October 2023 marked the start of a pivotal period for Google, unveiling yet another core update that promised to reverberate across search rankings. This latest installment represents the third core update released by Google in the year, and while the tech giant remains tight-lipped about the specific changes, web admins can glean insights from the ebbs and flows of their website’s performance on search engine results pages (SERPs)
Google periodically releases algorithm updates, both routine, unannounced ones and, more prominently, the major updates that they publicly disclose. These significant updates serve specific purposes and targets, which include:
Link Spam and Google Spam Content Update: Designed to weed out spammy content from the search engine index, enhancing search quality.
Product Reviews: Focused on improving how product reviews from consumers are showcased on SERPs, making it easier for users to access valuable insights.
Helpful Content Update: Aiming to reward content that provides quick, accurate, and valuable answers to user queries.
Page Experience: While less frequent, this update highlights websites offering exceptional user experiences across devices, including desktop and mobile.
Broad vs. Core Updates
In contrast, though vague in their specific objectives, Google’s broad core updates are critical. They don’t target a particular issue but instead intend to enhance the overall quality of Google’s rankings by adjusting various signals and factors across the board. These updates typically span two weeks, and Google formally announces their completion. During this period, webmasters can anticipate fluctuations in Google search results, commonly called “Google Search volatility.”
To gain insight into the progress of Google’s algorithm updates, website owners can refer to Google’s Search Status Dashboard. This dashboard provides information on all significant updates since December 2020.
It’s All About Expert Adaptations
In the wake of a Google core update, adopting a strategy that adapts and thrives amidst the fluctuations is crucial. Here are six reliable strategies for achieving sustainable rankings following a broad core update:
1. Audit Your Search Rankings:
Begin by scrutinizing your SERP visibility and ponder these questions:
- Which keywords have witnessed a decline in rankings?
- Have new keywords emerged in your rankings?
- Are certain pages experiencing a drop in visibility for specific queries?
Furthermore, analyze your competitors’ rankings to discern why their pages rank higher or lower than yours. This exploration will aid in adapting your SEO strategy effectively.
2. Comply With Google’s Guidelines and Best Practices
Google’s priority is to ensure that the best content appears on its SERPs. To support this objective, Google provides resources to guide website owners and content creators. This includes the Search Rater Guidelines, which detail how Google’s Search Raters evaluate content, considering aspects like experience, expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness. These guidelines offer valuable insights for tailoring your content to align with Google’s quality standards.
Other informative resources encompass the SEO Starter Guide, SEO for Developers, and Google Search Console. These tools provide a treasure trove of data and insights that can enhance your website’s performance.
3. Self-Assess: Do You Have User-Centric Content?
Surviving a Google core update isn’t merely about understanding what’s changed; it’s about placing your users at the forefront of your strategy. All the resources mentioned in the previous tip underline the importance of prioritizing user experience and creating user-centric content rather than over-optimized search ranking factors.
As Google’s John Mueller emphasized, it’s about focusing on the bigger picture. Ensure your content is genuinely helpful, demonstrates expertise, and offers a satisfying learning experience to your audience.
4. Refresh Your Content:
If your website has been established for a considerable period, it may be time for a content facelift. Review your existing content and determine what requires updates or improvements to avoid falling victim to Google’s ranking fluctuations. This could entail revising target keywords or crafting more engaging and relevant content.
5. Build Links and Relationships With High-Authority Websites:
While the significance of links has evolved, they still play a crucial role in SERP visibility. Links from authoritative websites convey trustworthiness and credibility to search engines. Seek link-building opportunities with relevant and high-authority sites to bolster your reputation.
The SEO landscape is ever-changing, and adaptability is critical to thriving amid Google’s algorithm updates. By following these strategies, website owners can weather the fluctuations and steer their digital presence toward lasting success in the dynamic online realm.
6. Content Quality and Depth:
Content remains king in the SEO realm. Focus on creating high-quality, in-depth content that thoroughly addresses user queries. Content depth implies going beyond superficial explanations and providing comprehensive insights. It’s about being the go-to resource for your audience. Consider creating pillar content and complementary articles that interlink to establish your website as an authority in your niche.
7. User Engagement and Feedback:
Encourage user engagement on your site. Allow comments, reviews, and feedback to foster community and trust. Engaging with your audience and responding to their queries or concerns enhances user experience and signals to search engines that your website is valuable and reliable.
8. Schema Markup and Rich Snippets:
Leverage structured data and schema markup to enhance your content’s visibility in search results. Rich snippets provide more information to users, increasing the likelihood of click-throughs. Implementing structured data helps search engines understand your content, leading to improved rankings and better user experiences.
9. Technical SEO Optimization:
Technical SEO is the foundation of your online presence. Regularly audit your website for technical issues like broken links, duplicate content, and site speed. Ensure your website is secure, loads quickly, and offers a seamless experience across all devices.
10. Adapt to Emerging Trends:
The digital landscape is constantly evolving. Stay updated on emerging SEO trends and industry developments. As voice search, artificial intelligence, and other technologies gain prominence, adapt your strategies to remain at the forefront of your field.
Key Takeaways
A comprehensive strategy is necessary to cope with Google’s core upgrades and sustain a robust online presence. Your site can not only survive but thrive in the ever-changing digital landscape if you regularly monitor your rankings, follow Google’s guidelines, prioritize user-centric content, update your content, create high-quality links, focus on content quality and depth, promote user engagement, use schema markup, optimize technical SEO, and respond to emerging trends.
When it comes to search engine optimization, you must always be vigilant, flexible, and dedicated to providing value to your audience. This preventative, all-encompassing strategy will keep your online presence strong and helpful to users even if search engines modify their algorithms.
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Embrace a partnership that ensures your digital presence remains robust, even in the face of Google’s algorithmic shifts. Contact Jovie Social today for lasting SEO success. Schedule a meeting today.
