Let’s face it: Keeping up with Google’s core updates can sometimes feel like you’re reading a mystery novel where the plot twists just keep coming! As of April 19th, the latest update has rolled out, and it’s packed with important changes that could affect your site’s visibility and performance.
Why Does Google Keep Tweaking Things?
Well, it’s not just about improving search results or user experiences. Yes, those are on the agenda, but a peek into some internal emails released by the DOJ shows that revenue generation might be steering the ship. In fact, previous updates have intentionally dipped search quality to boost the bottom line.
The March 2024 Core Update: A Wake-Up Call
This latest update was a wake-up call for many. Sites heavy on old-school tricks like keyword stuffing, minimal content, or sneaky private blog networks (PBNs) took the hardest hits. But it wasn’t just about penalising the bad. Google has set its sights on:
- Curbing manipulative SEO practices.
- Improving user experiences on sites, especially those with sluggish load times or pesky, intrusive ads.
- Encouraging content that meets user needs over merely echoing search queries.
Why Should You Care?
Because now, more than ever, it’s crucial to align your site with Google’s vision of valuable, user-focused content. Unsure where to start? Here’s your game plan for bouncing back:
- Dive into Google’s Guidelines: Review the Search Quality Rater Guidelines for what Google considers top-notch content.
- Prioritise Your Audience: Develop content that addresses the real and pressing needs of your users.
- Quality Over Quantity: Invest in well-researched and insightful content that brings value to those who find it.
- Smooth Sailing User Experience: Make your site a breeze to navigate, quick to load, and easy on the eyes with minimal ads.
- Earn Trustworthy Links: Build your backlink profile naturally with links from respected and relevant sources.
- Keep Tabs on Performance: Regularly check how your site measures up in rankings and engagement, and tweak as needed.
Recovering from a Core Update
Recovering from a core update isn’t an overnight fix; it requires time, patience, and continuous effort. Remember, the goal is to build and maintain Google’s trust in your site. While few have fully recovered from recent updates, consistent dedication to these practices offers the best path forward.
If you have been affected by this update and require assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our support team.
