With over 1.5 billion users per month, when Google makes an update to its algorithm, it’s sure to affect SEO & digital marketing agencies, their clients and the average internet user.
In March 2024, Google made some major updates, so that when we use Google to search the web, we’re getting served website results that are even more useful, helpful, and particularly curated to help us achieve our objective.
Elizabeth Tucker, the Director of Product Management at Google Search explains the logic behind these major changes: “We’re enhancing [Google] Search so you see more useful information, and fewer results that feel made for search engines.”
Two major changes to Google Search results
1) Improved quality ranking
While Google is normally (and understandably) coy about how exactly the algorithm changes in terms of the code, they do at least inform us that the latest update will be tackling low-quality content.
This means that if people try to use unoriginal or plagiarized content on their websites, Google now has more tools and techniques to penalize these sites. Google wants the content that is produced on websites to be original and useful, and not produced by scammers trying to gain clickbait.
2) New and improved spam policies
Even in the digital world, things such as websites do expire.
Not only that, but there are a lot of websites out there that have no benefit whatsoever to customers in 2024. The website might be for a business that closed many years prior. In other situations, people use manipulative techniques to “trick” the search engine.
It’s a bit of a game of cat and mouse, but essentially, Google is always on the prowl, keeping its algorithm one step ahead of people trying to game the system for their own benefit.
Five general changes to the algorithm
Search Engine Land explains that everyone who has a website for their business, should take note of these changes to the algorithm in order to avoid Google penalizing their website.
If you’re not sure how to remedy these issues on your own website, we recommend speaking to your SEO and digital marketing agency to analyze whether your site is at risk or not.
1) Google is de-indexing websites
Google has promised to remove 40% of low-quality websites that provide useless information and poor user experience.
Whilst this seems drastic, sometimes drastic changes in a company’s algorithm is the only way for them to set high standards, so that low-quality content becomes a thing of the past.
2) They’re giving out penalties, quickly
Barry Schwartz notes that “Algorithmic updates are automated and Google does not notify the site owner when a site is negatively (or positively) impacted by an algorithm update”.
However, if you want to check if your site was impacted by the Google update, look for your website in Google by typing “site:website.com” and see if you are showing up in the search results.
3) Every algorithm update requires your attention
Digital marketing experts are noting online how many websites have been affected by this most recent core update, even though these websites weren’t affected by previous core updates.
Google is smart. Every update they make to the algorithm is well thought out and intentional. Staying abreast of the latest content standards will keep your website ranking high on search results.
4) Outdated and error-ridden sites are at risk
Your website requires constant maintenance and attention.
This is particularly true if people are used to turning to your site for crucial information in a specific field.
For example: the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The latest medical information and research needs to be accounted for when you run such an important website that holds a coveted and revered spot in the medical (and broader) community.
5) Using AI for website content can backfire (sometimes)
ChatGPT and other AI-generated content engines have been the talk of the town for the last couple years.
While they serve as convenient tools for many individuals and companies, Google is wary of people using AI to create entire websites.
The issue with AI-generated content is that it might never be verified by a human. As such, if the information is incorrect or unhelpful, it creates a negative user experience for online users.
In other situations, digital marketing experts have noted that some websites were producing up to 5000 articles per day. It doesn’t take an expert to notice that 5000 pieces of content is not a realistic number, in terms of verifying the content.
It’s for that reason that Google is essentially telling content creators to temper their creation, and ensure the content is aligned with industry standards and is truly beneficial to the end user.
We can do an SEO audit on your site
We know that the technical language used in the SEO world can be daunting and intimidating for the average business owner.
We’re here to help you.
Contact XDigitalSEO for an SEO audit, where we can analyze the health of your website, and help you improve it so that you don’t stand at risk of being penalized by Google.
Contact XDigitalSEO
You can also find us on:
