Google’s March 2024 Core Update: 5 Things You Need to Know

The SEO world is still buzzing after Google's recent core update, officially rolled out in March 2024. This significant update, following major core updates like Panda (2011), Penguin (2012), and Hummingbird (2013), has shaken things up in search rankings. While SEO experts are preparing their websites for Google’s Search Generative Experience. The full impact of the core update is still unfolding, here are 5 key things you need to know about the March 2024 core update:

1. Focus on Helpful Content and User Experience:

The core of the March 2024 update revolves around Google's ongoing mission to deliver the most helpful and relevant results to searchers. This means prioritizing content that:

• Provides value and addresses user intent: Content should directly answer the searcher's query and offer solutions to their problems.
• Demonstrates expertise and authority: Content should be created by credible sources with demonstrable knowledge in the field.
• Offers a positive user experience: Websites should be easy to navigate, mobile-friendly, and free from intrusive ads or technical issues.

2. Devaluing Unhelpful and Unoriginal Content:

The update aims to significantly reduce the presence of unhelpful, unoriginal content in search results. This includes:

• Thin content: Websites with minimal content or content that lacks depth and value will likely see a decline in rankings.
• Content farms: Websites churning out low-quality content to game the system will be penalized.
• Rehashed or plagiarized content: Offering nothing new or simply copying content from other sources will be severely punished.
• Clickbait headlines and misleading content: Headlines promising something the content doesn't deliver will negatively impact rankings.

3. The Rise of EEAT (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness):

The March 2024 update further emphasizes the importance of EEAT. This means:

• Experience: Does the site load quickly? Do users find it easy to navigate? 
• Author expertise: Content needs to be created by authors with demonstrable expertise in the subject matter.
• Website authority: Backlinks from reputable sources and a strong online presence contribute to a website's authority.
• Trustworthiness: The website and its content must be perceived as trustworthy and reliable by users.

4. Prioritizing Mobile-Friendliness and User Experience:

Mobile-friendliness is no longer optional. Google prioritizes websites that offer a seamless user experience on mobile devices. This includes:

• Fast loading times: Websites that take too long to load on mobile will be penalized.
• Responsive design: Your website should adapt to different screen sizes and devices seamlessly.
• Easy-to-navigate interface: On mobile, user experience is paramount. Ensure your website is easy to navigate with clear calls to action.

5. A Continuous Evolution: Stay Informed and Adapt:

Google's algorithm is constantly evolving. The key takeaways from the March 2024 update are a continuation of Google's mission for informative, trustworthy content and user-centric experiences. To stay ahead of the curve:

• Follow Google's Search Quality Guidelines: These guidelines offer valuable insights into what Google considers "high-quality" content.
• Monitor industry news and updates: Stay up-to-date on the latest SEO trends and algorithm updates.
• Focus on creating high-quality content: Invest in creating valuable, informative content that genuinely helps your target audience.
• Prioritize user experience: Make sure your website provides a positive user experience across all devices.

A Look Back: Google's Core Updates Over Time

While the March 2024 core update has significant implications, here's a quick recap of some previous core updates that shaped the SEO landscape:

• Panda (2011): This update targeted low-quality content farms and websites with thin content.
• Penguin (2012): This update penalized websites using black-hat SEO tactics, specifically focusing on unnatural link building practices.
• Hummingbird (2013): This update focused on understanding the searcher's intent behind the keywords, leading to a more semantic approach to search results.
• RankBrain (2015): This update introduced machine learning to analyze search queries and user behavior, further refining search results.

Potential Impact on Specific Industries

The March 2024 update is likely to have a varying impact on different industries. Here are some potential considerations:

• YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) websites: Industries like healthcare, finance, and legal services will likely see a greater emphasis on EEAT. Content needs to be created by qualified professionals and demonstrate a high level of expertise and trustworthiness.
• E-commerce websites: Focusing on high-quality product descriptions, detailed reviews, and a seamless user experience will be crucial.
• News and media websites: Combatting misinformation and fake news will be paramount. Establishing credibility and showcasing journalistic integrity will be essential.

By understanding the potential impact on your specific industry, you can take targeted actions to ensure your website remains visible and relevant in search results.

Moving Forward: A Content-First Approach

The March 2024 core update highlights the need for prioritizing content in search engine optimization (SEO) for digital marketing success. To truly assist your readers and climb the search rankings, focus on producing trustworthy, useful, and valuable content. Make user experience your top priority and build a website that inspires trust and establishes authority. By taking these fundamental concepts into consideration, you'll ensure your website remains visible and relevant in the ever-shifting landscape of Google search.