As a Chief Marketing Officer, you’re no stranger to juggling multiple responsibilities. However, there’s one critical task that demands your immediate attention: successfully navigating Google’s March 2024 Core Update. Failing to adapt to these changes could result in a significant decline in your search rankings, leaving your organization struggling to connect with its target audience.

This monumental update is a force to be reckoned with, combining potent spam-fighting measures, the integration of the Helpful Content system, refined algorithms, and updated spam policies. Google’s ambitious goal is to slash low-quality and unoriginal content by a staggering 45%. In other words, the search giant is on a mission to deliver the most relevant, valuable content to its users.

Whether your organization is a credit union striving to connect potential members with the right financial solutions, a healthcare provider aiming to help patients access top-quality services, or a destination marketing organization showcasing unique attractions to potential visitors, a robust SEO strategy is now more crucial than ever.

Rest assured, we’re here to provide a comprehensive breakdown of what you need to know to stay ahead of the curve. In this article, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the March 2024 Core Update and offer practical insights to help you prepare your organization for the current and upcoming changes. By understanding the implications of this update and taking proactive steps, you can ensure your SEO efforts continue to drive meaningful results for your business, whether in the financial sector, healthcare industry, or tourism market.

Understanding the March 2024 Core Update

Google’s March 2024 Core Update touched multiple core ranking systems, refining algorithms to better identify unhelpful, low-quality pages that provide a poor user experience or seem designed for search engines rather than humans. This includes sites created to match specific search queries without delivering truly valuable content. 

The update also marks the end of standalone Helpful Content updates, as this system is now incorporated into the core ranking algorithms. Sites negatively impacted by previous Helpful Content updates may see some recovery, but this will vary.

The Helpful Content Update Explained

Google’s Helpful Content Update, first introduced in 2022, was a significant algorithm change designed to prioritize content that provides a satisfying and valuable user experience. The main goal of this update was to better reward content that is original, well-researched and created primarily to help or inform readers, rather than to rank well in search engines.

Key points about the Helpful Content Update include:

1. Focus on people-first content: Google aimed to promote content that demonstrates expertise, experience, and authority on a given topic, while providing value to the reader.
2. Avoid creating content for search engines: Websites that focused excessively on search engine optimization tactics at the expense of user value were more likely to be negatively impacted by this update.
3. Holistic evaluation: The Helpful Content Update looked at a website’s content as a whole to determine if it provided an overall helpful and satisfying experience for users.

With the March 2024 Core Update, the Helpful Content system has now been fully integrated into Google’s core ranking algorithms. This means that the principles of the Helpful Content Update will continue to play a significant role in how Google evaluates and ranks websites, emphasizing the importance of creating high-quality, user-centric content for long-term SEO success.

Simultaneously, Google released the following multiple spam updates targeting specific abusive practices.

Scaled Content Abuse: A Deep Dive

Scaled Content Abuse is a newly updated spam policy from Google that targets the mass-production of low-quality, unoriginal content with the primary goal of manipulating search rankings. This policy expands upon Google’s pre-existing stance against automatically-generated spam to encompass any method of producing such content at scale, whether it involves automation, human generation, or a combination of the two.

What Qualifies as Scaled Content Abuse?

Under this policy, any content that exhibits the following characteristics may be considered Scaled Content Abuse:

Low-Quality

The content is thin, lacking in substance, or fails to provide significant value to users. It may be poorly written, factually inaccurate, or fail to address the topic at hand comprehensively. In short, focus on long-form expert content, not short topic briefs. Answer the user’s question.

Unoriginal

The content is not original to the site but rather scraped, spun, or rewritten from other sources without adding meaningful additional value. This includes slightly rephrased or reordered content while still conveying the same information.

Scaled Production

The content is produced at a large scale, often using automation tools, content generation platforms, low-cost article writing services, or a “content farm” approach. The focus is on quantity over quality. It’s better to have one long-form blog that approaches a topic definitively than to touch on several similar topics all at once briefly. Quality, not quantity.

Manipulative Intent

The primary purpose behind the content’s creation is to game search engine algorithms and artificially inflate search rankings rather than to inform, educate, or assist users genuinely. This is self-explanatory, but this type of content is keyword-stuffed, run-on content with no question, no answer and no point.

