Current status of the ranking update
Status:
Completed
Announced by Google:
March 5, 2024
Update started:
March 5, 2024
Update completed:
April 26, 2024
Types of websites affected:
The March 2024 core update and associated spam policies primarily impacted websites that:
- Engage in creating low-quality, unoriginal content designed to manipulate search rankings.
- Use expired domains or participate in scaled content abuse.
- Publish third-party content without proper oversight, aiming to exploit the hosting site's reputation.
What to Expect:
Websites affected by the March 2024 core update may experience:
- Significant fluctuations in search engine rankings due to the update's complexity and the incorporation of the helpful content system into the core ranking systems.
- A notable decrease in the importance of link-building strategies, with increased emphasis on content quality and user experience.
- Potential ranking losses for sites engaged in manipulative link practices or low-quality content production.
What to Address / How to Approach:
To adapt to the March 2024 core update, website owners should:
- Focus on creating high-quality, user-first content that genuinely serves their audience rather than manipulating search engines.
- Review and update any link-building strategies to ensure they align with Google's new guidelines, emphasizing natural and valuable links.
- Audit third-party content and expired domains to ensure they meet Google's standards and do not negatively impact the site's reputation.
Interesting Fact 💡:Â
The March 2024 core update led to a 45% reduction in low-quality, unoriginal content, surpassing Google's initial expectation of 40%, and marked a shift towards prioritizing content quality over traditional link-building strategies.