Google’s March 2024 Core Algorithm Update: Key Takeaways

Described by industry giants as a game-changer that will bring a “seismic shift” to search engine optimisation (SEO), Google’s March 2024 Core Algorithm Update has already started to impact websites across all industries. In this blog, we will outline some of the key takeaways from this transformative update, which will come in handy for local seo companies that want to maintain a good standing in search results for their clients.

Enhanced Quality Ranking

One of the main takeaways from the March 2024 update is a renewed emphasis on quality. Google is doubling down on its commitment to deliver the most relevant, reliable, and user-friendly search results.

Since the first helpful content update in 2022, Google has been rewarding websites that publish people-first content. It is advised that websites do the following to ensure they maintain healthy rankings:

• Stick to your area of expertise and don’t write about something just because it’s trending
• Demonstrate first-hand experience
• Build your site based on one subject area, don’t try and be all things to all people
• Provide clear and concise answers to search queries
• Don’t neglect user experience

It is predicted that with this March update, as well as its previous efforts, Google will be able to reduce low-quality content in search engine results pages (SERPs) by approximately 40%.

Watch Out For Deindexing

In a bold move, Google has announced its intention to completely deindex websites that fall short of the above content quality standards.

To ensure a more refined search experience for users, Google will now just remove any website that provides useless information that has only been created to match specific search queries, rather than to help people. Additionally, those violating Google’s guidelines or using ‘black hat SEO’ tactics will be removed without warning.

Now more than ever before, it is crucial that website owners are focusing on adding useful and original content, otherwise they could be at risk of not showing to their target audience at all.

Worried your website has been deindexed?

To check whether your website has been deindexed, simply type in site:yourwebsitename.co.uk into Google and see if you show up in results.

Stricter Penalties To Be Implemented

Many SEO professionals have noted how fast the penalties for low-quality content were implemented, with many sites being deindexed overnight.

If you take one thing from this, it would be to not wait around. If you think your website could be at risk, then it would be a good idea to start focusing more on SEO and content marketing.

With this update, there’s no room for complacency. Your website could end up being deindexed, which will have a knock on effect on your search rankings, the number of users coming to your website and in turn, your company’s revenue.

Survivors Are Not Immune

For those who’ve gone through previous algorithm updates unscathed, don’t get too comfortable! The March 2024 update is casting a wider net, so even if you have adapted your website in the past to meet algorithm update guidelines, you could still be at risk.

As above, our advice would be to constantly stay on top of all of the changes and adjust your website’s content accordingly, to ensure you aren’t adversely affected.

If you do remain ahead of the changes, then the algorithm updates will actually be very beneficial for you. With Google removing a large proportion of websites from SERPs, some of which might be your competitors, you’re more likely to climb in the rankings and attract more users to your site.

Introducing New Spam Policies

Google is becoming stricter on spammy tactics and manipulative practices, to ensure a level playing field for all websites competing for improved search engine visibility.

Websites full of outdated content or technical errors are particularly susceptible to penalisation from the March 2024 update, but those that are prioritising fresh, error-free content that enhances the user experience will be favoured. Google has always emphasised the importance of E-E-A-T in any content strategy, which stands for the following:

• Experience: high-quality content demonstrates the creator’s first-hand experience
• Expertise: it is important to show you have the knowledge, qualifications and credentials required to give reliable information.
• Authoritativeness: refers to the reputation of your company within your specific industry
• Trustworthiness: perhaps the most important factor, it is important to be clear about who wrote your content, that it is factually accurate and any sources are cited

By employing E-E-A-T, you’ll stand out from low-quality competitors and will assure Quality Raters that the content across your website is reliable, resulting in higher rankings and greater search visibility.

What Are The Implications For SEO’s?

Since the March 2024 Core Algorithm Update, there have been a lot of changes that website owners and SEO professionals need to stay ahead of, in order to survive in SERPs. Here’s what our SEO experts will be doing at Media Street following the news of this algorithm update:

• Conducting comprehensive SEO audits to evaluate content, link building and other technical SEO aspects
• Focusing more on creating highly valuable content that addresses our users’ needs and demonstrates E-E-A-T
• Working with our web design team to ensure user experience is top-notch, for example page speed and mobile friendliness
• Building our clients’ credibility and trustworthiness within their industry
• Staying informed about any changes that have taken place and preparing for more

It’s also worth mentioning, if you’ve been relying on AI-generated content without adding a human touch, now is the time to recalibrate your approach. You might be publishing a lot more content with the help of AI, but if it’s low-quality, unoriginal and impersonal, then you’ll end up doing more harm than good to your website.

If you want to kickstart your marketing strategy, it might be worth getting in touch with an agency to help you, especially at the start, as this will take a lot of the pressure off. Here’s what to look for when choosing a local SEO company.

High Quality Content Marketing With Media Street

At Media Street, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve. Our dedicated marketing team is constantly monitoring industry trends and algorithmic changes to ensure that our clients’ websites remain resilient. In another blog, we have shared our SEO best practices for Google updates, so make sure you have a read to learn more.

We take pride in our commitment to producing high-quality, original content that not only survives algorithm updates but provides the answers your target audience are searching for. Get in touch with our SEO experts today on 01392 914033 to discuss our tailored services and how we can help your business grow.