Google has now launched a new update of its core search algorithm. This aims to improve user experience by filtering out low-quality information and decreasing spam.
With the March 2024 Core Update, Google sets a clear expectation for website owners:
- Prioritize authenticity
- Focus on usefulness to thrive in the search environment
- Make search rankings more trustworthy and relevant
Discover what the Google March Core Update of 2024 has in store for you!
Table of Contents
Overview of the March 2024 Core Update
Google's March 2024 Core Update is a significant overhaul of its search ranking systems. This aims to improve the quality and relevance of search results.
On X, Google Search Central posted this:
Here are the key elements of this update:
- Complexity:
- The update is multifaceted. This impacts several core systems within Google's search algorithm.
- It is expected to cause more ranking fluctuations than usual. The rollout may extend by up to a month.
- Content Quality and Spam Policies:
- A core component of the update is to enhance the assessment of content quality.
- New spam policies are being introduced. This targets deceptive practices and the misuse of expired domains.
- Deliver Helpful Content and Spam Updates:
- Google's helpful content system is now integrated into the core ranking systems. This streamlines the update process.
- The spam update may take up to two weeks to fully roll out. This focuses on reducing low-quality results and abusive tactics.
After the implementation, Google will report completion via their Google Search Status Dashboard.
If you’re looking for ways to keep up with the core update. SEOLeverage services align with these new standards. They will help you improve your content strategies.
Google March Core Update of 2024 Quick Facts
Here's what users and creators can expect:
| Name | Google March 2024 Broad Core Update |
| Launched | March 05, 2024, at around 12 pm ET |
| Rollout | It will take up to 1 month to complete. During that time, several pushes to various core systems will occur. |
| Targets | It tests all types of content |
| Penalty | It’s not a penalty; it rewards or promotes great websites. |
| Impact | According to Google, low-quality, unoriginal, and useless information in search results will drop by 40%. |
| Global | All languages and all areas are affected by this global update. |
| Recover | If this hits you, you’ll need to look at your content. Then, see if you can do better with Google's core update advice. |
| Discover | Updates to the core impact feature snippets, Google Discover, and other services. |
| Refreshes | Although Google may not announce these modifications in the future, it will periodically upgrade its algorithm. Perhaps all of those are unverified. |
New and Updated Spam Policies
Google continuously works towards improving its algorithms and guidelines to ensure high-quality search results. They regularly release updates regarding webspam intended to primarily manipulate search rankings.
In March 2024, Google released a Spam update. This specifically targets expired domains repurposed for spam and obituary spam.
- Expired Domain Abuse. Domains that have lapsed and are then repurposed to host low-quality content to manipulate search rankings are now identified as spam. This update aims to deter the purchase of expired domains for spammy content distribution.
- Scaled Content Abuse. The production of content en masse, whether through automation or by human means, primarily for search ranking purposes, is being clamped down on. Google's updated policies will penalize such practices to ensure that content quality isn't compromised.
- Site Reputation Abuse. This is the act of publishing third-party pages with little to no first-party control with the intention of manipulating search rankings. After the announcement, Google will implement actions against site reputation abuse. This includes penalizing websites that attempt to deceive users or tarnish the reputation of other sites.
Other updates related to the broad core updates tend to be implemented within the week of the announcement. This makes it imperative for webmasters to stay alert and respond promptly to the changes.
You can review Google's Webmaster Guidelines and follow news related to SEO and digital marketing. It’s time to keep up with new policies and best practices.
How to Prepare for the Google March Core Update
As the Google March Core Update is still rolling, it's best to be proactive and prepare your website for potential changes. Here are some steps to ensure your website is ready:
1. Conduct a thorough website audit
Start a website audit to identify any areas that need improvement. If you want to easily audit your website, partnering with an SEO agency like SEOLeverage is best.
SEOLeverage SEO Audit helps to evaluate your content quality, website structure, mobile optimization, and user experience. They address any issues that might impact your website's performance in the upcoming update.
2. Focus on high-quality content
Focus on producing high-quality content that has real value to users rather than deploying manipulative SEO tactics. You can review existing content to ensure it aligns with user intent. Plus, showcase expertise and cite authoritative sources to build trust.
Moreover, eliminate or revise thin, weak, or scraped content. This is particularly true of AI-generated content at scale or considered spam.
3. Optimize for mobile devices
With mobile optimization expected to be a factor, ensuring your website is fully optimized for mobile devices is best.
Implement responsive design and minimize page load times. Plus, make sure to have a seamless user experience across different screen sizes and devices.
4. Improve page speed
Optimizing the speed can have a significant impact on your website's performance.
Here are the top three tactics you can do:
- Reduce image and file sizes
- Leverage browser caching
- Minimize the use of plugins or scripts that slow down your website
Improving page speed not only helps with SEO but also enhances user experience.
Strategies for Optimizing Your Website for the Update
To ensure your website performs well in the Google March Core Update of 2024, consider implementing the following strategies:
Focus on E-E-A-T
E-E-A-T stands for Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness, is now part of Search Rater Guidelines. Google places high importance on these factors when evaluating websites.
Establish yourself or your brand as an authority in your industry by creating high-quality content. You can also showcase expertise and build trust with your audience.
Improve website authority and backlink profile
Work on improving your website's authority by acquiring high-quality and relevant backlinks.
Some helpful tips to consider are:
- Developing relationships with authoritative websites
- Creating compelling content that naturally attracts backlinks
- Disavowing any spammy or low-quality links
A strong backlink profile can improve your website's visibility and rankings.
Enhance user experience
Invest in improving your website's user experience by making it easy to navigate and more appealing.
Optimize your website's structure and ensure fast page load times. Moreover, prioritize user satisfaction to increase engagement and decrease bounce rates.
Avoid black-hat techniques such as cloaking, sneaky redirects, and parasite SEO practices.
Parting Thoughts
The March Core Update of 2024 is set to bring changes that will impact search rankings and organic traffic. To stay ahead of the competition, it's best to adapt your SEO strategies and prepare your website for potential updates.
Keep a close eye on your website's performance and analyze data. By avoiding common pitfalls, you can position yourself for success in the Google March Core Update of 2024.
If you worry about your website ranking in Google and other search engines, SEOLeverage services are designed to guide you through these updates. They ensure that such content strategies are in sync with Google's enhanced spam policies.
Stay proactive, adapt your strategies, and keep optimizing your website. SEOLeverage stands ready to guide you through this transformation!
