Google March 2024 Update: 6 Insights On Manual Actions
1. Impact of March 2024 Update
The March 2024 Core Algorithm Update by Google has generated significant attention within the search marketing community. Veteran marketers with years of experience have likened the impact of this update to that of previous major updates such as the Florida, Panda, and Penguin updates. It is considered a profound change in how websites are ranked.
2. Sites Affected by the Update
Anecdotal evidence and reports on social media indicate that Google is removing entire websites from search results and indexing. This includes both low quality sites that were present in previous Google updates, as well as established networks of sites. One case shared in the Affiliate SEO Mastermind group told the story of a publisher whose entire network collapsed. This individual decided to shift their focus to YouTube after seeing all their websites show zero traffic impressions.
Another observation is that sites in different niches were affected, suggesting that deep topical expertise is a factor Google considers in ranking sites.
3. Speed of Penalties and Communication
One notable aspect of this update is the speed at which manual actions are being implemented. Some site owners have reported their sites being completely deindexed and receiving manual penalties affecting all pages in a matter of hours. The swiftness of these actions indicates the urgency with which Google is tackling spam and low-quality sites.
Communication from Google about these manual actions has been inconsistent. Some businesses have received email notifications, while others have only discovered the manual action in their Google Search Console. The lack of uniformity in communication has caused confusion among site owners.
4. Detection and Action on AI Content Sites
There have been discussions on social media regarding Google’s ability to detect sites that rely on AI-generated content. One suggestion is that Google can identify such sites based on the high volume of content published in a short period of time.
However, responses to this viewpoint indicate that Google’s ability to detect AI-generated content goes beyond just publishing frequency. Some site owners have shared their experiences of receiving manual actions despite having only a small portfolio of AI-generated content sites.
It is important to note that statistical analysis plays a significant role in Google’s detection methods. Multiple data points are considered, and the accuracy of statistical analysis has improved over the years.
5. Impact on Older Established Sites
Contrary to the belief that this update is targeting newer sites, there have been instances where older sites that had not previously received manual actions were penalized. One site owner reported receiving a manual penalty for a website that was established in 2013 and had consistently ranked well. The penalties affected sites that were deemed high-quality, causing confusion among site owners.
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6. Takeaway and Industry Response
The impact of the March 2024 Update has prompted the search marketing community to reflect on their strategies and adapt to the changing ranking criteria. It is advised to study the sites that have received manual actions in order to identify patterns and common factors that contribute to penalties. However, it is crucial to remember that the most obvious problem visible might not be the primary cause of the penalty.
The industry is eagerly awaiting further developments and strategies for adaptation. Search marketers are reminded to take a step back, analyze the situation, and respond accordingly. The search marketing community is resilient and has proven its ability to recalibrate strategies in response to major algorithm updates.
In conclusion, the March 2024 Update by Google has had a significant impact on search results, with entire websites being removed and networks of sites disappearing. The speed at which manual actions are implemented and the inconsistent communication from Google have raised questions and concerns. Detecting and addressing AI-generated content has also become a priority, and older established sites have not been spared from penalties. The search marketing industry is closely monitoring the situation and devising strategies to navigate this new landscape.
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