How to Understand Changes: A Deep Dive
How are you?
I’ve been eagerly following Google’s algorithm changes for years, just like many of you.
No, I am joking who waits for Google updates. We know we are not bigger website owners.
This year, 2023, Google has been very busy making changes to its search scoring system that will change the game. I wanted to tell you what I thought about these changes to help you find your way in the constantly changing world of SEO.
1. Core Update for March 2023 (March 15–31)
I was stressed when I first heard about the March 2023 Core Update. This update was announced on March 15 and finished on March 31. It covered a lot of ground. It wasn’t enough to change just one or two parts of the system. Instead, it had an effect on a wide range of things, such as the quality, relevance, authority, and user experience of the material.
From this, it was clear to me that Google wants us to focus on making content that is both original and helpful to our audience. It’s a gentle push (or maybe a hard push) away from content that’s the same as everyone else’s and toward unique pieces that add value.
2. Core Update for August 2023 (22 August to 7 September)
I thought I had figured out the March update by August, when Google announced another core update. This one, which took place from August 22 to September 7, was similar to the March update in that it focused on how important different rating factors were.
What stood out to me, though, was Google’s specific advice to follow the best practices described in its Search Quality Rater Guidelines. If you don’t know what these rules are, I really think you should read them. They give a full picture of what Google thinks is “quality” material on the web.
3. New Helpful Content for September 2023 (Sept. 14–Sept. 28)
The report for September was very interesting! This update was announced on September 14 and was done by September 28. It focused on machine-generated material and content from third parties on domains.
This news was important to me for two reasons:
1. Google admitted that some types of material made by AI can be helpful to users by removing content written by people from documentation. As someone who likes technology, I think it’s great that people are starting to accept AI’s role in making material.
2. There was a strong warning about material from third parties, especially if it didn’t fit with the main site’s goal. This made me rethink some of the ways I work with other people and join groups.
4. Spam Update for October 2023
In October, there was another change that was meant to cut down on spam. This update, which was announced on October 4, was made to fight different kinds of spam in multiple languages. I was very happy because I hate spammy material. The main goal was clear: to make sneaky tricks like cloaking, auto-generated content, and scraped junk less obvious.
5. Core Update for October 2023
Yes, they started another Google Core update in October, just after the spam update. They are running two updates simultaneously.
As a final note:
Google’s algorithm changes have made this past year a wild ride, but I’ve welcomed the changes with open arms. The most important thing I learned is that Google is always trying to improve quality, relevancy, and the user experience. For content creators like me (and you), this is a call to step up our game, be real, and give our fans real value.
Remember that it’s not enough to be up-to-date; you also need to adapt and change. Do tell us in the comments what you think about these changes and what methods you’ve found to be helpful. Optimize well until next time!
