Google’s March 2024 Core Update is bringing a seismic shift to the SEO industry. This major update could sweep the web in the same way that the Panda and Penguin updates did.
Its impact is huge and widespread, and every seasoned marketer I’ve talked to agrees that this update is a big deal. Has your website been affected by the March 2024 Core Update?
Here are five things you need to know to avoid getting penalized and maintain your good position in search results.
1. Google is completely de-indexing websites
Imagine waking up to find your website missing from Google search results. This is exactly what happened to many websites after the release of the March 2024 update.
In its March 5 announcement, Google emphasized its goal of reducing unhelpful, irrelevant, and unoriginal content from search results.
This cleaning unit promises to remove up to 40% of low-quality websites that provide useless information and a poor user experience – pages created just to match specific search queries.
Websites that violate Google’s guidelines or use questionable SEO tactics will not only be penalized, but will be completely removed from both search results and the index.
In the days following the announcement, the SEO world was turned upside down.
Here’s a tweet from Jeff Coyle:
2. Penalties are fast
What’s notable about this update is that the penalties came hard and fast, with site owners scrambling for answers.
Let’s see a whopping 10 deindexed websites:
To check if your site has been affected by Google’s update, search for your website on Google by typing “site:website.com” and see if it appears in the search results.
It’s important to note that sites affected by the March 2024 Core Update or Spam Update “will not be notified of a rank drop using the Google Search Console manual action viewer”, as Barry Schwartz pointed out.
“Algorithmic updates are automated, and Google does not notify the site owner when a site is negatively (or positively) affected by an algorithm update,” Schwartz writes.
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3. Websites that have survived previous updates are not immune
Older websites are not spared either. Those who were not touched by previous algorithm updates are now also facing repercussions.
Some people are cheering, saying it’s about time these low-quality sites kicked on after years of gaming the system and staying in the SERPs.
Here’s an example of a “link building agency” that got kicked out:
But others are left scratching their heads, wondering why their entire network is gone.
In a discussion within the Affiliate SEO Mastermind private group, a member shared the unfortunate experience of a publisher whose entire network went down.
According to the publication, the eight affected publisher positions, all established within the past two years, covered various niche topics. The author stressed that the content was mostly written by humans with minimal AI assistance.
All eight websites are now showing zero traffic impressions.
This is where EEAT could have played a crucial factor.
The wide range of topics covered by these sites indicates a lack of deep topical knowledge (experience and knowledge) that Google prioritizes when ranking websites.
4. Outdated and bug-ridden sites are vulnerable
Speaking of EEAT, check out how Google has now added another factor when it deems content unreliable and with the lowest EEAT:
The content is AI generated, out of date and not error free.
These are surefire ways to downgrade!
5. Even small AI content sites were affected
An interesting development is how small AI content sites have come under scrutiny. Google’s ability to detect AI-generated content has been refined, resulting in penalties for even the smallest players in this field.
Craig Griffiths believes that the main indicator of an AI website is how often it publishes content.
But that’s not the case here:
Drilling down into this conversation reveals more specific signals that Google might be looking for:
Let’s get one thing straight: Google does not chase AI content. What Google wants to purge from its search results is useless, repetitive and unoriginal content, whether written by humans or AI or both.
The latest update aims to remove bad websites that do nothing for people, while bringing to the surface good websites with valuable content.
This is a wake-up call to website owners who thought their legacy would keep them safe. It proves once again that adaptation is key to survival in the digital world.
If you’re managing one of these older, smaller domains, don’t panic just yet. Start by performing a full site audit and fix these issues immediately.
Takeaway: Quality over quantity
Google’s emphasis has always been on originality, depth and value to the reader. Websites that were removed and de-indexed often relied heavily on thin or duplicate content without providing unique insights or perspectives.
To combat this problem head-on, improving the EEAT becomes essential. The EEAT Principles show Google, and more importantly, your readers, that you’re an authority worth listening to. This includes citing reputable sources within your niche and clearly displaying the author’s expertise on your site.
User experience also takes center stage with the latest algorithm changes. Your site should look good and be easy and intuitive for visitors. Websites that focus solely on keyword optimization instead of holistic UX design principles will be penalized.
Paying attention to page speed, mobile friendliness and clear calls to action will help keep users engaged for longer, sending positive signals up the SEO food chain.
Remember, by making these adjustments, you’re not just playing nice with the search engines; you are creating a better online space for everyone who visits you.
Adapt or be left behind
The large number of deindexed websites reported by the search marketing community confirms Google’s plan to implement a major change in its ranking systems.
It’s wise to study the patterns of websites affected by algorithmic events to spot common trends, so you can discover your websites’ weaknesses and recalibrate your strategies.
Focus on quality content. It improves the user experience. Start auditing your site and make changes.
The road ahead may seem daunting, but remember that every step toward improvement is one step away from Google hell.
The views expressed in this article are those of the guest author and not necessarily Search Engine Land. Staff authors are listed here.
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