Google Core Update | Mar 2024

Improved Quality Ranking

• Google has implemented algorithmic enhancements aimed at improving the overall quality of search results. The enhancements are designed to prioritize the most helpful and relevant content on the web while reducing the presence of unoriginal and low-quality content in search results. The initiative is part of Google’s ongoing effort since 2022 to refine its ranking systems, making them more effective at distinguishing between content created for genuine user benefit and content designed primarily to perform well in search engines. These updates are expected to decrease the prevalence of low-quality, unoriginal content by approximately 40%, making high-quality, informative content more visible to users​.

New Spam Policies:

• The update introduces new and revised spam policies targeting various abusive practices that compromise the quality of search results. Specifically, the update targets three main areas: scaled content abuse, site reputation abuse, and expired domain abuse.
  • Scaled content abuse refers to the practice of mass-producing content, often using automation, with the primary goal of manipulating search rankings rather than providing value to users. The updated policies aim to curb this practice by identifying and penalizing content that adds little or no value and is generated on a large scale.
  • Site reputation abuse involves leveraging the credibility of established sites to promote low-quality content. This practice, often seen in the form of guest posts or sponsored content on reputable sites, can mislead users and erode trust in search results.
  • Expired domain abuse deals with the practice of purchasing expired domains with established authority and repurposing them for spam or low-quality content to exploit their search ranking benefits. The new policies aim to identify and demote content that misuses expired domains in this way​.

Integration of Helpful Content Updates

• With the March 2024 update, Google has incorporated its helpful content system into the core update system. This means that the principles of the helpful content updates, which focus on rewarding content created primarily for human users rather than search engines, are now an integral part of Google’s core updates. This integration reflects Google’s commitment to continuously improving the relevance and value of search results for users. As a result, Google will no longer announce separate helpful content updates; these principles are now a standard part of the core update evaluations​.

Advice for Websites:

• Websites impacted by the update are encouraged to focus on creating high-quality, user-first content. Google has clarified that there aren’t specific actions to recover from a negative ranking impact post-update; however, the emphasis should be on evaluating and improving the quality of content. The main recommendation is to create content that satisfies users’ needs and answers their queries comprehensively and accurately. For sites experiencing a drop in rankings, significant improvements are more likely to be observed following subsequent core updates, provided the content has been improved in line with Google’s guidelines​.

Release and Implementation:

• The March 2024 Core Update has started rolling out and will continue to impact search results globally over the coming weeks. Websites have been given a two-month window to adjust and comply with the new site reputation policy, while the changes associated with other spam policies have taken effect immediately. This gradual rollout allows website owners and webmasters time to adapt their strategies and content in accordance with Google’s updated guidelines and policies​.

Follow this link for full details: https://developers.google.com/search/blog/2024/03/core-update-spam-policies