Sporadic Google algorithm updates are nothing new; they’re as old as the search engine itself. However, it seems that everyone interested in website building and SEO is asking the same question: how did your (WordPress) SEO survive the most recent core update, one of the largest core changes to date, in March 2024? Why’s there so much concern? Is this panic justified?
Today, we’ll tackle some of these questions and analyze the impact of Google algorithm updates on WordPress SEO.
The link between Google algorithm updates and SEO
First and foremost, let’s define the key phrase we’ll be using frequently throughout this article.
What are Google algorithm updates?
Google algorithm updates are periodic changes meant to improve the search engine’s functionality and the overall quality of search results. These algorithm updates impact how websites rank on Google’s search engine results pages (otherwise known as SERPs). The primary aim of algorithm updates is to deliver the most relevant and high-quality content to users; the results need to align closely with user search queries.
How often does Google implement these updates?
Google frequently rolls out various updates throughout the year; major changes known as core updates happen several times annually. These core updates often cause noticeable shifts in website rankings, reflecting Google’s ongoing effort to understand search intent and content quality better. They target factors like content relevance, user experience, and adherence to Google’s guidelines.
All in all, understanding and adapting to these updates is crucial for maintaining and improving Google’s website visibility.
How do Google algorithm updates impact SEO?
Google algorithm updates have a not-to-be-taken-lightly influence over SEO: well, they shape how websites are ranked and displayed in search results; what’s more influential than that?
One major area that’s impacted by these updates is content quality and relevance. Websites must focus on creating valuable information that aligns closely with user intent. Among other things, that’s why crafting engaging, informative content that not only attracts but also retains visitors – content that boosts search engine rankings organically – is a must.
Website authority and trust
Here’s another critical facet of how algorithm updates impact SEO. Some algorithm updates (Penguin, for instance) have the objective of targeting manipulative link-building practices. They penalize sites that engage in spammy tactics or have low-quality backlinks. Establishing credibility and steadily increasing search rankings requires building a strong, reliable link profile from trustworthy sources.
In the dynamic field of SEO, websites can enhance their strategies to boost visibility and maintain a competitive edge by adhering to best practices and staying updated with algorithmic changes.
Now that we’ve gone through the basics let’s answer everyone’s questions.
What happened in March 2024?
In March 2024, Google rolled out a large update to its core algorithm to address the growing issue of low-quality content. Additionally, amidst ongoing discussions surrounding AI-generated content, Google has taken steps to address concerns related to this evolving area. Let’s expand!
The rise of AI-generated content
The update addresses the surge of generative AI, which has enabled the production of vast amounts of content without much effort. As one can assume, not all AI-generated content can meet the required quality standards. With this update, Google aims to ensure users find valuable and trustworthy content once again.
Challenges of low-quality content
Pre-March 2024, search results were no strangers to displaying content that offered little value to users, creating a poor user experience and overshadowing high-quality, original (human-crafted) content.
Google’s approach to combatting scaled content abuse
Also, the update targets scaled content abuse, where numerous pages are created primarily to manipulate search rankings without providing any value whatsoever. Google expects this update, combined with previous efforts (the abovementioned Penguin updates), to significantly reduce low-quality, spammy and unoriginal content in search results.
Emphasizing content quality and relevance
With this update, Google seeks to highlight high-quality content that is informative, accurate, and engaging. While it doesn’t penalize the use of AI, it stresses that AI-generated content must meet the same standards as human-generated content: it should provide users with valuable information.
Google’s advice for content creators
Google advises content creators to focus on creating helpful, reliable, and people-first content. This aligns with Google’s goal of promoting informative and trustworthy content that enriches users’ online experiences. Simply put yourselves in the shoes of your ideal user and make sure they receive perfect content.
Did the March 2024 Google algorithm update specifically affect WordPress sites?
The March 2024 Google algorithm update, as we emphasized in the previous section, focuses more on how websites perform in terms of content quality, user experience, and SEO best practices rather than singling out platforms like WordPress. Whether your site runs on WordPress or another platform, it doesn’t matter – its ranking can only be affected by how well it meets Google’s standards for valuable content and user satisfaction.
Conclusion
The main impact of recent Google algorithm updates on WordPress SEO was evident in the decline of rankings for sites featuring non-informative, non-original, plagiarized, misleading, or AI-generated content. You should keep in mind that the platform used to build your website matters less than ensuring your visitors access high-quality, human-made content.
FAQs
1. Is the Google March update complete?
Yes, it is. Google’s March 2024 core update has completed its rollout, starting on March 5th and finishing 45 days later on April 19th, 2024.
2. How to improve your ranking after the March 2024 Google algorithm update?
One key strategy to improve your website’s ranking is to evaluate and optimize your content. You can begin by updating it with relevant keywords that match what your audience is searching for and their preferences. This kind of action will ensure natural integration into headings and title tags.
Another thing: enhance readability; organize content into clear sections with descriptive headings, use bullet points, and incorporate multimedia (photos/videos) for increased user engagement. Lastly, steer clear of AI-generated content.
3. How to recover from Google algorithm update?
To successfully recover from the impact of a Google algorithm update, you’ll need to think about doing the following:
- Keep calm and avoid making any hasty decisions.
- Analyze your website’s analytics data to understand the impact in detail.
- Identify patterns in your website’s traffic and rankings to prioritize recovery efforts.
- Seek community support and insights to gather diverse perspectives on the issue(s) you’re facing.
- Develop a recovery plan focused on content quality, user experience, and SEO best practices.
4. Does Google like updated content?
Yes, it does; Google is well-known for favoring new content. Once you update outdated and irrelevant content, you’ll notice an improvement in your SEO rankings.
5. How long does it take to improve Google’s ranking?
It can vary, but new websites usually take 3 to 6 months to start ranking on Google. On the other side, established websites with good SEO may see improvements within a few weeks to a couple of months.