Some specific examples of Scaled Content Abuse might include:

• Automatically generated articles that are nonsensical or provide little coherent information
• Bulk-purchased or mass-produced blog posts, product descriptions, or city pages that are minimally rewritten from a template
• Stitched-together paragraphs or snippets from other sources without adding original analysis or reporting
• Pages that promise to answer a search query but provide only superficial, unhelpful information
• Doorway pages or auto-translated versions of content designed to funnel users to a central page or target multiple keyword variations

Note that not all content produced at scale is inherently abusive. The key factors are the lack of original value-add and the manipulative intent. Content produced at scale but is original, high-quality, and designed to benefit users is not likely to run afoul of this policy.

How Google Discovers Scaled Content Abuse

Google uses a combination of automated systems and human review to identify and flag Scaled Content Abuse. Some of the methods and signals that may be used include:

Natural Language Processing (NLP)

Google’s algorithms are adept at analyzing the linguistic patterns, readability, and coherence of text. Content that is automatically generated or stitched together from multiple sources often exhibits detectable quirks, such as awkward phrasing, nonsensical sentences, or a lack of natural flow.

Duplicate Content Detection

Google’s systems can identify content that substantially matches or overlaps with text found on other pages or sites. While not all duplicate content is spam, a large-scale pattern of non-original text is a red flag.

Behavioral Signals

Google may use user engagement metrics such as bounce rate, time on page, and return visits to infer the quality and usefulness of content. If users consistently leave a page quickly or do not interact further with the site, it suggests the content does not satisfy their needs.

Manual Review

In some cases, Google’s spam team may manually assess sites or pages to determine if the content violates the Scaled Content Abuse policy. This allows for a more nuanced evaluation of quality, originality, and intent.

Spam Reports

Google provides a form for users to report spam directly. If a site receives an influx of valid user spam reports related to low-quality or copied content, it may trigger a manual review.

Sites found to engage in Scaled Content Abuse may face ranking demotions or even manual actions that remove them from search results entirely until the issue is satisfactorily resolved.

Avoiding Scaled Content Abuse

For CMOs overseeing SEO strategies, the key to avoiding Scaled Content Abuse is to prioritize quality and originality in all content creation efforts. This means:

• Investing in expert, authoritative content from knowledgeable authors
• Conducting thorough fact-checking and editorial reviews for accuracy
• Providing substantial, detailed coverage of topics rather than thin overviews
• Using automation tools sparingly and always with human oversight and curation
• Focusing on creating genuine value for users rather than chasing search engine rankings 
• Diversifying content formats to include multimedia, interactive elements, and original research

By taking a user-centric approach to content and resisting the temptation to cut corners at scale, you can maintain a strong, spam-free SEO presence in light of Google’s evolving policies. If you’re unsure if your site’s content meets these standards, consider a professional SEO audit to identify and remedy any potential Scaled Content Abuse risks.

Site Reputation Abuse: An In-Depth Look

Site Reputation Abuse is another newly clarified spam policy included in Google’s March 2024 Core Update. This policy targets the practice of hosting low-quality, spammy content from third-party sources on otherwise reputable sites in order to manipulate search rankings.

Understanding Site Reputation Abuse

Site Reputation Abuse occurs when a website with strong domain authority and organic search presence is used to host low-quality, keyword-stuffed content provided by third parties. The goal is to exploit the host site’s good reputation to artificially boost the spammy content’s search rankings.

Some common examples of Site Reputation Abuse include:

Sponsored Posts

A site accepts payment to publish low-quality, keyword-heavy articles written by a third party for SEO purposes. These posts are often minimally relevant to the site’s main topic or audience.

Guest Post Spam

Similar to sponsored posts, but the content is provided for free in exchange for a backlink or mention of the third party’s website. The primary motivation is to piggyback off the host site’s link authority.

Disguised Advertising

Advertisers inject keyword-optimized content into display ads, user comments, forum posts, or other user-generated sections of reputable sites.

Hacked Content Injection

A malicious third party gains unauthorized access to a reputable site and covertly inserts spammy pages or links, often cloaked to be invisible to regular site visitors.

