What the March 2024 Core Update Means for Your Rankings
Did your website’s traffic suddenly drop in the past few months?
If so, the March 2024 Google core update may be (at least in part) to blame.
But don’t panic just yet. Core updates are a fact of life when it comes to SEO, and it doesn’t mean you can’t recover. Let’s talk about what happened, why it matters, and how you can protect your site from future updates.
What is a Google Core Update, Anyway?
If you’re a business owner, you probably know that Google is the king of the online search world. And like any monarch, Google’s got a lot of rules – its search algorithm – that determine which websites get to sit at the top of the search results.
But these rules aren’t set in stone. Every so often, Google makes a core update – a fancy way of saying they’ve significantly changed their search algorithm. These changes are a big deal, as they can seriously impact how your website ranks in search results.
Want to know the history of Google’s shake-ups? Search Engine Journal has a great history of Google’s algorithm that puts in perspective just how often it changes.
These core updates aren’t just a one-off thing, either. They happen a few times a year, and they’re often major overhauls that can affect a huge number of websites.
Why should you care? Well, if your website suddenly takes a nosedive in the rankings, it could mean less traffic, fewer customers, and ultimately, less revenue for your business. Not great!
March 2024 Core Update: Why Now?
Google is always on the hunt for ways to improve the user experience. That’s what keeps people coming back to Google, and repeat users is what get Google its ad revenue.
So, Google is constantly refining their algorithm to reward websites that offer top-notch, relevant, and trustworthy content.
While algorithm updates aren’t new, the Spring 2024 update was big, particularly in how it tackled the rising tide of AI-generated content.
The AI Content Explosion (and Why It’s a Problem)
The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has been a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it’s opened up some exciting possibilities for speedy research and content creation when it’s used responsibly.
On the other hand, it’s flooded the web with a tsunami of low-quality content that lacks the depth, accuracy, and originality of human-written material.
This issue isn’t unique to Google, either. Search engines across the board are grappling with a huge volume of AI-generated “garbage” that’s making it harder for users to find truly valuable, accurate information.
Google has made it clear that using AI to generate content isn’t against the rules (for now, at least). But it’s clear from the March 2024 core update that they’re also not afraid to crack down on websites that put quantity over quality, and often, that is the case with AI-generated content.
With this update:
- Over 800 websites were completely deindexed (kicked out of) Google’s search results early on.
- Websites experienced significant fluctuations in their rankings, with some seeing wild swings up and down.
- A surprising 9.38% of websites that landed in the top 10 results after the update weren’t even in the top 20 before, meaning they’ve replaced other sites that got hit with the banhammer.
But who got hit the hardest? For the most part, it’s sites that were already on shaky ground, like those relying heavily on low-quality, AI-generated content or engaging in shady SEO tactics.
This includes sites with poor E-E-A-T – that’s Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness in SEO speak – as well as those caught using deceptive tricks like sneaky redirects or cloaking (trying to hide what your site is really about from Google).
Beyond AI: Other Key Changes in the Update
While the fight against AI-generated fluff was a major focus, the Spring 2024 update didn’t stop there. Google also tightened the screws on some other shady SEO tactics, like scaled content, site reputation, and expired domain abuse.
Scaled Content Abuse
Have you ever stumbled on a website with hundreds of nearly identical articles, clearly churned out just to game the system? Google is cracking down on this sort of mass-produced content, whether it’s created by humans, AI, or a combination of both.
Site Reputation Abuse
Some websites with solid reputations try to play both sides, hosting their own great content alongside low-quality fluff from third parties. This can be misleading for users who expect consistent quality from a trusted site. Google is now penalizing sites that engage in this practice.
Expired Domain Abuse
It’s not uncommon for expired domains to be snatched up and repurposed with low-quality content to piggyback on the old site’s reputation. Google’s been trying to put a stop to this trickery, making it harder for expired domains to be used to manipulate rankings.
What Does This Mean for YOUR Rankings?
Here’s the deal: Google updates have a direct impact on your bottom line. Your website’s position in search results isn’t just about vanity metrics. It can make or break your organic traffic, conversions, and ultimately, your revenue.
Even if you’re a conscientious website owner who plays by the rules, these changes are still important to understand so that you can better anticipate how they might impact your website and adjust your SEO strategy accordingly.
If your site suddenly sees a surge or a dip in traffic after a core update, it’s not necessarily cause for panic, but it is a sign you need to pay attention.
How to Tell if the March 2024 Core Update Hit You (And What to Do About It)
Think of your website’s metrics as its vital signs. A sudden change in rankings or traffic is like a fever – it’s a signal that something’s up. Here’s how to handle it.
- Keep a Close Eye on Traffic and Rankings: Use your trusty analytics tools to monitor your website’s traffic patterns. Look for any sudden changes that line up with the timing of Google’s update announcements.
- Break Down Your Traffic Sources: It’s important to distinguish between organic search traffic (people finding you through Google), referral traffic (people clicking links from other websites), and direct traffic (people typing your URL directly into their browser). A drop in organic search traffic could mean your visibility in search results has taken a hit due to the update.
- Consult Google Search Console: This is your direct line to Google. It’s a treasure trove of data on how your site is performing in search results. Check for any notifications or warnings that might point to specific issues Google has flagged.
If you see a significant drop in organic traffic, it’s not the end of the world. There are steps you can take to recover, and we’ll cover those in the next section. But for now, the key is to stay informed, monitor your site’s performance, and be prepared to adapt your SEO strategy if needed.
What to Do if You’ve Been Hit by the March 2024 Core Update
If your website’s been caught in the crosshairs of the update, don’t despair. While SEO takes patience, it’s not impossible. The key is to roll up your sleeves and get to work.
Start by asking yourself some tough questions about your content:
- Content & Quality: Does your content offer something unique? Is it in-depth, well-researched, and insightful? Are your headlines clear and informative, not clickbait-y? Is it the kind of content you’d be proud to share with a friend or colleague?
- Expertise: Does your content demonstrate expertise and trustworthiness? Is it clearly sourced and well-written? Do you have author bios or an “About Us” page to establish credibility?
- Presentation: Is your content free of typos and grammatical errors? Does it look polished and professional? Is it easy to read and navigate, especially on mobile devices?
- Comparative Value: Does your content offer something truly valuable compared to other websites in your niche? Is it designed to genuinely help users, not just to rank high in search results?
If you can’t answer these questions, or if you need help improving your content, we’re here to help! Our team of SEO experts can do a thorough audit of your website and provide recommendations to get you back on track.
Best Practices for Navigating Google’s Updates
Google’s algorithm is like a living, breathing thing. It’s constantly evolving to better serve its users. That means staying ahead of the game is a never-ending process.
Here are a few best practices you can adopt to make sure your website is ready for whatever Google throws your way:
Stay in the Know
The SEO landscape is constantly shifting, so staying up-to-date on the latest news and updates is essential. Follow reputable SEO blogs (like ours!), forums, and industry experts to keep your finger on the pulse.
Love Your Content (and Keep Improving It)
Your content should be your pride and joy. Regularly review and refresh it to ensure it’s always relevant, accurate, and engaging. Outdated information or stale content can quickly drag down your rankings.
Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
While organic search traffic is important, don’t rely on it solely. Diversify your traffic sources by exploring press releases, social media marketing, email campaigns, and even paid search traffic. This will make your traffic more resilient to algorithm changes.
Remember, the best defense against Google updates is a proactive approach. Prioritizing high-quality content, building a strong online reputation, and staying informed about SEO best practices sets your website up for long-term success.