Google Ranking Algorithms Update in 2024: What has changed and how to adapt?

The Google system is constantly evolving. Developers are rolling out updates that affect the life of sites and ranking in search results. In order for advertising campaigns to remain effective and sites not to receive bans, webmasters must be aware of the latest changes.

In this article, we'll talk about Google's March 2024 updates and how to quickly adapt to it.

Google Algorithms Update: Core Update and Spam Updates​

On March 5, 2024, the developers released two search engine updates at once: https://blog.google/products/search/google-search-update-march-2024/. So Google has established new rules that should rid the search results of spam and show users sites with useful and high-quality content.

After the launch of the new policy, 1,500 sites were thrown out of the search results. Let's figure out what criteria are in the "red zone" for Google to avoid bans and prolong the life of sites:

• Old domains

• The same type of useless content

Now Google is carefully monitoring sites that want to rise in the search results and publish a lot of useless and unoriginal content for this purpose. Even if it is generated by a human, not an AI. For example, Google now believes that the quality of content determines 4 criteria: experience, expertise, authoritativeness and trustworthiness.

In terms of using AI, Google does not have strict rules. "The quality of the content is much more important than the way it is created," Google says. And with each update, there are more and more requirements for quality.

Let's clarify for ourselves that the uniqueness of the text is also important. Therefore, if you are working with AI, double-check the material and add a little "humanity" to it.

• Abuse of the site's reputation

First results after Google Core Update​

• The complete removal of sites from the Google search index

If the site meets the criteria we mentioned above, consider that it no longer exists. This is how Google fights against junk content in search results. According to the forecasts of the search engine, this will affect up to 40% of low-quality sites.

• Even those who have survived previous updates are not immune from the new rules

Even if the site is at the top of the search results, filled with high—quality content and receives good traffic, this is not a guarantee of security.

• Outdated sites and sites with errors are at risk

• Reducing the position of sites with AI-generated content

Google has become more accurate in identifying content that is created by AI. We are talking about junk, unoriginal and repetitive content that is useless to users. Even on small resources that generate content using AI, ranking positions have decreased.

How to adapt to Google updates​

• Check the content of the content on the site

• Add only useful and high-quality content to the site

• Exclude "gray" promotion methods

• Try to abandon IT for creating texts

• Completely changing the site and trying to fix everything at once is a bad idea

Results​

nakamura said:

Great post, thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, E-E-A-T just shows us one thing: If you are a random guy making a new site, you won't rank. If you are a professor, writing an article on any high authority website, you will get ranked. So, it doesn't matter anymore how good or relevant your content is, it only matters who you are and where you post the content. But Google decides what a reputable website is and if you are an experienced/skilled person with expertise.

Click to expand...

nakamura said:

Great post, thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, E-E-A-T just shows us one thing: If you are a random guy making a new site, you won't rank. If you are a professor, writing an article on any high authority website, you will get ranked. So, it doesn't matter anymore how good or relevant your content is, it only matters who you are and where you post the content. But Google decides what a reputable website is and if you are an experienced/skilled person with expertise.

Click to expand...

Thelastlellek said:

EEAT at the current state is a myth. Except if Google thinks randomjoe that posted on reddit 8 years ago has the ultimate expertise.

Also Google thinks it’s own SGE is also an expert in every field. While actual experts get hit by Updates and lose almost all traffic.

I would not believe everything that Google puts out there.

Click to expand...

1. Balancing Algorithms: Google tries to balance delivering quality information with maintaining fairness, but its automated processes don't always get it right. That's why updates sometimes affect legitimate sites negatively, while other, less reliable sources still slip through.
2. SGE Limitations: Google's new search generative experience (SGE) is promising but still in development. While it aims to provide accurate information, it's not flawless and will improve with time. That's why combining it with human expertise is crucial.
3. Diversified Traffic: While Google remains a key traffic source, it’s wise not to put all your eggs in one basket. Building a community on different platforms like social media or email lists can help protect against sudden changes in search algorithms.