The key elements of Site Reputation Abuse are:

• The content is not created or closely vetted by the host site’s owners
• The content is of low quality, unoriginal, or stuffed with keywords
• The content is not genuinely relevant or valuable to the site’s core audience
• The primary purpose is to manipulate search rankings rather than provide legitimate value

It’s important to distinguish Site Reputation Abuse from legitimate guest posting, sponsored content, or on-site advertising. High-quality, relevant content from third parties can be a valid way to provide value to users and diversify a site’s perspectives. The line is crossed when the content is low-quality, irrelevant, and published solely for search engine manipulation.

Detecting and Penalizing Site Reputation Abuse

Google uses a variety of signals and techniques to identify instances of Site Reputation Abuse, including:

Content Pattern Analysis

Google’s crawlers can detect patterns of keyword stuffing, hidden text, cloaking, or other spam signals within on-site content. A high volume of pages exhibiting these characteristics, especially when confined to specific sections of the site, may indicate Site Reputation Abuse.

Link and Traffic Analysis

Google’s algorithms can assess the nature and quality of sites linking to the low-quality content, as well as analyze traffic patterns to those pages. If most of the traffic appears to come from search rather than direct navigation within the host site, it suggests the content is not a core part of the site’s intended user experience.

Manual Review

Google’s spam team may manually examine sites suspected of Site Reputation Abuse to determine the nature and extent of the low-quality content. This allows for a more contextual evaluation of factors like relevance, originality, and user value.

Sites found to be engaging in Site Reputation Abuse may face manual actions, ranking demotions, or even complete removal from search results. Penalties may apply to the specific abusive pages, sections of the site, or the entire domain, depending on the scope and severity of the violation.

Protecting Your Site’s Reputation

For CMOs and site owners, preventing Site Reputation Abuse helps maintain a strong, trustworthy online presence. Some best practices include:

Vet All Third-Party Content

Thoroughly review any content submitted by outside sources for quality, originality, and relevance before publishing. Don’t accept content solely for SEO or monetization purposes.

Nofollow Paid Links

If you do publish sponsored content or paid advertisements, use rel=”nofollow” or rel=”sponsored” attributes on any links to avoid passing link equity or appearing to endorse the third party for search rankings.

Monitor User-Generated Content

Regularly moderate comments, forums, and other user-submitted content to remove spam, low-quality posts, or irrelevant advertising.

Secure Your Site

Implement strong security measures to prevent unauthorized access and content injection. Promptly address any suspected hacks or breaches.

Prioritize Value Over Rankings

Focus on publishing content that genuinely serves and engages your audience. Avoid tactics designed solely to chase search engine rankings at the expense of user experience.

As with all aspects of SEO, the key is to prioritize quality, relevance, and user value over manipulative shortcuts. By maintaining high editorial standards and closely monitoring all third-party content, you can protect your site’s hard-earned reputation and avoid violating Google’s Site Reputation Abuse policy.

If you suspect your site may be at risk due to lax content standards or past SEO practices, consider conducting a comprehensive site audit to identify and rectify any potential instances of low-quality or abusive content. Partnering with a reputable SEO firm can provide expert guidance and support in ensuring your site stays above board in the eyes of search engines and users alike.

Expired Domain Abuse: A Comprehensive Overview

The March 2024 Core Update also includes a new policy targeting Expired Domain Abuse. This spam tactic involves purchasing expired domains with pre-existing backlinks or traffic in order to manipulate search rankings. Here’s what you need to know about Expired Domain Abuse and how to steer clear of it in your SEO strategy.

What is Expired Domain Abuse?

Expired Domain Abuse occurs when a domain that was previously registered expires and is then re-registered by a new owner who uses it to boost the search rankings of low-quality or unoriginal content. The new owner seeks to capitalize on the domain’s existing link equity, traffic, and brand recognition to quickly gain visibility in search results.

Some common forms of Expired Domain Abuse include:

301 Redirect Spam

The new owner points the expired domain to a different low-quality site using a 301 redirect, passing along the domain’s link equity and traffic.

Replica Site

The new owner recreates a version of the original site’s content, often with minimal changes, to make it appear as though the new content is a continuation of the old site.

Keyword Stuffing

The new owner populates the expired domain with keyword-heavy, low-quality content targeting popular search terms, regardless of the original site’s topic or purpose.

Link Injection

The new owner injects links to their own low-quality sites into the expired domain’s content or sitewide elements like the header or footer.

The goal of Expired Domain Abuse is to shortcut the process of earning organic search visibility by piggybacking off the pre-existing authority of the expired domain. This allows low-quality content to rank more quickly and prominently than it would on a new domain with no established link profile or traffic history.

