All About SEO Updated is a series of articles detailing the latest changes to Google’s ranking algorithm, designed to assist search marketers keep abreast of them and make adjustments accordingly.
Google constantly introduces algorithm updates that affect how search results are produced. While most are minor, there may be core updates which have the power to drastically alter rankings for websites. Core updates usually focus on eliminating exploitative SEO practices while rewarding those that provide high-quality content.
The March 2023 Broad Core Update was a significant algorithm update that sought to enhance how Google assesses content overall, meaning previously under-rewarded pages may now rank higher in search results. Furthermore, this update encouraged webmasters to develop high-quality, helpful webpages with excellent user experiences and strong E-E-A-T (experience, expertise, authority, and trustworthiness) signals.
As Google moves away from keywords, its BERT algorithm allows it to better comprehend natural language and contextual meaning when processing queries and search results. Therefore, site owners should prioritize creating high-quality, relevant content that adds value for their users.
Attracting new visitors by providing accurate and up-to-date websites filled with valuable, pertinent content remains one of the most effective SEO strategies you can utilize. Refreshing old content frequently will ensure it continues to add value for your business and generate leads.
An effective way of monitoring Google’s core updates is through SERP history tracking using tools like Rank Tracker. This will show how results for your target keyword have fluctuated over time and give a good indication as to which changes may have triggered such fluctuations.
Google rarely announces most of its core updates, making it hard to know how best to prepare. Luckily, they do release blog posts or search liaison tweets with details on which websites and web pages the update targets and the degree it impacts them.
Google regularly communicates how specific updates might impact its search results, providing websites with enough time to prepare themselves for core updates by avoiding black-hat SEO techniques such as keyword stuffing or link spamming and demotion from search results.
Noting the rollout pattern of Google’s core algorithm updates, it may be prudent to track several core updates over several weeks prior to trying to determine their impact on your ranking.
