In the fast-paced world of digital marketing, staying ahead of the curve is key; no organisation knows this better than Google. While the search engine game-changer delivers a “nothing to see here” approach to its constant redefinition of search algorithms, LION has done all the hard work so you don’t have to lose any sleep over Google’s game-busting new moves. Google delivers several core and algorithm updates that have left marketers and website owners eager to learn. So the team at LION has compiled a comprehensive guide to shed light on these imperative updates, their impact on search engine rankings, and what that means for your business.
Here’s the 2023 Google Core Algorithm Updates & what you need to know
Google is constantly innovating and looking for new ways to ensure that its search algorithms identify the best content to appear at the top of the search engine results. This often means updating the way websites are evaluated. Here’s some key information about the changes Google has made to its search algorithms in 2023.
October 2023: The October Core and Spam Updates
The October core update is the third of 2023 focused on improving Google’s search ranking systems. In addition to the core algorithm update earlier in the month, October also marked the rollout of enhanced spam detection systems with better language coverage, better coverage for various types of spam and cleaner search results.
The update, a result of feedback from global community members reporting increased spam results across a range of languages, is designed to target cloaking, hacked, auto-generated, and scraped spam content.
How the Spam Update Works
Google leverages a combination of human review and AI systems to identify and penalise pages that use any of the following:
- Hidden text or links that users don’t see but search engines do.
- Automatically generated content with little or no added value for users.
- Large-scale article scraping without permission
- Pages loaded with distracting ads that provide a poor user experience
- Affiliate pages with thin content focused heavily on monetization
Those sites that don’t use any of the above tactics to increase their rank will be unaffected by changes. Those who do should fix or remove pages to avoid penalty.
You can learn more about Google’s Web Search Spam Policies here, and make changes to your website if you believe that you’re violating any of these, otherwise contact LION Digital now if you need a bit of help from one of our SEO & website best practice experts.
September 2023: The Helpful Content Update
In September 2023, Google introduced the Helpful Content Update, reaffirming the importance of making valuable, relevant, and trustworthy information accessible to everyone in business. No surprises that this update once again highlights the need to prioritise user-centric content creation in your ecommerce SEO strategy.
What do these updates mean for my site?
The September 2023 Helpful Content Update reinforces the importance of offering valuable, relevant, and trustworthy information to users. Websites are guided to prioritise creating content that genuinely helps their audience. So, focussing on user needs, addressing common queries, and providing comprehensive, informative content needs to be ongoing to help your business win the big game.
How the helpful content system works
The trickiest part is figuring out what all these algorithmic updates mean for you. Let LION show you the way by helping you understand that Google favours websites that provide answers, solutions, and valuable insights to users. Therefore, to align with the latest Google update, ensure your content addresses the intent of the search users so that it can add real value to your audience’s results experience.
August 2023: The Core Update Redux
Google’s commitment to improving user experience was reinforced with the August 2023 Core Update. Core updates can significantly impact various types of websites, yet they can be difficult to navigate. Digital marketers must adapt their SEO strategies to accommodate these changes, and at LION Digital, we will tailor a strategic plan to ensure your website remains visibly strong.
What do these updates mean for my site?
The August 2023 Core Update reinforces Google’s commitment to user satisfaction. If you notice changes in your website’s rankings and traffic, it’s simply a reminder to adapt your SEO strategy, which is where LION’s specialist SEO team excels. Focus on providing high-quality, user-centric content and an exceptional website experience and ensure you’re implementing authentic content delivered in your brand voice.
Going one step further, it’s crucial that the structure and hierarchy of your URLs allows Google to understand the importance, placement and context of your content, and unless you’re sure this has been done correctly, consider engaging LION Digital for some website architecture consulting.
CASE STUDIES
How do core updates work?
Google keeps on top of its game by covering all bases. One thing to consider is the core updates, which help strategists evaluate various aspects of your website, including content quality, relevance, and user experience. Google refines its algorithms to ensure users receive the most valuable search results. Staying ahead of your competitors requires commitment. Your website and SEO channels must deliver first-class content and optimise user experiences to remain on top.
April 2023: Another Focus on Reviews
April 2023 witnessed another noteworthy update targeting reviews. For eCommerce websites that thrive on reviews and product information, this update was of particular significance. LION Digital can help you remain informed about these changes while optimising your content accordingly to secure and enhance your position in search results.
What will this system do to my site?
The April 2023 Reviews Update underlines Google’s promise to deliver trustworthy information to users. For websites with a strong focus on reviews, this means emphasising credibility, transparency, and in-depth analysis of your content. Avoid promotional language and prioritise authentic user experiences to maintain or improve your visibility in search results.
How the reviews system works
The reviews system update evaluates the quality and credibility of reviews presented in search results. Google rewards websites that offer objective, user-focused reviews. To align with this update, make sure your reviews are honest, informative, and free from bias.
March 2023: The Core Update
In March 2023, Google rolled out its Core Update, a significant event in SEO in Australia and internationally. Core updates often have a significant impact on search results, reconfiguring various aspects of Google’s ranking algorithm. Marketers must pay attention to these updates if they want to continue to rank and gain traffic and sales for their brand. This update is a reminder to provide valuable, high-quality content to help maintain or improve your search rankings.
What do updates to this system mean for my site?
Google’s Core Updates, including the March 2023 version, have a broad impact on search rankings. With this in mind, it is vital to monitor site performance, to ensure you’re on top of changes in traffic, rankings, and user behaviour. At LION Digital, it’s our job to remain on top of Google’s curve balls, so contact us to tailor an SEO strategy that will send your business success sky-high.
February 2023: The Product Reviews Update
Google kicked off the year with the February 2023 Product Reviews Update. This update was aimed at enhancing the quality of product-related content in search results. Google’s focus on delivering valuable information to users meant that eCommerce websites with high-quality product reviews gained an advantage. If your website features product-related content, understanding and optimising this update has become crucial.
What do this system and updates mean for my site?
The February 2023 Product Reviews Update again signals Google’s reaffirmed dedication to delivering the most relevant and valuable content to users. If your site features product reviews, this update highlights the importance of ensuring your content offers genuine content. Be mindful that there is no wiggle room for spam. Google aims to reward websites that provide comprehensive user-focused product reviews.
How the reviews system works
The reviews system update will ultimately improve how product-related content occurs in search results. The Google magnifying glass is ever-present when it comes to scrutinising reviews, favouring sites with informative content and unbiased product reviews. If your site relies on product reviews, the team at LION Digital can help you maintain transparency, avoid promotional language, and provide the right kind of information that Google loves to ensure greater search rankings and improved sales.
If you want to stay on top of Google’s next move, partner with LION Digital today. Our specialist team understands the many-nuanced metrics and metres and how to read the data. We’re here to help you stay ahead of the pack. Talk to us today to get your content ‘up top’.
