The Google Core Update 2024 and its implications for website operators, content creators and SEOs

What is a Google Core Update?

Google Core Updates are comprehensive changes to the Google Search core algorithm. These changes aim to make search results more relevant, useful and trustworthy.

Google's big quality offensive: The March 2024 Core Update and Spam Update at a glance

Announcement of the Google Core and Spam Update 2024 from 5 March 2024

The March 2024 Spam Update and March 2024 Core Update are another important step in Google's ongoing efforts to improve the quality and relevance of its search results through optimised quality ranking. These Google updates aim to prioritise user-friendly and trustworthy content while combating practices that manipulate search engine rankings.

Targeted fight against low-quality content and spam

Google is fighting on several battlegrounds at once, firing from all cylinders with measures against misleading redirects, link spam, low-quality content, expired domain abuse, scaled content abuse and site reputation abuse.

1. Fight against low-quality content: The core update integrates Google's "Helpful Content" signal into the core ranking systems. This signal evaluates content based on its usefulness and relevance for the user. Websites that create content with low information content, misleading information or clickbait tactics will be penalised.
2. Combating "Expired Domain Abuse": The spam update targets websites that misuse expired domains to build backlinks. These domains are often filled with low-quality content in order to manipulate the search engines. Google wants to recognise this abuse of expired domains through algorithms and devalue the affected websites.
3. Stopping "scaled content abuse": The update also takes action against "scaled content abuse". This refers to the mass production of low-quality content that is targeted at keywords in order to rank in search results. Google wants to reduce this type of "content rubbish" and promote high-quality content instead.
4. Prevention of "site reputation abuse": The update combats "site reputation abuse", also known as "parasite SEO". This involves abusing the reputation of an established website in order to improve one's own website in the search results. Google wants to recognise this tactic through algorithms and devalue the affected websites.

Important information for web creators about the fundamental update from March 2024 and the new spam guidelines on the Google Search Central Blog.

Through this multi-dimensional approach, the Google update aims to holistically improve the quality of search results. This emphasises Google's ongoing commitment to an optimal user experience and trustworthy search results.

Impact of the updates on search results

Visibility index of three websites from 12 March 2024 Source: Sistrix

Greater fluctuation in search results during the launch phase

In the first two weeks after the launch, increased volatility in the search results can already be seen. As several ranking systems are updated and harmonised, temporary fluctuations in the rankings occur. This fluctuation is a natural part of the rollout process and can take some time for the changes to fully settle in.

So far, only the March 2024 spam update has been completed, the core update is still ongoing at the time of publication of this article.

Source: Google Search Status Dashboard

Improving the quality and relevance of search results

In the long term, the update aims to significantly improve the overall quality and relevance of the search results presented by Google. By eliminating low-quality, irrelevant and potentially manipulative content, users should be able to find more reliable and trustworthy sources of information. The new spam policies and algorithms enable Google to recognise spam and useless content more effectively and remove it from the results.

The result:

• Higher visibility for helpful, user-tailored content
  Helpfulness is not only one of the ranking factors, it is a prerequisite. Websites that focus on creating high quality, relevant content and effectively address the needs of their target audience will now gain a competitive edge. Search results are increasingly dominated by content that offers real added value for users.

• Lower visibility for content without real added value
  Websites that rely on techniques to manipulate search rankings or produce content that offers no real benefit will be penalised by the update. This fact emphasises Google's efforts to protect users from irrelevant or potentially harmful content.

Impact on website operators and SEOs

The March 2024 Spam and Core Update sets new standards that affect website operators and SEO experts alike. The following aspects form the foundation of this new SEO landscape and are crucial for success in search results.

Focus on the user and quality

Google's approach prioritises content that meets the actual needs and interests of users, rather than content that is merely optimised for search engines. This change requires a fundamental realignment of content strategies.

