In the ever-evolving digital landscape, Google’s algorithm updates are like the changing tides—constant, impactful, and sometimes unpredictable. The latest core update rolled out in March 2024, has once again shifted the sands beneath the feet of small to medium businesses striving for visibility on Google. But fear not, for vigilance and the right partnership can make all the difference.
What exactly is a Google core update?
At its heart, a core update represents significant alterations to Google’s algorithm, influencing your website’s ranking in search results. These updates can reshuffle the online visibility deck, rewarding quality and penalising shortcuts.
If you think your behaviour when providing Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) is possibly deceptive, then it probably is. With Google, it’s not matter if but when they will catch you.
The March 2024 core update: A closer look
While many businesses might not immediately notice the effects of the March 2024 update, keeping a watchful eye on your keyword rankings is crucial. This update, incorporating both core and spam adjustments, aims to elevate the quality of online information while banishing the unoriginal and spammy to the internet’s lower echelons.
Highlighted changes include:
- Algorithmic enhancements to reward helpful, high-quality content.
- Updated spam policies to filter out the lowest-quality content from search results.
Google, in a recent search update, stated
“Today we’re announcing key changes we’re making to improve the quality of Search and the helpfulness of your results:
Improved quality ranking: We’re making algorithmic enhancements to our core ranking systems to ensure we surface the most helpful information on the web and reduce unoriginal content in search results.
New and improved spam policies: We’re updating our spam policies to keep the lowest-quality content out of Search, like expired websites repurposed as spam repositories by new owners and obituary spam.”
The impact of these updates
At GOOP Digital, our ethos of ethical and professional practice means these updates do little to ruffle our feathers. Our commitment to original content and best practices shields our clients from the adverse effects seen by others. Yet, we remain vigilant, aware that the digital terrain is always shifting.
Has the March core update affected your website?
If concerns arise regarding your website’s performance post-update, here’s how we can help:
Google Search Console can be your greatest friend. If you are unfamiliar with the search console, ask us at GOOP Digital. We are all over it :). In Google Search Console, you can take the following actions to investigate:
- Review for manual actions: A serious indicator of issues.
- Analyse organic clicks and impressions: Essential metrics for understanding visibility.
- Check your indexed pages: Ensuring your content is recognised and valued by Google.
As a partner to businesses across Australia, particularly those in regional areas, we’re your vigilant guardians in the digital domain. If fluctuations in your Google rankings cause concern, let us investigate. We’re here to dig deep, uncovering the root of any issue.
The key takeaway
For small to medium businesses, the opportunity to excel in Google’s search results is vast, especially when you hone in on your niche. Keywords like “plumber + location” are just the starting point. Delving deeper into specific services can significantly enhance your visibility and attract more targeted traffic.
Blocked drains, hot water system installations, or roofing repairs coupled with your location are prime examples of how specificity can lead to success.
Conclusion
In the dynamic world of SEO, staying informed, vigilant, and proactive is key. With GOOP Digital by your side, the latest Google core update is but a wave we ride together towards greater visibility and success. Our team is ready to lead the way if you aim to build a robust, SEO-optimised website without resorting to questionable tactics.