Identifying Expired Domain Abuse

Google uses a combination of automated systems and human review to identify instances of Expired Domain Abuse. Some of the factors and techniques involved may include:

Whois History

Google can review the domain’s Whois registration history to identify ownership changes and assess the likelihood of abusive intent.

Content Analysis

Google’s algorithms can compare the content of the new site to cached versions of the original site to determine if there has been a significant shift in quality, topic, or purpose.

Link Profile Changes

Google can analyze the expired domain’s backlink profile to identify any suspicious changes, such as a rapid influx of low-quality links or links from known spam sites.

Traffic Patterns

Google can assess the expired domain’s traffic sources and user engagement metrics to determine if the new content is genuinely attracting and satisfying visitors.

Manual Review

Google’s spam team may manually examine expired domains that exhibit signs of potential abuse to make a more nuanced determination of the new owner’s intent and the quality of the content.

Sites found to be engaging in Expired Domain Abuse may face manual actions, ranking demotions, or complete removal from search results until the abusive content is removed and the domain is cleaned up.

Avoiding Expired Domain Abuse

For CMOs and site owners, you’ll want to avoid any appearance of Expired Domain Abuse in your SEO and content strategies. Some best practices include:

Focus on Original Content

Rather than trying to shortcut the content creation process, invest in developing original, high-quality content that provides genuine value to your target audience.

Earn Links Naturally

Build your backlink profile through legitimate, editorial-quality links earned by creating valuable content and engaging in authentic outreach and PR.

Prioritize User Experience

Design your site and content strategy around providing a smooth, satisfying user experience rather than just chasing search engine rankings.

Be Cautious with Expired Domains

If you do purchase an expired domain, be sure to carefully review its history and clean up any pre-existing spammy or low-quality content before using it for your own site.

301 Redirect with Care

If you acquire an expired domain with the intent of redirecting it to your main site, only do so if the original domain is highly relevant to your topic and audience. Use 301 redirects sparingly and strategically.

As with all SEO tactics, the key is to focus on creating legitimate, user-centric value rather than trying to game the system. By prioritizing quality and relevance over quick wins, you can build a strong, sustainable search presence that avoids going against Google’s Expired Domain Abuse policy.

If you’re considering purchasing an expired domain for your SEO strategy, it’s wise to consult with a knowledgeable SEO professional to assess the domain’s history and potential risks. At evok, our team can provide expert guidance on leveraging expired domains safely and effectively, as well as identifying any pre-existing abuse that may need to be addressed. These spam updates are being enforced through both automated systems and manual actions and some sites may see penalties or even complete removal from search results.

How to Prepare Your SEO Strategy

With the complex nature of this update, a proactive and adaptive SEO strategy is essential. The March 2024 Core Update is not a single, isolated change, but rather a multi-faceted set of updates that touch on various aspects of Google’s ranking systems and spam-fighting efforts. To successfully navigate this update and maintain or improve your search visibility, you’ll need a comprehensive, data-driven approach that prioritizes quality, relevance, and user experience. Here are the key steps to take:

Conduct a Thorough Content Audit

The first and most critical step in responding to the March 2024 Core Update is to conduct a thorough audit of your site’s existing content. This audit should be designed to identify any pages or sections that may be considered low-quality, unhelpful, or primarily designed for search engines rather than human users.

Some key factors to look for in your content audit include:

• Thin, superficial, or irrelevant content that doesn’t fully address the topic or user intent
• Duplicate, scraped, or minimally rewritten content that lacks original value
• Keyword-stuffed or over-optimized pages that prioritize rankings over readability
• Pages with high bounce rates, low engagement, or other negative user experience signals
• Outdated, inaccurate, or no longer relevant content that hasn’t been updated or pruned

Use a combination of quantitative data (e.g., traffic, bounce rates, conversion rates) and qualitative analysis (e.g., content quality, user intent match, readability) to identify your site’s strengths and weaknesses. Don’t just look at individual pages, but also assess your overall content strategy and site architecture to ensure you’re providing a cohesive, valuable experience for users.

