The March 2024 update from Google is reshaping the SEO scene significantly, mirroring the disruptive impacts of past updates like Panda and Penguin.
This vast change has been acknowledged as impactful by every expert marketer I’ve spoken with, highlighting its significant influence. Is your site feeling the effects of Google’s March 2024 core update?
Here are key insights to help you steer clear of penalties and keep your search rankings secure:
1. Total Website Deindexation by Google
Envision your website disappearing from Google’s search listings overnight. This is the new reality for many post-March 2024 update.
Google’s declaration on March 5 aimed at purging the search engine of low-value, redundant, or irrelevant content.
The initiative targets the elimination of about 40% of underperforming websites, those producing content that fails to enhance user experience or merely exists to fulfill certain search demands.
40% of underperforming websites
Violations of Google’s standards or the use of dubious SEO strategies lead to harsh repercussions, including total removal from both search results and indexing.
2. Immediate Penalties
A distinguishing aspect of this update is the quick imposition of penalties, leaving many site owners searching urgently for explanations.
The aftermath of the update has significantly disturbed the SEO industry. Verify your website’s status post-update by searching “site:yourwebsite.com” in Google.
Barry Schwartz notes that affected sites won’t receive manual action notifications in Google Search Console for ranking drops due to this algorithmic update.
Algorithmic adjustments are automatic, and Google does not inform webmasters about changes impacting their sites, whether negative or positive.
3. Past Update Survivors Aren’t Safe Even sites that previously escaped algorithmic changes are now at risk.
Some view this as a positive step, eliminating low-quality sites that have manipulated their way through search results for too long.
A “link building agency” exemplifies this, as shared in a private SEO group discussion. A publisher reported a total network collapse, affecting eight sites targeting different niches, despite their reliance on primarily human-written content.
Zero traffic is now reported on all eight sites, possibly due to inadequate depth in subject knowledge, as Google values expertise and authoritativeness.
4. Vulnerable Outdated and Error-Ridden Sites Regarding
Google’s enhanced E-E-A-T standards, sites with outdated, error-laden, or AI-generated content are particularly vulnerable.
These elements are now pivotal in de-ranking content deemed untrustworthy or of the lowest E-E-A-T grade.
5. Impact on Small AI Content Creators Notably
the crackdown has extended to smaller AI content generators, with Google improving its detection techniques.
While frequent content updates may signal AI involvement, the real issue lies in content quality.
The focus isn’t solely on AI-generated content but on eradicating valueless, repetitive material regardless of its origin.
The ultimate goal is to purge ineffective websites while promoting valuable, insightful ones.
This serves as an alert for complacent website owners, emphasizing the need for adaptability in the evolving digital landscape.
For those managing outdated or minor websites, initiating a thorough site audit and addressing detected issues is crucial.
Takeaway: Quality trumps quantity
Prioritize Quality Over Quantity Google consistently prioritizes content that is unique, comprehensive, and valuable to the reader. Sites that have been removed or deindexed typically depended too much on superficial or repetitive content, lacking in depth or fresh perspectives.
Directly addressing this challenge requires a focus on enhancing your E-E-A-T credentials. Demonstrating to Google, and more crucially to your audience, that your site is a trusted source is key. Achieve this by referencing credible sources in your field and clearly displaying your expertise on your website.
With the recent updates, user experience is more important than ever. Ensure your site is aesthetically pleasing, user-friendly, and intuitive. Sites that focus purely on keyword stuffing at the expense of a well-rounded user experience design are likely to face penalties.
Improving website speed, ensuring mobile compatibility, and implementing clear calls to action are all strategies that can keep visitors engaged for longer periods. This, in turn, sends positive signals to Google, enhancing your SEO standing.
By adopting these changes, you’re not just aligning with search engine guidelines; you’re also creating a more welcoming and efficient online environment for your visitors.
Adapt or Be Left Behind
The extensive number of websites dropped from indexes as reported by the search marketing community underscores Google’s commitment to transforming its ranking protocols.
It’s wise to analyze the commonalities among sites impacted by these updates to identify potential vulnerabilities in your own site and adjust accordingly.
- Concentrate on the quality of your content.
- Improve the user experience on your site.
- Begin a thorough audit of your site and implement necessary modifications.
Though the journey to compliance might appear challenging, it’s crucial to remember that every move towards betterment distances your site from the negative impacts of Google’s updates.
