Google’s algorithm: what do we need to say except those updates are giving us SEO experts a headache? They seem to change everything we’ve been doing to get that #1 spot in search results and each time we get close to understanding what has changed, they change again.
In all seriousness, though, Google’s algorithm updates are designed to make search results more relevant and trustworthy – so we’re not completely bashing them – but they can also lead to some big changes in website rankings. That’s why it’s important to understand how these updates work because they can affect your visibility online.
But, how can you make sure your rankings don’t suffer after Google updates their algorithm? Here’s a closer look at what you can do to stay ahead of the curve.
First Things First; What Are Google Algorithm Updates?
Google makes hundreds of adjustments to its search algorithms every year and, some are minor, but others are major and can make a big difference. For example, in the March 2024 Core Update, Google targeted low-quality, AI-generated content. The result? The de-indexing of 1.7% of websites and in some cases entirely removed from Google’s search index, which obviously caused some businesses to lose a ton of traffic to their sites. (Search Engine Journal)
This clearly shows how these updates can have a huge impact, especially for websites that rely on organic search traffic.
But they’re not a bad thing either. Google’s algorithm updates are meant to improve search results by rewarding high-quality content, understanding what users really want, and reducing spam, which is what we should all aim for.
Why E-A-T (Expertise, Authoritativeness, Trustworthiness) Matters
No, we’re not talking about food here. E-A-T – Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness – is one of the biggest factors in determining how well your website ranks. That’s why making sure your content is at the top of its game is so important, it’s literally the main focus on Google’s search rankings.Recent updates, like the August 2024 Core Update, have made this even more important, because it made it clear that only credible and valuable content gets rewarded. Meaning that websites with thin, low-quality content, or worse, spammy content, are often the hardest hit during updates. On the other side however, businesses that focus on creating well-researched, helpful content tend to see better rankings. So, if your content shows real expertise and authority, Google is more likely to rank your site higher.
How Rankings and Traffic Are Affected
As you can imagine by now, the main consequence of a Google algorithm update is a change in rankings – and when rankings drop, so does traffic. This means that if your business relies heavily on search traffic for leads or sales, even a small drop in rankings can hurt. So, to minimize the damage, you need to act quickly and adjust your SEO strategy to stay completely aligned with Google’s latest guidelines.
How to Actually Stay Ahead of Google’s Algorithm Updates
Before you go into panic mode, there are a ton of things you can do to make sure your website isn’t too affected by Google’s algorithm updates. So, to protect your website from being negatively impacted by future updates, you can follow these tips from us SEO experts:
- Create High-Quality Content: Although this may seem obvious, Google rewards content that is informative, helpful, and valuable to users. What you can do is focus on producing content that meets these criteria.
- Optimize for Mobile and Speed: 40% of people will leave a site that takes more than 3 seconds to load, so making sure your website is lightning-fast is a priority. (Neil Patel) But it’s not just about having a fast website, mobile-friendliness is essential for ranking well, too. Why? With over 50% of Google searches happening on mobile devices, making sure your website displays correctly across all screens is crucial for SEO. (Google)
- Stay Updated: Google’s algorithms are constantly changing, so it’s really important to stay informed to avoid seeing drops in your traffic. You can do this by regularly auditing your website to make sure it follows the latest best practices.
The Risks of Relying on AI-Generated Content
AI-generated content is becoming more common, but Google’s updates have shown that not all AI content is created equal. And, if your website relies too heavily on automated content that doesn’t provide real value, you’re at risk of being penalized. Think about it this way: Google has only 1 goal: to give its users exactly what they’re searching for and to make sure it’s the best quality possible. So, if Google sees that your content is 100% AI-generated with not one ounce of human touch and relatability there, it’s not going to be near that #1 spot any time soon.
Don’t believe us? This is what Elizabeth Tucker, a director of product management at Google, had to say about the situation after Google’s April 2024 update: “As of April 19, we’ve completed the rollout of these changes. You’ll now see 45 percent less low-quality, unoriginal content in search results versus the 40 percent improvement we expected across this work,”
In simpler terms, Google cracked down on websites using AI to mass-produce low-quality content, resulting in 45% of spammy AI content being removed from search results. So, while AI tools can be useful for content creation, they shouldn’t replace thoughtful, valuable human insight.
Final Thoughts: Adapt or Fall Behind
Google’s algorithm updates are here to stay, but that doesn’t mean they have to derail your business. By staying focused on high-quality content, user experience, and keeping up with the latest SEO trends, you can surf through these updates smoothly and maintain your search rankings.
But, if you’re not sure how to keep up with these changes, EpicDevs is here to help. We provide tailored SEO strategies to help you stay competitive and protect your website from future algorithm shifts. Contact us today to learn more!