Based on your audit findings, take action to improve or remove any content that falls short of Google’s quality guidelines. This may involve:

• Revising and expanding thin or superficial content to provide more comprehensive, in-depth coverage
• Consolidating or pruning duplicate or overlapping content to create a more streamlined, focused site structure
• Rewriting or removing keyword-stuffed content in favor of more natural, user-friendly language
• Updating outdated or inaccurate information to reflect the latest industry developments and best practices
• Adding multimedia, interactive, or other engaging elements to improve user experience and retention

Remember, the goal is not just to avoid penalties, but to create a site that truly deserves to rank well by providing exceptional value to users. By proactively addressing content quality issues, you’ll be better positioned to weather the impact of the March 2024 Core Update and any future algorithm changes.

Monitor Your Search Console Closely

Google Search Console is your direct line of communication with Google and an indispensable tool for monitoring your site’s performance and identifying any issues related to the March 2024 Core Update.

First and foremost, keep a close eye on your Search Console messages for any manual actions or spam notifications. If Google detects any pages or sections of your site that violate its spam policies, you’ll be notified via Search Console. Take immediate action to rectify the issue and submit a reconsideration request detailing the steps you’ve taken to comply with the guidelines.

Even if you don’t receive a manual action, regularly monitor your Search Console data for any significant changes in your search performance that may be related to the update. Some key metrics to watch include:

• Impressions and Clicks: Sudden drops in impressions or clicks for key queries could indicate a rankings demotion or loss of visibility.
• Average Position: Keep an eye on your average rankings for important keywords to identify any shifts in your competitive position.
• Click-through Rate (CTR): Declines in CTR could suggest that your snippets are less appealing or relevant to users compared to competitors.
• Coverage and Indexation: Monitor your coverage report for any unexpected spikes in excluded or error pages that could be related to quality or spam issues.

Use Search Console’s reporting and filtering options to drill down into specific pages, queries, or time periods and identify patterns or anomalies. Compare your data before and after the March 2024 Core Update to assess its impact and track your recovery over time.

In addition to monitoring your own site’s data, keep an eye on broader search trends and industry chatter related to the update. Follow SEO news sources, forums, and social media to stay informed about how the update is affecting other sites in your niche and any emerging best practices or insights from the community.

By closely monitoring your Search Console data and staying attuned to the broader SEO landscape, you can quickly identify and respond to any issues related to the March 2024 Core Update and make data-driven decisions to optimize your strategy.

Enhance Your E-A-T Signals

The March 2024 Core Update places a strong emphasis on content quality and trustworthiness, which makes it more important than ever to focus on enhancing your site’s E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness) signals.

E-A-T is a conceptual framework that Google uses to assess the credibility and value of content, particularly in YMYL (Your Money or Your Life) topics like health, finance, and legal advice. While E-A-T is not a direct ranking factor, it is a crucial consideration in how Google evaluates the overall quality and relevance of a site.

To improve your E-A-T signals in light of the March 2024 Core Update, consider the following strategies:

• Include detailed author bios, credentials, and links to your authors’ other authoritative work to highlight their expertise and credibility.
• To maintain transparency and trust with users, implement clear labeling and disclosure for any sponsored, affiliate, or advertising content.
• Provide clear sources and references for any factual claims or statistics, and link out to authoritative external resources where appropriate.
• Encourage legitimate, high-quality user reviews, testimonials, or expert endorsements to build trust and social proof.
• Maintain a consistent, professional brand voice and editorial standards across all content to convey authority and reliability.
• Update and maintain your content regularly to ensure accuracy, freshness, and relevance to current user needs and industry trends.
• Build a diverse, high-quality backlink profile from other authoritative sites in your niche to reinforce your site’s credibility and topical relevance.

Remember, E-A-T is not something you can directly optimize for like a keyword or technical factor. Instead, it’s a holistic reflection of your site’s overall quality, credibility, and reputation. By focusing on creating genuinely valuable, trustworthy content and building a strong brand presence, you can improve your E-A-T signals and better align with the priorities of the March 2024 Core Update.

Prioritize User Experience and Engagement

In addition to content quality and E-A-T, the March 2024 Core Update emphasizes user experience and engagement as key factors in search rankings.

Google has long used user experience signals like bounce rate, time on site, and pages per session as indirect indicators of content relevance and value. With the March 2024 Core Update, these factors may play an even larger role in distinguishing between high- and low-quality sites.

