The digital marketing landscape just got a major shakeup with the arrival of Google’s March 2024 core update (also known as the March update, Google algorithm March update, or SEO update news). This isn’t your typical core update; Google is making a serious push to improve search quality by targeting low-quality content and manipulative SEO tactics.
Why is Google Cracking Down?
Let’s face it, Google doesn’t want to waste users’ time with spammy content. They want to deliver the most helpful and relevant information possible. In their own words, they aim to reduce “unhelpful” content by a staggering 40%. This update signifies a clear shift in Google’s priorities, placing user experience (UX) front and center.
What Does This Mean for Your SEO Strategy?
Here’s the bottom line: if your website relies on low-quality content or manipulative tactics to rank, you’re likely to see a significant drop in visibility. But fear not! This update also presents a golden opportunity for those who prioritize user experience and high-quality content.
Top Ranking Factors in the Age of the March Update
While Google’s exact algorithm remains a secret, recent updates point towards a clear focus on these key ranking factors:
- High-Quality Content: This means original, informative, and well-written content that genuinely helps users achieve their goals.
- User Experience (UX): Is your website easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and visually appealing? Does it provide a smooth and satisfying user journey?
- E-A-T: Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness. Google wants to see content created by experts in their field, from websites with a strong reputation for reliable information.
- Backlinks: High-quality backlinks from reputable websites still hold significant weight in Google’s eyes.
Case Study 1
This is a website outside the united states, they faced a major hit on their organic traffic after the update was released, but luckily the organic traffic started to pickup again as their SEO team started to kill any backlink coming from an expired domain, cleaning any type of AI generated content that might affect their organic ranking
Case Study 2
Second case study is also outside US working on web design category, looking at their data from google search console, they faced a strange drop in their clicks, and CTR. Strangely they faced an enhancement on average position and number of impressions.
This might be because google un-indexed a lot of spammy competing content that allowed them to rank higher with higher exposure.
Case Study 3
Third case study is inside US working on web hosting category, looking at their data from google search console, they faced a drop in their clicks, while maintaining the same CTR because number of impressions declined.
They also faced a drop in their average position. Their SEO team is still working on enhancing their results and optimizing their website according to google 2024 march core update
The Takeaway: Adapt and Thrive
The March 2024 core update is a wake-up call for SEOs everywhere. Now is the time to re-evaluate your website’s content and SEO strategy. By focusing on user experience, high-quality content, and building a strong online reputation, your website can not only survive this update but thrive in the new SEO landscape.
Stay Updated!
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