Understanding the Impact of Google's March 2024 Core Update on SEO

SEO professionals live and breathe by Google’s algorithm updates. Google launches these updates to deliver users the most relevant and helpful results. While Google’s core updates are a constant source of challenge for website owners and SEO professionals, they can make the competition much easier in a way.

Introduction

Google’s most recent update is the March 2024 core update, which promises to reduce “unhelpful content” and prioritize user experience. This update aims to combat low-quality content and manipulative tactics. But what exactly does that mean for your website’s ranking and SEO strategy? We will discuss this in more detail.

What is the March 2024 Core Update?

Before March, it wasn’t uncommon to find outdated content alongside insightful ones. The March update aimed to reduce that low-quality content and promote valuable resources.

Background and Goals

Google’s March 2024 core algorithm update was a major restructuring in SEO. This update was different from previous ones because it focused on tackling low-quality content and prioritizing user experience (UX). Before the update, search results sometimes included thin content, clickbait articles, and unoriginal material that didn’t really address user needs. 

With this update, Google aimed to reduce such content from search results. The core focus shifted towards prioritizing trustworthy websites with established expertise (E-A-T) and content that demonstrably helps users find the information they are looking for.

Google’s Announcement and Timeline

Unlike some past updates, the March 2024 core update wasn’t a surprise. Google announced the update beforehand, giving website owners and SEO professionals time to prepare. The rollout started in March and was completed by April 19th, 2024. This transparency from Google allowed SEOs to analyze possible impacts and adjust their strategies.

Major Changes in the March 2024 Core Update

There were no minor changes this time in the March 2024 core update. It was a major overhaul of Google’s search ranking algorithm. Some of the major changes that happened in this update are:

Content Quality and Relevance

Content that is used to rank simply for keyword density or basic information is no longer relevant. Before, websites could manipulate the system with keyword-stuffed articles that offered minimal value. Google now prioritizes in-depth, informative content that demonstrates expertise and delivers real value to users. This means:

• Focus on depth and originality. Content should go beyond basic information and offer detail, unique insights, and actionable insights.
• Content authored by established authorities or creators with demonstrable knowledge in the field will see a ranking boost. 
• Understand the reason behind user searches (user intent) and create content accordingly to answer their specific questions and fulfill their needs.

User Experience Signals

Slow loading times are a major turn-off for users and a red flag for Google. Websites with slow loading times, intrusive ads, and clunky mobile layouts witnessed ranking declines. 

Here’s how you can prioritize UX:

• Optimize your website for mobile devices. Your website layout should be responsive, images should adapt to different screen sizes, and navigation should be intuitive on mobile devices.
• Design a user-friendly website structure with a straightforward navigation menu. Users should be able to find the information they need easily.
• Optimizing your website speed through image compression, code minification, and systematic caching strategies is important. 
• Pop-ups that block content or impact navigation are a major UX killer. Google penalizes websites that rely on aggressive pop-up strategies.

E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness)

Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-A-T) have always been important, but the March update has made their status as core ranking factors. Websites with content written by recognized authorities and backed by credible sources saw a significant boost. 

Here’s how to strengthen your E-A-T:

• Create author bios showing the author’s qualifications, experience, and relevant achievements. 
• Secure backlinks from high-quality websites in your niche. It demonstrates authority and trust.
• Collaborate with industry experts or influencers to co-create content that utilizes their established E-A-T and expands your reach.

Impact on Search Rankings

The March 2024 core update significantly impacted search engine rankings. While some websites experienced increased visibility, others experienced ranking drops. Let’s explore how different websites were affected. 

Winners and Losers

The Winners:

• Websites with High-Quality Content: Sites that consistently publish detailed, informative content that indicates expertise and addresses different user intent saw a major increase in rankings.

• Established Authorities: Websites with a strong reputation and content authored by recognized experts in their fields enjoyed a great advantage. Backlinks from reputable sources further strengthened their credibility and trustworthiness.

• User-Centric Websites: Websites that prioritized user experience were rewarded. Fast loading times, easy navigation, and a mobile-friendly interface became important ranking factors. 

• The White Hat SEO: Websites that adhered to ethical SEO practices and focused on creating valuable content for their audience benefited. Organic backlink building and genuine collaborations strengthened their trustworthiness and authority.

The Losers:

• Thin Content: Websites churning out AI-generated, repetitive content with little to no value for users saw a dramatic drop in rankings. Keyword stuffing and other manipulative tactics no longer worked.