To optimize your site’s user experience and engagement in preparation for the update, consider the following best practices:

• Ensure fast page load speeds and responsive design across all devices to minimize bounces and frustration.
• Use clear, intuitive navigation and site structure to help users easily find the content they’re looking for.
• Implement engaging, interactive elements like videos, quizzes, or calculators to encourage deeper exploration and longer sessions.
• Optimize your content for featured snippets, People Also Ask, and other SERP features to provide quick answers and encourage clicks.
• Use internal linking and related post suggestions to guide users to additional relevant content and keep them engaged on your site.
• Regularly monitor and optimize your page titles, meta descriptions, and other click-through optimization factors to entice searchers to choose your site over competitors.
• Gather user feedback and conduct usability testing to identify and address any pain points or barriers to engagement.

By providing a seamless, satisfying user experience and encouraging deep engagement with your content, you can send positive signals to Google about your site’s value and relevance. This, in turn, can help you maintain or improve your search visibility in the wake of the March 2024 Core Update.

Stay Agile and Adaptable

Finally, it’s crucial to approach the March 2024 Core Update with an agile, adaptable mindset. Given the complexity and multi-faceted nature of this update, its full impact may not be immediately apparent and may evolve over time as Google refines its algorithms and rolls out additional changes.

Rather than making drastic, knee-jerk changes based on initial fluctuations, take a measured, data-driven approach to your SEO strategy. Monitor your search performance closely, but allow time for the dust to settle and for clearer patterns to emerge before making significant pivots.

Stay informed about ongoing developments and insights related to the update, but be cautious about blindly following unproven tactics or speculation. Stick to the core principles of creating high-quality, user-centric content and providing a superior experience, and trust that these fundamentals will serve you well in the long run.

At the same time, be prepared to adapt your approach as needed based on new data, insights, or best practices that emerge in the wake of the update. Regularly reassess your content and tactics in light of changing user needs, competitive landscapes, and algorithm priorities, and be willing to pivot or experiment as needed to stay ahead of the curve.

By staying agile, informed, and focused on the fundamentals, you can navigate the complexities of the March 2024 Core Update and emerge with a stronger, more resilient SEO strategy that delivers sustainable results.

The March 2024 Core Update represents a significant shift in Google’s search landscape, but by taking a proactive, comprehensive approach to your SEO strategy, you can minimize its negative impact and even turn it into an opportunity to outshine your competitors. By focusing on content quality, E-A-T, user experience, and adaptability, you can align your site with Google’s evolving priorities and build a strong foundation for long-term search success.

If you need expert guidance or support in navigating this complex update, consider partnering with a reputable SEO agency. Our team of experienced professionals can help you audit your site, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement a customized strategy to help you thrive in the post-update world. Contact us today to learn more and take the first step toward a future-proof SEO approach.

What to Do if You’re Impacted

If your rankings and traffic have taken a hit following the March 2024 Core Update, stay calm and avoid panic-driven decisions. While it can be tempting to make drastic changes in an attempt to quickly recover your losses, a measured, data-driven approach is often more effective in the long run. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you’re impacted by this update.

Don’t Rush to Judgment

The first and most significant thing to remember is that the full impact of the March 2024 Core Update may not be immediately apparent. Given the complexity and multi-faceted nature of this update, it may take weeks or even months for the dust to settle and for clear patterns to emerge.

In the initial aftermath of the update, rankings and traffic may fluctuate dramatically as Google’s algorithms adjust and re-calibrate. These early fluctuations may not be indicative of the long-term impact on your site, and making hasty changes based on incomplete or misleading data could do more harm than good.

Instead, take a deep breath and allow some time for the situation to stabilize before drawing conclusions or planning your response. Monitor your search performance closely, but resist the urge to make knee-jerk reactions based on short-term volatility.

Gather and Analyze Data

Once the initial fluctuations have settled, it’s time to gather and analyze data to assess the full impact of the update on your site. Use tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEO platforms to collect key metrics and insights, such as:

• Changes in organic traffic and rankings for key pages and keywords
• Shifts in click-through rates, bounce rates, and other engagement metrics
• Variations in indexation, crawl errors, or other technical factors
• Comparisons to industry benchmarks and competitor performance

Look for patterns and anomalies in the data that can help you identify the specific pages, sections, or types of content that were most impacted by the update. Pay particular attention to any pages or keywords that saw significant drops in rankings or traffic, as these may be indicative of quality, relevance, or user experience issues that need to be addressed.

