, dubbed the March 2024 Core Update. This update has had a profound impact on the digital landscape, particularly affecting independent websites. The update targets low-quality content, AI-generated spam, and manipulative SEO practices, aiming to improve the overall quality of content on the web.
Impact on Independent Websites
Many independent sites have found themselves struggling to maintain their visibility on Google’s Search Engine Results Pages (SERPs). This has been particularly challenging for sites that relied heavily on SEO tactics that Google now deems manipulative or low-quality. The update is part of Google’s ongoing efforts to prioritize high-quality, human-generated content that provides real value to users.
The Core Update Explained
The March 2024 Core Update has introduced stricter criteria for what Google considers high-quality content. Sites showing signs of AI-generated content, even if partially human-edited, have faced deindexing or significant drops in their search rankings. Google’s new spam policies also target practices like using expired domains to mislead users, and creating content that is overly optimized for search engines rather than being designed to help users.
Deindexing and Its Consequences
The update has led to the deindexing of hundreds of websites. A study noted that about 800 websites were initially deindexed as a result of the update. These sites lost not only visibility but also significant amounts of traffic and potential revenue. While some sites have managed to regain their indexing status, the volatility has caused considerable uncertainty and loss.
Struggle of Niche Independent Sites
Independent sites, especially those covering niche topics, have been hit hard. Many such sites compete directly with larger publishers that can more easily adapt to Google’s changes. Smaller sites often lack the resources to quickly adjust their strategies and recover from the impacts of such updates.
Emphasis on User Experience and E-E-A-T
One of the major focuses of the recent update is the concept of E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness). Google now places greater emphasis on the user experience and the depth of content provided by websites. This means that websites need to not only provide accurate and thorough content but also ensure that it is unique and engaging for users.
Adaptation Strategies for Websites
For websites looking to survive and thrive post-update, focusing on improving the overall user experience is key. This includes ensuring fast page speeds, mobile friendliness, and intuitive navigation. Additionally, content should be original, well-researched, and clearly demonstrate the expertise and authoritativeness of the authors.
Google’s March 2024 Core Update serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of SEO and the importance of adhering to best practices in content creation. As Google continues to refine its algorithms, the key for websites is to adapt swiftly and focus on providing genuine value to users, steering clear of the pitfalls of quick SEO wins that might lead to penalties.
