Google Concludes Rollout Of September 2023 Helpful Content Update
Google has completed the September 2023 Helpful Content Update rollout, which began on September 14th and ended on September 28th. This update includes an improved classifier and brings several significant changes to the Helpful Content System, designed by Google to promote people-first content and demote content written for search engines.
Rollout Completion and Impact
The completion of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update marks another step in Google’s ongoing efforts to ensure the quality and relevance of search results. This update is part of Google’s larger strategy to prioritize helpful and informative content over content that is primarily created to rank well in search engines.
The impact of the update on search results and website rankings has been significant. Website owners and SEO experts have observed changes in their website’s visibility and traffic following the update. These changes have prompted many to analyze the impact of the update on their websites and explore strategies to recover from any negative effects.
Prominent Changes Brought by the Update to the Helpful Content System
Through the September 2023 update, Google has made alterations to the guidelines and documentation of the Helpful Content System. These changes provide new advice for website owners who may have experienced traffic loss due to the update.
The key changes introduced in the September 2023 update include:
- Adjustments to the guidance on machine-generated content: Google’s previous preference for human-created content has been softened, indicating a shift in Google’s attitude towards AI-generated content.
- Revised rules for hosting third-party content: The update has addressed the common practice of hosting third-party content on a website’s primary domain or subdomain. Google advises blocking third-party content from being indexed if it is unrelated to the main site’s purpose or lacks direct oversight.
- Updated self-assessment guidance: Google’s Helpful Content Self-Assessment guidance has been updated with new advice. The changes emphasize the importance of the review process, caution against false page updates, and discourage adding or removing content solely for the purpose of appearing “fresh” in search rankings.
No Site Impacted By The September Helpful Content Update Recovered Yet
Despite the completion of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update, no site that was impacted by the update has recovered yet. The update was particularly brutal for many small site owners, bloggers, SEOs, and others in the industry. These individuals were hopeful that subsequent updates, such as the March 2024 core update, might result in recoveries, but that has not been the case so far.
Experts and industry observers have been closely monitoring the recovery rates of sites affected by the September update. Data from various sources indicate that no site has recovered from the ranking declines they experienced in September 2023. The lack of recoveries has been confirmed by industry experts such as Glenn Gabe, who has tracked over 200 sites impacted by the helpful content update and found that none have recovered yet.
Website owners and SEOs who were impacted by the update have been sharing their experiences and frustrations in various forums and social media platforms. Many have reported seeing even less visibility from Google Search since the March core update, further exacerbating the challenges they face.
Impact of the Google September 2023 Helpful Content Update
The impact of the Google September 2023 Helpful Content Update was significant for the SEO industry. While previous helpful content updates may have had a milder impact, this one was felt more profoundly within the SEO industry niche. It appeared to have a greater effect on sites designed to rank well in search engines, compared to sites that prioritize factors other than search engine rankings.
Data from various SEO tracking tools and providers shed light on the impact of the update. Semrush, for example, reported that this update was more impactful than the previous helpful content update in December 2022 but less severe than the recent core update. Other tools such as seoClarity and RankRanger also noted the impact of the update, with fluctuations in rankings observed across various niches and industries.
The update targeted content that seemed to have been primarily created for ranking well in search engines rather than providing genuine value to users. Google’s aim with the helpful content algorithm is to reduce low-quality content and make it easier for users to find authentic and useful information in search results.
Insights from Google’s Gary Illyes on the Update
Gary Illyes from Google provided insights into the September 2023 Helpful Content Update. He highlighted the issue of micro-sites, which are third-party sites hosted on subdomains or subdirectories without proper oversight. These sites often aim to manipulate search results rather than provide valuable content. Illyes clarified that different signals operate at various levels, including URL, pattern, host, and domain.
Google’s official statements on the update underscore the company’s commitment to promoting high-quality content and improving visibility for expert sites and small sites that deserve better visibility. While no specific recoveries have been witnessed following the September update, Google acknowledges that improvements are needed and hopes to see positive changes in the future.
Read Also: Insights on Manual Actions Related to Google March 2024 Update
Conclusion
The completion of the September 2023 Helpful Content Update underscores Google’s ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and relevance of search results. Website owners and SEO experts find themselves navigating the impact of the update on their rankings and visibility. While no recoveries have been observed yet, it is essential to analyze content, make necessary improvements, and monitor subsequent updates to adapt to the evolving search landscape.
For more information on Google’s Helpful Content System and guidelines, website owners can refer to Google’s documentation on how search works. It is crucial to stay updated on industry trends and best practices to effectively optimize search rankings in an ever-changing landscape.