Also, look for any positive outliers or success stories that may offer clues about what’s working well in the post-update landscape. Identify any pages or tactics that seem to be resonating with users and search engines, and consider how you can apply those lessons to other areas of your site.

Conduct a Comprehensive Site Audit

Armed with data and insights about the impact of the update, the next step is to conduct a comprehensive audit of your site to identify and diagnose any issues that may be holding you back. This audit should cover all aspects of your site, including:

• Content quality, relevance, and originality
• On-page optimization and keyword targeting
• Technical SEO factors like site speed, mobile-friendliness, and crawlability
• User experience and engagement metrics
• E-A-T signals and credibility factors
• Backlink profile and referral traffic

Use a combination of manual analysis and automated tools to thoroughly assess your site’s strengths and weaknesses in each of these areas. Look for any red flags or quality issues that may have been exacerbated by the March 2024 Core Update, such as thin or duplicate content, keyword stuffing, or spammy backlinks.

Simultaneously, identify any gaps or opportunities for improvement that could help you better align with Google’s post-update priorities. For example, you may find that your content is lacking in depth or expertise compared to competitors, or that your site’s user experience is hindering engagement and retention.

Based on your audit findings, create a prioritized list of actions and improvements to implement in order to address any issues and optimize your site for the new search landscape. Focus on the most impactful and urgent items first, but also create a longer-term roadmap for ongoing optimization and growth.

Implement Targeted Improvements

With your audit complete and action plan in hand, it’s time to start implementing targeted improvements to your site. Depending on the specific issues and opportunities identified in your audit, this may include:

• Revising or removing low-quality or irrelevant content
• Adding depth, expertise, and credibility to thin or superficial pages
• Optimizing titles, meta descriptions, and other on-page elements for relevance and click-through rates
• Improving site speed, mobile-friendliness, and other technical factors
• Enhancing user experience and engagement with design, navigation, and interactive elements
• Building high-quality, relevant backlinks and partnerships to boost authority and credibility
• Implementing schema markup and other structured data to improve SERP visibility and click-through rates

As you implement these improvements, be sure to track and measure their impact on your search performance and user engagement. Use A/B testing, user feedback, and other data sources to refine and optimize your approach over time, and be prepared to pivot or adjust as needed based on new insights or changes in the search landscape.

Remember, recovery from a core update is often a gradual process, and it may take time for your improvements to be fully recognized and rewarded by Google’s algorithms. Stay patient, persistent, and focused on delivering genuine value to your users, and trust that your efforts will pay off in the long run.

Monitor and Adapt for Long-Term Success

Recovering from the impact of the March 2024 Core Update is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of monitoring, adapting, and optimizing for long-term success. Even after you’ve implemented your initial improvements and seen some recovery in your search performance, stay vigilant and proactive to maintain and build upon your progress.

Monitor your search analytics and user engagement metrics regularly to identify any new issues, opportunities, or changes in the competitive landscape. Stay informed about ongoing developments and best practices in the SEO industry, and be prepared to adjust your approach as needed to stay ahead of the curve.

Additionally, continue to invest in creating high-quality, user-centric content that aligns with your audience’s needs and preferences. Build genuine expertise, authority, and credibility in your niche, and focus on providing a superior user experience that keeps visitors engaged and coming back for more.

By staying agile, data-driven, and focused on the fundamentals of quality and user value, you can not only recover from the impact of the March 2024 Core Update but also build a stronger, more resilient SEO strategy that delivers sustainable results over the long term.

Navigating the aftermath of a major algorithm update like the March 2024 Core Update can be a daunting and complex challenge, especially for businesses and organizations with limited time, resources, or expertise. If you find yourself struggling to diagnose issues, implement improvements, or regain your search visibility and traffic, don’t hesitate to seek the help of a qualified SEO professional or agency.

At evok, our team of experienced SEO experts has helped countless businesses and organizations recover from the impact of algorithm updates and achieve sustainable growth in organic search. We can work with you to conduct a comprehensive site audit, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement a customized strategy to help you bounce back stronger than ever.

Contact us today to learn more about our SEO services and how we can help you navigate the complexities of the March 2024 Core Update and beyond. With the right partner and approach, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity to outshine your competition and build a future-proof SEO strategy for long-term success.