Google is introducing a March 2024 core update, spam updates, and integrating its helpful content system into its overall core ranking system.
Algorithmic enhancements to core ranking systems for more helpful information. Reduction of unoriginal content in search results. Updated spam policies to prevent low-quality content like expired websites and obituary spam.
- Google Releases Massive Core Update: The March 2024 core update is one of the biggest in recent history, following the September 2023 helpful content update.
- Helpful Content Now Part of Core Algorithm: The helpful content system is integrated into the core ranking system, eliminating separate updates. This may lead to larger and potentially more volatile core updates.
- Focus on Page-Level Content: Updates may now impact rankings on a page-by-page basis, allowing publishers to identify and improve specific content.
- Spam Update Targets Three Areas: Google aims to reduce spam in search results by 40% by focusing on:
- Expired Domain Abuse: Targeting the use of old domains to gain ranking advantage.
- Scaled Content Abuse: Addressing mass-produced content with little value, potentially from AI.
- Site Reputation Abuse: Cracking down on “parasite SEO” practices like low-quality guest posts.
- Uncertain Impact on Legitimate Practices: The update’s effect on genuine practices like domain rebranding and programmatic SEO is unclear.
- Emphasis on Value Over Quantity: Content, regardless of source (AI or manual), should prioritize user value to avoid being penalized.
- Warning for Parasite SEO Sites: Google issues a two-month warning to websites hosting low-quality parasite posts, with potential enforcement starting May 5th, 2024.
- Large Publishers May Not Be Impacted: High-authority publications might escape the penalty for parasite content due to potential revenue considerations for Google.
- Collateral Damage for Small Publishers Possible: Smaller publishers may be more susceptible to ranking fluctuations during the update.
- Recommendations for SEOs: Maintain a wait-and-see approach, focusing on valuable content creation as outlined.
Overall, the March 2024 update signifies a significant shift in Google’s search algorithm, prioritizing high-quality content and aiming to reduce spam. The coming months will reveal the true impact on website rankings.
