Google has been changing its algorithms for a couple of years now. There are multiple reasons for them but probably the main reason is to improve the user experience in one or many ways.
Google March 2024 Core Update has been rolled out and it is bringing about notable changes to spammy content generation and backlinks. Let’s go deep into these updates, their implications, and how website owners can adapt to ensure their continued visibility in search results.
Google March 2024 Core Update
Whenever a core algorithm update is rolled out, it makes a huge impact on almost every website. Some websites are benefiting from it while others take a huge set back. The March 2024 core algorithm update made the same impact and it will keep on doing so until it is completely rolled out in April 2024.
The update includes improvement in search engine results and new spam policies. It aims to reduce unoriginal, low quality and spammy content to enhance the user experience in terms of valuable information. Moreover, it is targeting link manipulation, expired domain abuse and site reputation abuse as well.
We’ll explain all the main factors included in this update, but here’s the summary of it.
- Google’s March 2024 Core Update includes algorithm changes to improve search result quality and new spam policies.
- The update aims to reduce low-quality, unoriginal content in search results by 40%.
- New spam policies target scaled content abuse, site reputation abuse, and expired domain abuse.
Reducing Low Quality and Unoriginal Results
Since 2022, Google has been targeting low quality content but this time, it is more than ever. Google has strengthened its policies against unoriginal and low quality content that has been used to manipulate the search engine rankings. If the content doesn’t provide any value to the reader and is only used for ranking purposes, then it is surely going down in the spam.
Here’s an example of the website with more than 17m traffic. After the update, the website has been completely deindexed. One of the main reasons that is being considered of the impact is low-quality content that is being spammed on the website.
And now after the update:
Google states:
“We believe these updates will reduce the amount of low-quality content in Search and send more traffic to helpful and high-quality sites. Based on our evaluations, we expect that the combination of this update and our previous efforts will collectively reduce low-quality, unoriginal content in search results by 40%.”
Moreover, it is not only about AI content, if a human and AI combination or solely human written content is low quality, it is also going down the drain.
According to Google:
“ To better address these techniques, we’re strengthening our policy to focus on this abusive behavior — producing content at scale to boost search ranking — whether automation, humans or a combination are involved. ”
New Spam Policies
Google’s Spam Explainer document serves as a window into the inner workings of its search algorithms, offering valuable insights into the changes introduced by the March 2024 update.
Here’s a breakdown of the key alterations and their implications:
Less Emphasis on Links:
Previously, links from other websites played a significant role in determining a website’s relevance and authority in Google’s eyes.
However, with the recent update, Google appears to be de-emphasizing the importance of links.
While they still consider links as a factor, they’re no longer seen as crucial as before. This shift underscores Google’s evolving approach to evaluating website quality and relevance.
Previous documentation:
“Google uses links as an important factor in determining the relevancy of web pages.”
New documentation:
“Google uses links as a factor in determining the relevancy of web pages.”
Combatting Content for Link Manipulation
One notable addition to Google’s spam guidelines addresses the issue of content created solely for the purpose of manipulating search rankings through link building tactics.
This practice, often associated with Private Blog Networks (PBNs), involves the creation of low-value content aimed at artificially inflating a website’s link profile.
By explicitly targeting this behavior, Google aims to curb manipulative practices and prioritize content quality and relevance.
Cracking Down on Manipulative Outgoing Links
In a significant move, Google now explicitly warns against manipulative outgoing links, which refer to links placed on a website with the intention of influencing search rankings.
This includes selling links or participating in link schemes aimed at manipulating search results.
By penalizing websites engaged in such practices, Google reinforces its commitment to combating spam and maintaining the integrity of its search results.
Google states:
“For example, a third party might publish payday loan reviews on a trusted educational website to gain ranking benefits from the site. Such content ranking highly in Search can confuse or mislead visitors who may have vastly different expectations for the content on a given website.”
Expired Domain Abuse
Another area of focus in the March 2024 update is the evaluation of expired domains and their subsequent repurposing. Google now scrutinizes changes in domain usage, particularly instances where expired domains are repurposed to host content unrelated to their original purpose. This ensures that websites aren’t exploiting expired domains to manipulate search rankings unfairly.
Adapting to the Changes:
As website owners go through the implications of Google’s March 2024 update, it’s essential to adopt proactive strategies to maintain visibility and relevance in search results. Here are some actionable steps:
- Focus on Quality Content: Instead of relying solely on link-building tactics, prioritize creating high-quality, informative content that adds value to your audience.
- Natural Link Building: Instead of artificially manipulating links, focus on earning genuine, organic links through valuable content and meaningful engagement within your industry or niche.
- Stay Abreast of Guidelines: Regularly review and adhere to Google’s guidelines to ensure compliance and mitigate the risk of penalties resulting from manipulative practices.
- Evaluate Domain History: Before purchasing or repurposing expired domains, thoroughly evaluate their history and ensure alignment with your website’s purpose and goals.
- Monitor Performance: Keep a close eye on your website’s performance in search results and be prepared to make adjustments based on emerging trends and algorithm updates.
Conclusion
The March 2024 Core Algorithm Update represents a significant milestone in Google’s ongoing efforts to refine its search algorithms and combat spammy practices. By understanding the implications of these changes and adopting proactive strategies, website owners can ensure their continued visibility and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of online search.