Greater emphasis on the website/page experience

In addition to content quality, factors such as user-friendliness, loading times and mobile optimisation are becoming more important. Website operators and SEOs need to ensure that their platforms and content are not only informative, but also easily accessible and engaging. A positive user experience is crucial for long-term success in the SERPS (Search Engine Result Pages).

Need to understand and comply with spam policies

With the new spam policies that the update introduces, it is imperative that website owners and SEOs fully understand and comply with them. It is therefore crucial to familiarise yourself with the updated policies and ensure that all future activities comply with them.

Policy compliance as a guarantee of survival

Websites that continue to rely on low-quality content or manipulative techniques risk being downgraded by the algorithms or even penalised manually. This leads to significant losses in organic traffic and visibility. To avoid such negative consequences, it is essential to proactively implement the guidelines and continuously monitor compliance.

AI as the key to content success? But only if used responsibly!

The update does not categorise AI-generated content as spam per se, but the mass production of low-quality content designed to manipulate rankings using AI is considered spam. The responsible and ethical use of AI to improve content quality therefore poses no risk.

Dealing with negative effects of the spam and core update

If your website is affected by the negative impact of the update, minor SEO measures will not be enough to limit the damage. First, the extent of the negative impact must be carefully analysed.

Analyse the progression and extent of the impact

Analyse your site using website analysis tools such as Google Analytics or Google Search Console to identify patterns in traffic and ranking data.

Image source: Search Console Help

Identify when exactly the impact started and which areas of your website are most affected. This detailed analysis will help you better understand the causes and develop an effective recovery plan.

Review and improve low-quality content

Once you've identified the affected areas, it's time to review and improve your content in depth. Focus first on low-quality content, thin or redundant information, and content that could potentially be seen as misleading or manipulative.

Revise this content thoroughly to make it more informative, relevant and user-centred. Make sure to fulfil Google's guidelines for helpful content.

Delete content that is clearly categorised as spam

In some cases, it may be necessary to remove certain content from your website completely. If you have content that is clearly categorised as spam or an attempt to manipulate rankings, it is necessary to delete it completely.

This can include low-quality auto-generated content, copied content from other sources or content created solely for the purpose of keyword stuffing. Removing such content sends a clear signal to Google that you take the guidelines seriously.

Professional SEO support for diagnosis and recovery

The impact of the core/spam update can be complex and a full recovery can take some time. In such cases, it may make sense to seek professional SEO support.

The order of the day: don't panic

Recovering from a core update takes time, especially with updates as comprehensive as the most recent one. So sit back, take a few deep breaths and clear your head for what is necessary.

• A careful analysis
• The willingness to make the necessary adjustments
• Implement Google's specifications seamlessly

With this strategic approach and, if necessary, professional support, you can get your website back on track and benefit from higher visibility in search results in the long term.

Optimisation options for content creators

As a content creator, the Google Core/Spam Update of March 2024 offers numerous optimisation opportunities. To achieve long-term success in search results, you should consider the following points:

Focus on useful, comprehensive and in-depth content

The update emphasises the importance of content that offers real value. You should focus on creating content that is informative, detailed and in-depth. Take the time to research topics thoroughly and produce content that really helps the user.

Align content with user needs instead of search terms

Rather than targeting your content primarily at search terms/keywords, you should focus on fulfilling the actual needs and interests of your target audience. Try to find out what questions and problems your readers have and create content that effectively addresses these concerns.

Ethical and user-centred use of AI tools

Google has nothing against the use of AI tools for content creation, but warns against their misuse. You should use AI technologies ethically and responsibly to improve the quality of your content, rather than producing low-quality content on a large scale. Use AI tools to support your research, generate ideas or revise texts, but don't rely on them exclusively.

Continuous quality checks for compliance with guidelines

Review your existing and new content regularly to ensure that it complies with the guidelines. Identify and improve content that could potentially be categorised as inferior or manipulative. Continuous quality control will help you ensure compliance and avoid any negative impact on your visibility.

