Google’s Core & Spam Algo Update (March 2024)

Show Notes

• 01:47
  Googles recent core and spam update

  Historically, Google bundled various updates under the umbrella of a single "core update". Separating the spam update from the core update clarifies Google's stance on what constitutes spam and the behaviors websites should avoid for organic traffic.
• 02:48
  AI

  The spam update is a direct response to the proliferation of low-value content in search results due to AI. Core updates continue to focus on minimizing low-quality aspects and improving user experiences across search results.
• 03:50
  The impact of Google's algorithm updates on different industries and websites

  UGC platforms like Reddit and news media aggregators have seen volatility and disruptions in rankings. Ultimately, Google is elevating prominent sources like Twitter and YouTube, reshaping SERPs to favor authoritative content over spam.
• 05:42
  Googles core algorithm update

  Google's core algorithm update targets poor user experiences, such as ad-heavy or low-quality content pages. Additionally, Google may leverage its core experiences, such as carousels and featured elements, to offset the ranking of low-quality pages.
• 07:22
  Googles core algorithm update vs. the spam update

  The combination of the core and spam updates is aimed at reducing low-quality content in search results by 40%. While the core update will promote higher-quality content through features like carousels, the spam update will remove websites that violate Google's guidelines.
• 09:54
  The implications of Googles recent updates for webmasters

  Google will take manual action against websites with low-quality content, starting in March. Websites will be notified via Search Console, and webmasters have until May to rectify policy abuses and remove low-value content.
• 11:29
  Listicles and Googles fight against manipulative players

  Distinguishing between listicles that provide genuine value and those that engage in pay-to-play schemes presents a challenge for Google. It remains to be seen how Google will effectively address this issue.
• 13:08
  How to address the impacts of Googles algorithm updates

  SEOs and webmasters must focus on understanding their core experience and delivering the best possible value to users to combat the core update. Sites affected by the spam update should dissect the issue, identify spam elements, and make actionable changes to be reconsidered by Google.