Google began rolling out a core algorithm update in March 2024, which was completed on April 19. This update has brought about significant changes to several core systems, resulting in noticeable fluctuations in rankings. In this article, we present the latest information on this update as of May 8, 2024, and offer recommendations on how to address it.
March 2024 Update Details Start and deployment
On March 6, 2024, Google began rolling out its major algorithm update. This is the first major update since the one in November 2023, and the rollout is expected to take about a month. The update also included spam policy changes and a concurrent spam update.
Update Features
Google has noted that the update is aimed at showing less content designed to attract clicks and more content that is useful to users. While the overall changes do not differ much from previous updates, modifications have been made to several systems, which could result in significant fluctuations in rankings. It is important to monitor these fluctuations without making hasty decisions until the implementation is complete.
Changes in spam policy Updates to spam policy
Google’s spam policy has been updated to address activities that may negatively impact the quality of search results, such as abuse of site reputation through practices like using parasitic sites or renting domains. This policy will begin to apply on May 5, 2024, giving website owners time to adapt.
Measures against abuse of site reputation
Since May 5, Google has begun taking manual action against site reputation abuse, with plans to implement algorithmic components in the future. Sites affected by these measures have been notified and must take corrective action to comply with the new policies.
Useful content system
Integration with the central system
The Helpful Content system has been integrated into Google’s core system, removing the need for separate future updates to this component. Google has published a series of FAQs on Helpful Content, highlighting the importance of creating user-centric content that is both useful and trustworthy.
Frequently asked questions about useful content
- Is the content system unique? : No, the system uses several indicators and systems to evaluate the usefulness of the content.
- How can I check if my content is useful? : Google provides guidelines for self-assessing content.
- Does the system evaluate individual pages or entire sites?: It primarily evaluates individual pages, but also considers site-level signals.
- Does removing non-useful content improve the ranking of other content? : Yes, especially if there is a significant amount of non-useful content on the site.
- Should I wait for a core update to see improvements after removing non-useful content?: Not necessarily, as ranking fluctuations can occur at any time.
Recommendations and future steps
Preparation and adaptation
Since this update addresses recent issues such as AI-generated content and domain leasing, it is crucial that affected websites take steps to comply with the new policies. If you need help implementing these measures, you can consult with SEO experts.
Continuous observation and adjustment
It’s important to closely monitor the impact of the update on your website and make adjustments based on the observed results. Stay focused on providing useful, user-centric content, and regularly check Google’s updates and recommendations to stay up to date with best practices.
This blog will be updated with new information as it becomes available, so stay tuned for more details and tips on how to handle Google algorithm updates.
