Google’s March 2024 Core Update Completes: Impact on Search Rankings

Despite overlapping changes, user experience remains the focus.

Highlights:

• Google’s March 2024 Core and Spam Update aimed for a 40% drop in low-quality content.
• The extensive core update rolled out on 19^thApril but was officially announced on 26^th
• Industry estimates suggest a higher impact on SEO rankings than initially predicted.
• The update favors high-quality content, emphasizing marketer authority and experience.
• Focus on user experience and staying informed about content-related updates.

Back in March, when we first reported on Google’s March 2024 Core and Spam Update, the search engine’s Director of Product Management, Elizabeth Tucker, predicted a 40% drop in low-quality content.

Google’s first and most extensive core update of 2024 completed its rollout on 19^th April, but it didn’t make an official announcement until a week later, on the 26^th of the same month.

While Google hasn’t released official numbers on affected sites, industry analysts estimate the impact of the SEO ranking changes to be slightly higher than the initial prediction made at the start of March, with millions of websites likely experiencing a dip in rankings.

The good news?

This update rewards high-quality content, conflating the core system with the helpful content system. If your website prioritizes user needs, offers in-depth information, and demonstrates expertise in your field, you might see a positive bump in search rankings.

A Case of Overlapping Updates

It’s important to note that the March 2024core update wasn’t the only factor impacting search rankings during this time.

Google also rolled out a separate spam update in March and updated its core web vitals metric, a change it had hinted at a while ago.

While this can make it difficult to pinpoint the exact reason for SEO ranking changes, focusing on high-quality content and user experience will benefit your website in the long run.

No Concessions Over High-quality Content

Gone are the days of keyword-stuffed content solely designed to trick search engine algorithms.

The Google March 2024 update emphasizes several key factors for SEO success:

• Content Quality: In-depth, informative content that genuinely helps users has been and will always be the standard. Focus on establishing your brand as a thought leader in your industry.
• Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness (E-E-A-T): Google values websites with a strong reputation and reliable information. Build trust with your audience by showcasing your experience and credibility.
• User Experience (UX): Make sure your website is user-friendly with clear navigation, fast loading times, and mobile responsiveness.

Recovering After the Update

If your search rankings dipped, don’t panic. Google Search Console offers valuable tools to help you identify areas for improvement.

Here’s what you can do:

• Focus on Content Quality: Audit your website’s content and prioritize creating informative content that solves user problems and establishes you as a leader in your industry.
• Optimize for User Experience: Ensure your website offers a smooth user experience with clear CTAs, easy navigation, and fast loading speeds.
• Stay Informed: Google regularly updates its SEO guidelines. Stay on top of the latest trends to ensure your website remains search-engine friendly.

The Takeaway

The March 2024coreupdate signifies a significant shift in Google’s search algorithm. By prioritizing user experience and high-quality content, this update presents a golden opportunity for businesses that prioritize informative and trustworthy content.

The key to success lies in providing genuine value to your audience—a feat that has helped our clients weather the update—and establishing your brand as a reliable source in your industry.