If you felt the sting of Google’s March 2024 Core Update, you’re not alone. It hit hard, especially targeting spammy and low-quality websites. But fear not, recovery is possible. In this guide, we’ll delve into what Google is targeting and strategies to bounce back.

Understanding Google’s Intent

Google’s recent updates aim to weed out spammy and low-quality content from search results. But what exactly constitutes spammy or low-quality content? Here’s a breakdown:

Unoriginal Content: Google aims to reduce the presence of unoriginal content in search results.
Poor User Experience: Content deemed low quality includes pages that offer little value, provide a poor user experience, or feel like they were created solely for search engines.
Spam Policies: Google’s spam policies target sites with abusive behavior, including those generating content at scale using automation.

Identifying Potential Issues

To identify if your site may be affected, consider the following:

Content Frequency and Quality: Sites churning out excessive content, whether automated or not, may be flagged.
Site Reputation Abuse: Websites paying for backlinks or featuring on reputable sites without disclosure may face consequences.
Expired Domains: Using expired domains for purposes like link farms or private blog networks (PBNs) can trigger penalties.

Strategies for Recovery

While recovery isn’t guaranteed, implementing the following steps can improve your site’s standing:

Optimize Ad Placement: Excessive ads, especially intrusive ones, can harm user experience. Take control over ad placement to ensure a clean and user-friendly interface.
Internal Linking with Intent: Beyond satisfying primary search intent, provide additional value to users by linking to relevant resources that address underlying concerns.
Human-Centric Content Creation: Avoid relying solely on AI-generated content. Conduct original research and use AI to enhance rather than replace human input.
Regular Content Updates: Periodically review and update existing content to ensure relevance and accuracy, ideally at least once every 12 months.
Diversify Traffic Sources: Relying solely on SEO for traffic is risky. Build a diverse traffic portfolio including social media, email marketing, and paid advertising.
Build Authority: Establish a presence across multiple platforms to boost authority and credibility in your niche.
Strategic Paid Advertising: Use paid ads selectively on content targeting commercial search intent, ensuring a positive return on investment.

Takeaway: Be Adaptable

In the wake of Google’s March 2024 Core Update, it’s crucial to recognize the evolving nature of search engine algorithms. While recovering from algorithmic penalties is paramount, it’s equally important to adapt your long-term SEO strategy to mitigate future risks. By prioritizing user experience, content depth, and diversified traffic sources, you not only recover lost ground but also fortify your website against future algorithmic upheavals.

Remember, like most things in business, adaptation is key. Stay informed, implement best practices, and remain agile in your approach to SEO and online marketing.

Have you experienced a traffic drop due to the update? We are here to help you recover your lost traffic, contact us to schedule a free consulting call.