March 2024 Core Update: This update focuses heavily on content quality, user experience, and reducing low-quality, unoriginal content from search results. Google has integrated its Helpful Content system into the core update, which aims to demote content designed primarily to attract clicks rather than provide value to users.
Spam Policies Update: Alongside the core update, Google has also tightened its spam policies. Websites that engage in link manipulation or produce low-value content for the sake of links have been significantly impacted. The update seeks to de-emphasize links as a major ranking signal, focusing more on content quality and user experience.
Mobile-First Indexing: The transition to a fully mobile-first index was completed in late 2023. This means that the mobile version of a website is now the primary basis for how Google indexes and ranks sites. Ensuring a good mobile experience is crucial for maintaining and improving rankings.
E-E-A-T (Experience, Expertise, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness): Google’s updates continue to prioritize websites that demonstrate high E-E-A-T. Websites with outdated, error-filled content or those lacking in-depth knowledge in their topics have been particularly vulnerable. Maintaining high standards of content quality and author expertise is essential.
Content and User Engagement: The most critical factor remains the consistent publication of engaging content that meets user search intent. Google rewards websites that frequently publish high-quality, informative content, which also helps attract organic backlinks.