Deindexed By Google? Google’s March 2024 Core Update Explained

It has now been a month since Google’s March 2024 Core update launched. And yes, it has yet to roll out. Even Google’s Danny Sullivan took their X account and said, “We’ll post it on our Google Search Status Dashboard when the update is finished.”

In the meantime, though, have you noticed that your website’s traffic has dropped completely? Don’t feel bad. 

The March 2024 Core Update from Google is an enormous shift for the SEO industry. This big change could make its way around the web like the Panda and Penguin changes did. 

Many website owners are scared after the recent Core Update, as some have already been deindexed or seen big changes in their rankings.

Core Updates In a Nutshell

Search engines like Google depend on complex algorithms to sift through the vast amount of information on the web. Also, deliver the most relevant results for your searches. These algorithms are constantly evolving, and Google periodically rolls out significant updates known as “Core Updates.” 

These updates aim to enhance the overall quality of search results by making adjustments to how websites are ranked.

Imagine Google’s search engine as a giant library with a complex filing system. Core Updates are like reorganising the library, ensuring the most valuable and informative books are easiest to find. This benefits everyone: users get better search results, and websites with high-quality content get the recognition they deserve.

March 2024 Core Update – Not Done Yet

Exactly one month from today, Google has started to roll out its first core update of the year and its first algorithm update of the year – the March 2024 core update.

Google’s Helpful content system is now also part of the core update.

In addition to this, Google also released the March 2024 Spam updates with new spam policies. Google stated that the Core Update will take about a month to roll out fully and the pam update will take two weeks to roll out as well. Google claims this is due to the update’s complexity and the extensive processing involved.

Or they just wanted to give us all extra time to panic and second-guess our SEO strategies.

Now, let’s talk about the spam update. This is where Google gets serious about cracking down on shady, spammy content that’s been clogging up the search results. We’re talking about misleading content, clickbait, and the misuse of expired domains – all the tricks that some SEO “professionals” use to game the system.

Basically, websites providing helpful, informative and especially unique and new content will rise in the search rankings, while those with low-quality or unoriginal material will see a decrease in visibility.

The update addresses several key areas critical for improving search result quality.

One crucial aspect is reducing unhelpful and poor user experience websites that feel like they were created solely for search engines. Google aims to display more useful and informative content to users, enhancing the overall search experience. This aligns with Google’s strong desire to ensure that users receive high-quality and reliable information when they use the search engine.

Ultimately, the better the search results, the more likely searchers will return to Google time and time again when they want to find something.

The focus is on promoting originality and relevance in online content. And, of course, sponsored (Google Ads, which are paid for) results.

By implementing these changes, Google endeavours to significantly reduce the prevalence of low-quality, unoriginal content in search results — by up to 40%. Ultimately, the March 2024 core update aims to uphold the quality and helpfulness of search results while providing users with valuable and credible information.

Impact of These New Core Updates and Spam Updates

What if your website gets hit?

How do you keep your rankings intact?

These are burning questions from marketers, entrepreneurs, and agencies that are using AI to scale their content.

Let’s dissect these new policies from Google and how they will impact your future strategies.

Improving the Quality of Search Results

The March 2024 Core Update focuses on weeding out low-quality and unoriginal content from search results. This effort is targeting a reduction of 40% in low-quality content cluttering up search results.

Elizabeth Tucker, Google’s Director of Product Management, wrote under “Product Updates” in her article, “We’re enhancing Search so you see more useful information and fewer results that feel made for search engines.”

By targeting spam and repetitive content, Google ensures that search results are not only suitable but fresh. But it’s more than just tidying up – it’s about highlighting exceptional websites and giving them the recognition they deserve.

New Strategies to Combat Spam and Manipulative Behaviours

The core update also introduces three new spam policies specifically targeting site reputation abuse, expired domain abuse, and scaled content abuse. Implementing these steps is key to preserving the authenticity of search outcomes.

Scaled Content Abuse

Google is strengthening its policy against using automation to generate low-quality or unoriginal content at scale to manipulate search rankings. 

Here’s what Elizabeth wrote:

The updated policy will focus on the abusive behaviour of producing content at scale to boost search ranking, regardless of whether automation, humans, or a combination of both are involved.

Site Reputation Abuse

Sites that publish third-party content solely for ranking manipulation now face stricter scrutiny. Google is addressing the issue of site reputation abuse, where trusted websites host low-quality, third-party content to capitalise on the hosting site’s strong reputation.

Here’s what Elizabeth wrote:

Expired Domain Abuse

Google’s updated spam policies will target expired domain abuse, where expired domains are purchased and repurposed to boost the search ranking of low-quality content.

Here’s what Elizabeth wrote:

Actions against such practices ensure only high-quality sites rank highly, benefiting users seeking reliable information online.

Shedding Light on March 2024 Core Updates’ Impact On Your Website

The March 2024 Core Update isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. However, some website types are more likely to feel the heat than others. Here’s a breakdown of the potential impact:

• Website Reliant on Thin Content

For Example, An ecommerce website with product descriptions automatically generated from basic specifications. These descriptions often lack detail, user experience considerations, and unique selling points.