• Low-Credibility Websites: Websites lacking established authority or trustworthy sources saw a decline in rankings. Backlink profiles filled with low-quality links became harmful in terms of search engine ranking.

• Neglecting User Experience: Websites with slow loading times, cluttered layouts, and mobile-unfriendly interfaces suffered. Users became less interested in engaging with these websites, which further impacted their search ranking possibilities.

• Black Hat SEO Practices: Websites relying on manipulative tactics like keyword stuffing, cloaking, and buying backlinks faced major penalties. Google’s algorithms easily identified and demoted these websites.

Common Patterns in Affected Sites

Analyzing the shifts among websites impacted by the update reveals some common patterns. These are:

• Lack of content depth
• Missing author expertise
• Weak backlink profile
• Neglected user experience

SEO Strategies to Adapt

This update has reshaped SEO practices, focusing on better and more relevant results. You need to adapt to major SEO strategies to ensure your website aligns with the update and succeeds. 

Enhancing Content Quality

• Conduct a thorough content analysis to identify thin content or outdated information. Update or remove those low-quality content first. 
• Research your niche thoroughly and create content that shows a deep understanding of the topic. 
• Align your content with user intent. Identify what users are searching for and answer their specific questions completely. 
• Offer fresh insights, original data, or actionable advice to stand out from the crowd. 

Improving User Experience

• Make sure your website is mobile-friendly and offers a smooth browsing experience on all devices. 
• Website speed optimization is essential for faster loading times and a frustration-free user experience. 
• Create a clear and indexable website structure with easy-to-find menus to keep users engaged.

Building E-A-T

• Showcase your author’s credentials and experience through detailed author bios. 
• Earn backlinks from high-quality, relevant websites in your niche. Avoid purchasing links. 
• Partner with well-known experts in your industry to co-create content to boost your reach.

Technical SEO Considerations

Although the main focus of the March 2024 core update is content and user experience, technical SEO is another important factor that should not be overlooked. Here are two crucial considerations to keep in mind:

Mobile-First Indexing

Google’s mobile-first indexing means the mobile version of your website is now the primary version used for ranking purposes. Potential customers will simply walk away if your website has a subpar mobile experience. Your website should easily adapt to different screen sizes and offer a better viewing experience on all devices. Mobile users are impatient, so optimize your website’s speed for mobile devices to allow it to load quickly on any connection. Simply the navigation with large, clear buttons and a user-friendly interface optimized for touchscreen devices.

Structured Data and Schema Markup

Structured data and schema markup can help search engines understand additional information about your website’s content. Google understands the context and meaning behind your content to rank on search results and increase visibility. Identify schemas that accurately represent the content on your website. For example, if you run an e-commerce website, use product schema markup to provide details about your products, including prices, reviews, and availability. There are different methods to implement schema markup, like using plugins, data aggregators, or directly coding it on your website. Choose the one that best fits your technical requirements. 

Monitoring and Measuring Impact

If the March 2024 core update has impacted your website’s search rankings and traffic patterns, how can you measure this impact and gauge the success of your SEO efforts moving forward? Here’s a two-way approach to monitor and analyze the update’s effect:

SEO Performance Tracking

• Use web analytics tools like Google Search Console or similar platforms to track metrics like organic traffic, impressions, and clicks. 
• Monitor your website’s ranking for relevant keywords using rank-tracking tools. Check fluctuations in rankings after the update’s rollout. 
• Monitor your backlink profile using backlink monitoring tools. Identify any changes in the quality or quantity of backlinks pointing to your website.

Analysing Traffic and Rankings

• Analyze your traffic sources within your web analytics tool. Was there a noticeable shift in organic traffic after the update?
• Analyze keyword performance data. Did any keyword experience significant ranking changes?
• Evaluate the quality of your organic traffic. Are users more engaged, spending more time on your website, or converting faster?

Conclusion

The March 2024 core update was a major algorithm update. Google’s focus has shifted towards rewarding websites that rely on user experience, deliver high-quality content, and are trustworthy. This is because Google is aiming to provide the most helpful and informative websites to searchers. So, if your website has been impacted by this update, don’t give up hope. Take this as an opportunity to revamp your content strategy, prioritize user experience, and focus on creating content that really deserves a higher rank. Creating content that people genuinely find useful is a win for everyone, including you, your audience, and Google.