Google's March 2024 Core Update: An SEO's Perspective on Ranking Impacts & How to Prepare

Google has announced its first core algorithm update of 2024, slated to roll out in March, and it's shaping up to be a big one. According to Google, this update will involve enhancements to multiple components of the overall core ranking system. The goal is to reduce unhelpful, low-quality content in search results by a whopping 40%.

As an SEO consultant who has weathered many major Google updates over the years, here are my thoughts on what to potentially expect based on past experiences:

Expect Significant Ranking Fluctuations

With multiple core systems being updated simultaneously, Google has stated there will likely be more ranking fluctuations than a typical core update as the various components get updated and reinforce each other.

In the past, I've seen sites gain or lose significant traffic and rankings, especially in the first couple weeks of a rollout. Don't panic if you see volatility - the dust usually settles within a month.

Low-Quality Content Will Get Hit Hard

A key objective of this update is to better identify and suppress unhelpful, unoriginal content that provides a poor user experience or seems to have been created primarily for search engines rather than humans.

If a large portion of your site contains thin, auto-generated, or scraped content, your traffic could take a nosedive. Focus on publishing original, in-depth, high-quality content that provides value to users.

Manipulative Link Tactics Are Increasingly Risky

Google is deploying new link spam detection capabilities, including algorithms to identify expired domains repurposed for manipulative linking and sites creating low-value content solely for link acquisition.

While Google has always frowned upon link schemes, they are getting more sophisticated at sniffing them out algorithmically. Avoid Private Blog Networks, paid links, and other manipulative tactics or you may find your site suppressed.

Expertise and Authority Matter More Than Ever

With Google's helpful content system now baked into the core ranking algorithms, there will be an even greater emphasis on content demonstrating expertise, experience, authoritativeness and trustworthiness (E-E-A-T).

Google wants to promote content written from a knowledgeable, first-hand perspective. Building up your brand's expertise and authority in your niche is crucial for long-term success.

Recovery Can Take Time

If your site is negatively impacted by a core update, Google's guidance remains the same - focus on improving content quality rather than technical quick-fixes. Work on addressing issues called out in their core update advice.

However, in my experience, major recovery usually doesn't happen until another core update rolls out. Manage expectations that it may take a few months to recoup traffic and rankings.

The key to surviving this and any major Google update is to stay focused on creating people-first content.

Understand your audience's needs, publish original, high-quality content that meets those needs, and cultivate your brand's expertise and trust. While no one can fully predict the impact, sites that prioritize quality over gimmicks will be best positioned to succeed long-term.

Read -> The Future of SEO