Impact: Google might significantly devalue these pages, pushing them down in search results and leading to a drop in organic traffic.

• Websites With Low User-Engagement

For Example, a blog full of generic articles with minimal comments, shares, or time spent on page. This suggests the content might not be resonating with the target audience.

Impact: Google considers user engagement a strong indicator of content quality. Websites with low engagement might see a decline in ranking as Google prioritises content that keeps users interested.

• Websites Overusing AI-Generated Content:

For example, a news website relies heavily on AI to churn out generic news summaries without human editing or fact-checking. This content might lack accuracy, depth, and the unique voice a human writer can provide.

Impact: Google is wary of AI-generated content that misses the mark. Websites overusing such content risk being flagged as low-quality and experiencing ranking penalties.

Google March 2024 Core Update and Spam Updates Highlights

Here are the highlights of the Google March 2024 Core Updates:

March 2024 Core Update

• A more complex algorithm update, with multiple core systems getting updated and released, results in more fluctuations in rankings than a regular core update.
• Google said that unhelpful content in search results would be reduced by 40%.
• The update will take up to a month to roll out.
• Google’s helpful content system was incorporated into its overall core ranking system.

March 2024 Spam Updates

• Scaled content abuse (producing content at scale to boost search rankings – whether with automation, people or a combination) was classified as search spam.
• Expired domain abuse (buying expired domains and repurposing them with the “intention of boosting the search ranking of low-quality content”) was classified as spam.
• Google started taking action against these new types of spam through algorithmic spam systems and manual actions.
• Rollout completed March 20 (14 days)

UPCOMING GOOGLE UPDATES

SITE REPUTATION ABUSE

May 2024

• Google pre-announced this update as part of its rollout of the March 2024 core update and spam updates (March 5).
• Third-party content produced primarily for ranking purposes and without close oversight of a website owner will be considered spam. Google used the example of a third party publishing payday loan reviews on a trusted educational website.
• Some SEOs refer to this practice as “parasite SEO.”
• Google will take both automated and manual actions

5 Things You Need to Know: Core Update

Here are five things you need to know to avoid getting penalised and maintain your good standing in search results.

• Google is Completely Deindexing Websites

In its March 5 announcement, Google emphasised its goal of reducing unhelpful, irrelevant, unoriginal content from search results.

This cleanup drive promises to remove up to 40% of low-quality websites that provide useless information and poor user experience – pages created just to match specific search queries. Websites found violating Google’s guidelines or employing questionable SEO tactics will not only be penalised but completely removed both from the search results and the index.

• Penalties Are Swift

What’s notable about this update is that the penalties were hard and fast, with site owners scrambling for answers.

To check if the Google update impacted your site, look for your website in Google by typing “site:website.com” and see if you are showing up in the search results.

It’s important to note that sites affected by the March 2024 core update or spam update “would not get notified of a ranking decline through Google Search Console’s manual action viewer,” as pointed out by Barry Schwartz.

• Websites That Survived Previous Updates Are Not Immune

Older websites aren’t spared, either. Those untouched by previous algorithm updates now face repercussions, too.

Some folks are cheering, saying it’s about time those low-quality sites got the boot after years of gaming the system and staying in SERPs.

• Outdated, Error-Filled Sites Are Vulnerable.

Speaking of E-E-A-T, look at how Google has now added another factor when considering content to be untrustworthy and with the lowest E-E-A-T:

• Even Small AI Content Sites Were Affected

An interesting development is how small AI content sites have come under scrutiny. Google’s ability to detect AI-generated content has become more refined, resulting in penalties even for smaller players in this field.

This is a wake-up call for website owners who thought their legacy would keep them safe. It proves again that adaptation is key to survival in the digital world.

BONUS TIPS

• Focus on creating high-quality, original content that provides genuine value to users.
• Ensure a positive user experience with clear navigation, fast loading times, and mobile-friendliness.
• Avoid keyword stuffing and focus on natural language.
• Prioritise user engagement through comments, forums, and interactive elements.

Don’t Let The Update Leave You Behind!

The Google March 2024 Core Update presents both challenges and opportunities. While some might face ranking fluctuations, it’s a chance for high-quality content to rise to the top.

Here’s how you can take action:

Audit Your Content: Take a critical look at your website content. Identify any thin content, low-engagement pages, or areas where AI-generated content might be lacking.

Focus on User Value: Ensure your content provides genuine value to your target audience. Research what your users are looking for and create informative, engaging content that addresses their needs.

Prioritise User Experience: Optimise your website for a smooth user experience. This includes clear navigation, fast loading times, and mobile-friendliness.

Embrace Human Expertise: Leverage the power of human writers and editors to create high-quality and original content that stands out from the crowd.

So, Don’t let the update leave you behind! Take action today and ensure your website delivers the content your users crave and Google rewards.