Build domain and page authority through consistent content quality

Finally, you should aim to build the authority of your domain and individual pages through consistently high-quality content. Google considers factors such as E.E.A.T. (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) when it comes to ranking in search results. By continuously providing your readers with useful, relevant and trustworthy information, you strengthen the reputation of your website.

Google Core Update March 2024: We are ready!

While many website operators are nervous about the current Google Core Update, we at ithelps are relaxed about it. Our focus on useful content has been paying off for years - and even more so now that the internet is flooded with AI-generated low-quality texts.

Long before the "Helpful Content Update" in August 2022, we were already committed to creating content that offers real added value for our users and our customers' users. For us, search engine optimisation (SEO) is not an end in itself, but a tool to connect our content with the people who need it most.

Our content team goes one step further: using specially developed tools, we identify content gaps, optimise the helpfulness of articles and check the user-friendliness of the text structure.

The result:

• Relevant, informative and helpful content for readers
• Top rankings in search results - even after the update

A look at the analysis result of one of our tools shows how we find content gaps and optimise our content:

This is how we see it: the Google Core Update 2024 is not a threat, but an opportunity for websites that focus on the user. With our consistent focus on helpful content, we are ideally equipped for the future of search engine optimisation.

Conclusion

The Google Core/Spam update of March 2024 marks an important milestone in Google's efforts to improve the quality of search results and thus the overall experience for users. By consistently filtering out low-quality, misleading and manipulative content, Google is creating a more trustworthy and user-friendly online environment. This update emphasises Google's commitment to providing users with reliable and relevant information that actually meets their needs.

A long-term SEO approach with a focus on quality pays off

For website owners, SEOs and content creators, this update is a clear encouragement to take a long-term approach focussed on quality and value for the user. Short-term tactics to manipulate search rankings will be consistently penalised. Instead, you should focus on continuously producing useful, informative and trustworthy content that matches the actual interests of your target audience. This is the only way to benefit from high visibility in search results in the long term.

The need to continuously adapt to Google's standards

As Google regularly updates its algorithms and guidelines to improve search result quality, it is essential that you continuously adapt to these new standards. The March 2024 update is an example of how quickly requirements can change. By carefully following Google's guidelines and optimising your content and practices accordingly, you can ensure that you follow the latest best practices and avoid any negative impact on your visibility.

Opportunities for creators of useful and trustworthy content

For those who focus on creating high-quality, user-centred and trustworthy content, the update offers numerous opportunities. By adhering to Google's guidelines and consistently producing content that offers real value to your target audience, you can benefit from increased visibility in search results. In turn, websites that continue to rely on low-quality or manipulative content will lose relevance.

Frequently asked questions about Google Core Updates

What should you know about core updates?

Google's core updates have a wide range of effects and are not limited to a specific topic or niche. They can potentially affect all search queries and influence the ranking of many websites in the search results. Google carries out several core updates every year without following a fixed schedule. As the details of the updates are not communicated in advance, it is equally difficult to make targeted optimisations for an upcoming update.

What does Google want to improve with core updates?

With core updates, Google aims to improve the quality of content in search results. The company attaches great importance to well-researched, original and informative content and a positive user experience, which is supported by fast loading times, mobile optimisation and a clear page structure. Google is also endeavouring to tailor search results even more precisely to the intentions and needs of the users behind a search query.

What can you do after a core update?

If you notice that the rankings of your website have deteriorated after a core update, proceed as follows:

1. Don't panic: Rankings often need a little time to stabilise. Rash actions are rarely helpful.
2. Follow Google guidelines: Make sure your website complies with Google's webmaster guidelines and does not use any black-hat SEO tactics.
3. Evaluate content quality: Critically analyse your content. Is it well researched, useful for readers, unique? If not, there is probably room for improvement.
4. Pay attention to E-E-A-T: Experience, expertise, authority and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T) are important factors, especially in sensitive subject areas. Think about how you can strengthen these aspects for your website.