Google’s March 2024 Core Update: 5 Things You Need to Know

Google’s algorithm updates are known for driving transformations across the virtual space. But March 2024 is different from the rest. With everything it is about to do, it is prepared to shake the digital world in a way like never before!

As SEO experts in Pune, if you ask us, we’d say this update is a big deal. You wouldn’t know when the update will hit your website and impact it big time. So, here are five things you should know about Google’s March 2024 core update to avoid being penalized and maintain your rankings across search engine results.

1. Complete Deindexing of Websites

What if you suddenly discover your website has disappeared from Google search results? Unimaginable it is, isn’t it? But many have been through it! 

On March 5, Google announced it would reduce unhelpful, unoriginal, and irrelevant content from search results. It is a large-scale cleanup undertaken by Google that promises to remove up to 40 percent of low-quality websites, providing useless insights and a bad user experience. Such websites have pages only to match specific search queries. Furthermore, with this update, websites not adhering to Google’s guidelines or using unethical SEO tactics will be penalized and removed from the search results and index.

Note: Complete deindexing of websites is usually related to a Google manual action and mostly isn’t the case with a Google core update.

2. Harsh Penalties

The update also levies unforgettable penalties on low-quality websites. To check if your website also is one of those affected by the update, search your website in Google by typing site:website.com and check if it shows up in the search results. According to experts, sites impacted by the March 2024 update would not receive a notification about ranking decline via Google Search Console’s manual action viewer. It is because algorithmic updates are automated and Google doesn’t notify the website in case of an impact. 

3. No Website is Immune!

If you are an old website that survived previous updates and you think you will remain immune, then you are wrong! Such websites should also prepare to face the consequences. If you are someone who always wished a thrashing for low-quality websites, this update may call for a celebration!

There have been instances wherein entire networks have collapsed. One of the publishers had eight sites established in the last two years, covering various niche topics. All of them were affected. Now, none of them have any traffic impressions. E-E-A-T might have played a role here. The topics these sites covered denoted a lack of deep topical knowledge, experience, and expertise. These are factors Google emphasizes while ranking websites! 

4. Redundant and Flawed Sites are Prone

In addition to the above, Google also is checking websites for redundancies and errors. Websites with AI-generated articles, errors, and outdated content will be marked untrustworthy and with the lowest E-E-A-T. 

5. A More Refined AI Content Detection

Another update concerns how small AI content sites have come under Google’s radar. The leading search engine has updated its abilities to detect AI-generated content, leading to penalties even for smaller websites.

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Conclusion

With this update, many people may think Google is behind AI content. But that’s not the case. Whether AI-generated, human-written, or both, Google wants to clean up repetitive, useless, and unoriginal content. The update aims to penalize and remove bad websites and promote those delivering value to the user. 

So, if you think you have such content on your website, begin working on it immediately to avoid getting removed from search engine results.

Remember, these three things.

• Premium user experience
• High content, relevant, readable, authentic and authoritative content
• Regular audits to make periodic improvements to the website

If you need help, we are here.