Navigating Google’s March 2024 Core Update and How We Are Tackling It
If you’re knee-deep in the digital marketing trenches, you’ve probably already heard the buzz about Google’s latest game-changer – the March 2024 Core Update. This update wasn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a clear signal from Google that they’re prioritising helpful content and user experience more than ever before.
Traditionally, Google’s core updates are designed to improve the search engine’s ability to understand and rank content based on relevance, quality, and user experience. The March 2024 Core Update is no exception, bringing about changes that impact how websites are assessed and ranked in search results.
Don’t worry, though; we’re here to navigate these changes together and uncover what they mean for your online presence.
Key Focus Areas:
- Content Relevance and Quality: The update really cranks up the importance of content relevance and quality. Sites that deliver well-researched, informative, and engaging content are set to gain a key boost in rankings. But watch out for keyword stuffing and churning out low-quality content – Google’s not a fan. It’s all about keeping it real and valuable, that’s their main aim here.
- User Experience (UX): If your site offers a hassle-free, intuitive browsing experience, quick loading times, and is mobile-friendly, you’re in for some positive rankings.
- E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness): The March 2024 Core Update reinforces Google’s commitment to E-A-T principles. Websites showcasing expertise in their field, authoritative content, and trustworthiness will be favoured amongst the long list of sites.
- Algorithmic Changes: Google’s algorithms got a facelift to better understand natural language and context. If your site talks the talk with natural, conversational language and serves up relevant info, you’re in their good books!
- Local SEO and Personalisation: Google’s increasing focus on delivering personalised search results shows the need for businesses to optimise their online presence specifically for local searches.
- New Spam Policies: Google introduced new spam policies, focusing on things like stopping mass-produced, not-so-great content across different websites, nipping in the bud any attempts to manipulate website reputation with tricky backlinks or reviews, and putting a halt to the misuse of expired domains for spammy purposes.
What does this all mean? It’s simple: authenticity and user focus are paramount. Here’s what we need to do to adapt:
- Technical Audits and Tactical Tweaks: Make sure you’ve got an up-to-date technical audit to ensure your website aligns with the spam criteria. Dive into the backend, fix those issues, and keep your site well-maintained.
- Strategic UX: Optimise for page speed, enhancing mobile responsiveness, and refining the overall user journey. A slick, user-friendly website is a necessity in Google’s world.
- Link Building: Fortify your link-building, use authoritative sources, foster meaningful collaborations, and secure those golden backlinks. Your E-A-T score will thank you.
- Content Refinement and Expansion: Dust off your content strategy and give it a facelift. Optimise existing content, experiment with new formats, and keep your audience engaged with fresh, relevant material.
- Data-Driven Iterations: Keep a watchful eye on analytics. Analyse the performance of your strategies, stay updated on industry trends, and be ready to pivot your approach based on data.
The March 2024 Core Update is a gentle nudge from Google to up your SEO game and deliver the best possible experience to your audience. So stay on your game and keep creating content that leaves a lasting impression to ensure your website and content remain visible and valuable in the ever-evolving world of Google.
Need help? If you would like to discuss all things SEO and to stay ahead of the curve with Google updates feel free to get in touch.