The recent Google content update has been integrated into the core update, resulting in a significant 40% decrease in unhelpful content found in search results.
The core update implemented by Google in March 2024 had a significant impact on websites with certain characteristics. These are the key effects:
Negative impact
Low-quality content:
Websites that had thin content, lacked originality, relied on AI-generated content solely for the purpose of ranking higher, or had irrelevant content in relation to search queries were greatly affected.
Spam:
Websites that engaged in spam tactics such as keyword stuffing, abuse of expired domains, or misleading content faced the possibility of being removed from search results or receiving penalties in their rankings.
Lack of expertise and authority:
Websites that lacked established expertise and authority in their respective topics, particularly in areas like Your Money or Your Life (YMYL), may have experienced drops in their rankings.
“Expired domain abuse” – the practice of buying expired domains and repurposing them with the “intention of boosting the search ranking of low-quality content” – is now considered spam, Tucker said.
Positive impact
High-quality content:
Websites that provided well-researched, informative, and original content that aligned with user search intent saw improvements in their rankings.
Websites with strong expertise and authority:
Websites that demonstrated established expertise and authority in their specific niche areas, especially in YMYL topics, potentially experienced enhancements in their rankings.
Websites previously affected by the Helpful Content Update:
Some websites that were negatively impacted by the previous standalone Helpful Content Updates might have witnessed a recovery in their rankings if they addressed the content issues that were identified.
It is important to note that the impact of the update varied depending on the individual website and the quality of its content.
Additionally, the core update emphasized the importance of user experience, mobile-friendliness, and site speed. Websites that provided a seamless and user-friendly experience across devices, optimized for mobile users, and had fast loading times were more likely to see positive effects from the update.
Overall, the core update in March 2024 aimed to reward websites that prioritized high-quality, relevant, and authoritative content while penalizing those that engaged in spammy tactics or lacked expertise in their respective fields. Adhering to these guidelines and focusing on providing valuable content to users can help websites maintain or improve their rankings in the ever-evolving landscape of search engine optimization.
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