Google algorithm updates are essential for search engine optimization (SEO). Each update refines Google’s system of providing users with more accurate and helpful results. These updates address various aspects, such as spammy practices and the ranking of mobile-friendly sites, which significantly impact the overall search experience.
In 2024, Google rolled out several significant updates to enhance search quality and combat spam. To navigate these changes, digital marketers must stay vigilant and adaptable. Continuous monitoring of algorithm changes and adapting SEO strategies is crucial for maintaining visibility and success.
What is a Google Update?
A Google algorithm update is an improvement in the search engine system implemented to ensure the delivery of helpful and reliable results to user queries. It aims to refine the system’s process of assessing all the content it crawls and indexes and how it ranks search results.
Google makes algorithm updates several times, sometimes as many as over a thousand in a year. They generally target specific issues such as spam or low-quality content. Examples include updates focused on boosting mobile-friendly sites or penalizing link schemes.
A Core Update is a broad change to Google’s search algorithm, which occurs a few times a year. Examples include the Panda, Hummingbird, and the March Google algorithm update. Unlike a regular update that addresses specific issues, a core algorithm update covers a significant and comprehensive change to Google’s search algorithm. It impacts a wide array of ranking factors to ensure overall improvements in search quality and relevance.
List of search engine algorithm updates over the years.
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Core updates often cause significant changes in Google search position. By tracking these updates with the help of an SEO agency Philippines, you can adjust your content and optimization strategies to align with Google’s latest guidelines and remain competitive.
Google Updates in 2024
In 2024, Google introduced several significant updates to its algorithm, focusing on improving the quality of search results and addressing various forms of spam and low-quality content.
Site Reputation Abuse Update
On May 6, 2024, Google started rolling out its update targeting site reputation abuse. Under this update, sites that host unrelated third-party content intending to manipulate search rankings will be tagged as spam.
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Google uses signals on the page level to understand the page and its content. These signals include domain authority, backlinks, content quality, user experience, and technical SEO. Some domains have better ranking signals than others. Under a site reputation abuse, one domain piggybacks on another site’s established authority and ranking power to boost its own search visibility. This scheme is what the site reputation abuse policy wants to target.
However, Google clarifies that not all third-party content will be tagged as spam. Site reputation abuse happens when the following are met:
✓ Content from a third-party site is published on another site without first-party involvement or oversight.
✓ Third-party pages are published to take advantage of the first-party site’s ranking signals
✓ The purpose of the tactic is to manipulate search rankings.
✓ Content provides no value to users.
Third-party pages affected by this update may include sponsored, advertising, and partner pages, as well as fake reviews and paid backlinks. The update will remove these spammy pages from the search index.
March 2024 Core Update
This update refined Google’s core ranking system so it could better understand if pages are:
- unhelpful
- have poor user experience
- created for search engines instead of people
- designed to attract links rather than provide information
The update will de-index pages that fall under these criteria. It aims to refine the quality of content on Search and send more traffic to high-quality and helpful sites.
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This core update was launched on March 5, and as of April 19, Google has completed the rollout of these changes. Google remarked that there is now 45% less low-quality, unoriginal content in search results.
Updates to Spam Policies
In the same month as the release of the March 2024 core update, Google also launched new spam policies to minimize low-quality search results. It is a targeted action by Google to prevent manipulative behaviors from continuing on the platform.
Google released three new spam policies to target the following schemes:
- Scaled Content Abuse: producing content in large volume to boost their Google web ranking
- Expired Domain Abuse: purchase of expired domains and repurposing them to publicize low-quality and unoriginal content.
- Site reputation manipulation: capitalizing on a host site’s favorable reputation to promote low-quality and unhelpful content.
Impact of Google Algorithm Updates
Google algorithm updates significantly impact SEO because it alters the criteria used to rank websites in search engine results pages (SERPs). This necessitates ongoing adaptation and optimization efforts from website owners and SEO professionals.
- Emphasis on Quality Content
Google’s updates continue to prioritize high-quality, user-focused content. If you have consistently created satisfying content for people and followed the EEAT guidelines, you should not need to make major changes.
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If you suspect that a drop in rankings is due to a core update, Google suggests reviewing its guidelines and ensuring your content meets its standards for quality and relevance.
- De-indexing of Spammy Websites
Websites that rely on black-hat SEO techniques, such as keyword stuffing, cloaking, or link schemes, will likely be penalized or de-indexed from Google’s search results. Conversely, websites that focus on providing valuable, relevant content and follow Google’s guidelines should see their rankings improve over time.
SEO Strategies to Adapt to Google’s Algorithm Changes
It is crucial that SEO professionals and website owners stay updated on Google’s algorithm changes to ensure that their SEO strategies align with Google’s best practices. Keeping up with industry news and best practices can help mitigate any negative impacts from algorithm updates and keep websites competitive in search rankings.
Here are some tips on how to rank in Google search:
- Constant Monitoring: Due to the frequency of updates, SEO professionals must continuously monitor their website performance and stay informed about changes in the algorithm.
- Adaptive Strategies: Successful algorithmic SEO requires adaptability, with strategies that can quickly respond to both minor tweaks and major updates.
- Publish Helpful Content: Google’s consistent goal is to improve search quality, so focusing on creating high-quality, relevant, and user-centric content is the best long-term strategy for adapting to algorithm changes.
Professional SEO Support from Digital Marketing Philippines (DMP)
The 2024 updates underscore Google’s unwavering commitment to prioritizing quality content and thwarting manipulative practices. As you and your SEO service provider Philippines navigate these shifts, it’s imperative to remain vigilant and adaptable. By adhering to Google’s guidelines and consistently delivering valuable, user-centric content, you can safeguard your online presence and even thrive amidst algorithmic changes.
Find the expert guidance and support you need to navigate the complexities of SEO with Digital Marketing Philippines. With our proven track record and seasoned expertise, we can provide tailored strategies to help you stay ahead of the dynamic SEO landscape.
Take the next step towards gaining better brand recognition and driving sustainable growth by partnering with Digital Marketing Philippines. Contact us today to consult with SEO experts or to outsource SEO projects.
References:
https://firstpagesage.com/seo-blog/the-google-algorithm-ranking-factors/
https://developers.google.com/search/updates/core-updates
https://www.rebelmouse.com/google-updates-2024
https://searchengineland.com/google-march-2024-core-update-rollout-is-now-complete-438713
https://befoundonline.com/blog/january-2024-seo-shifts-latest-google-algorithm-updates
Jomer B. Gregorio is a well-rounded expert when it comes digital marketing. Jomer is also known as a semantic SEO evangelist and practitioner. Check out our Digital Marketing Services today and let us help you in achieving positive and profitable results for your business.