Google March Algorithm Update

Will the Google March algorithm update grow my web traffic?

Most Google users rarely look beyond the first page to find products or services like yours.

Google’s technical algorithms determine what pages are relevant and worthy of their attention. Every year, Google makes thousands of changes to its ranking system without fuss. But sometimes, they launch a major update to their criteria, which drastically changes the ranking order of websites based on new guiding principles.

Now is one of those times…

The latest Google update (March 2024) is more extensive than usual – promising to shake things up.

If your website meets the new ranking criteria, you need not worry. You’ll likely benefit from greater visibility on the search engine results page (SERP).

On the flip side, businesses that defy Google’s latest search algorithm policies could find themselves in the dark abyss of the web, losing traffic and opportunities after their rankings drop.

Make sure your business ticks all the technical boxes that will get your website noticed by more Google users. Keep reading to find out more!

Why has Google released this March algorithm update?

Google wants to give online users a better experience, by making helpful content more accessible in its search engine.

Pages that contain relevant and engaging information are more likely to rank highly and increase traffic, while unoriginal content should lose visibility.

A big part of this strategy involves eliminating spam.

Google’s mission is to reduce low-quality, unhelpful content by 40 per cent. This is no simple task, considering the internet has become littered with repetitive AI-generated content in recent years!

The latest Google update is bigger than previous updates, changing numerous systems. It launched at the start of March, so most features have been implemented by now.

Key features of the latest Google update

This core update takes a multifaceted approach to help technical algorithms better identify and prioritise helpful content.

New policies targeting spam:

Google is tackling spam from different directions, by targeting these manipulative behaviours:

1. Expired domain abuse occurs when people purchase respected domains but repurpose them to host low-value content unrelated to the original domain, hoping to capitalise on the domain’s previous success.
2. Scaled content abuse occurs when websites generate multiple pages of repetitive content to manipulate search rankings, rather than provide helpful information. As part of this policy, Google will crack down on the mass production of low-value content, whether created by artificial intelligence or humans.
3. Site reputation abuse involves publishing irrelevant third-party pages without oversight of their content. Examples include partner pages and advertisements that don’t relate to the original website.
4. There could be penalties for websites that sell outbound links to manipulate search rankings.

Improve quality ranking:

Google has improved its ranking algorithm to ensure that helpful content is displayed more prominently in the search results. The algorithm prioritises web pages that offer useful information and a good user experience.

Get your business noticed online by following the latest guidelines

Major Google updates like this one usually create noticeable changes in search rankings. Websites that meet the criteria rise to the top, while those that break the rules quickly drop down the ranks.

Make sure you create engaging content that’s relevant to what your audience wants to read. Google will reward you with a prominent ranking if you regularly publish high-value content on a website that’s easy for visitors to navigate.

Please familiarise yourself with the new guidelines as well.

Google is giving websites an adjustment period to comply with the updated rules, so you have another month before they start cracking down on rule-breakers.

Important actions to take:

• Regularly monitor website rankings to see if there are fluctuations. Use tools like Google Analytics and Google Search Console.
• Focus on creating informative content that resonates with your target audience.
• Implement Structured Data, which enhances content visibility and improves your chances of being featured in rich snippets.
• Stay informed about Google’s updates through the Google Search Status Dashboard. Adapt strategies based on official guidance from the search engine giant.
• Evaluate existing content to ensure compliance with Google’s spam policies, particularly regarding expired domain abuse, scaled content abuse, and site reputation abuse.
• Audit backlinks regularly to identify and disavow links from expired domains or low-quality sources that could negatively impact site reputation.
• Ensure that AI-generated content serves a genuine purpose and provides value to users. Avoid creating content to manipulate search rankings, regardless of whether AI or humans produce it.
• Evaluate collaborations with third parties to ensure that any hosted content aligns with Google’s guidelines and doesn’t violate spam policies.

Let’s help you get noticed online with this March algorithm update

Please contact our team if you’d like to discuss the latest Google update, or require any support with digital marketing.

E-Web Marketing uses cost-effective strategies that allow small businesses to spend within their means.

For the last 30 years, we’ve helped 3000 businesses increase online conversions, brand loyalty, and site traffic. Why not speak with some of our clients, who’ve told us they’re happy to give transparent references?

Call 1300 792 811 or fill out this form to learn how we can help you build a loyal customer base online.