Not Loving Your Google Ranking?

What is the Google Algorithm, and how does it affect my website ranking?

Google’s core algorithm updates are periodic changes to the way Google ranks web pages in its search results. They aim to improve the quality and relevance of the content shown to users. Google usually releases several core updates per year and announces them on its list of Google Search ranking updates.

In 2023, Google released four core updates: in March, August, October, and November.  These updates may have caused some web pages to perform better or worse in search results, depending on how well they matched Google’s criteria for helpful, reliable, content written for people, and not manipulated specifically for search engines. One we’ve noticed is the October 2023 Core update, which aimed to improve rankings by promoting quality content and demoting low-quality, spammy content.

My Ranking changed. What do I do?

If you notice changes in your website traffic or rankings after a core update, Google suggests asking yourself questions such as:

• Is my website content original, accurate, and trustworthy?
• Is my website content well-written, clear, and easy to understand?
• Is my website content useful, informative, and engaging for the intended audience?
• Is my website content up-to-date, comprehensive, and relevant for the search query?

Google wants to show users content that is original, accurate, informative, engaging, and relevant to their search intent. Content that is poorly written, outdated, duplicated, misleading, or irrelevant can harm your ranking and reputation. Therefore, it is essential to create content that meets the needs and expectations of your readers.

To determine how helpful your content is, you can use various tools and methods, such as:

By using these tools and methods, you can assess how helpful your content is to your readers and how well it aligns with Google’s standards and expectations. You can then use this information to tailor your content and website for better ranking and user experience.

Core updates are not meant to penalize or reward specific pages or sites, but rather to reflect Google’s ongoing efforts to provide the best possible search experience for users.

So, if you want to rank well on Google search results, you need to provide helpful information to your readers. You need to create content that is original, accurate, informative, engaging, and relevant to their search intent. You also need to use various tools and methods to measure and improve the quality and usefulness of your content. By doing so, you can increase your ranking, visibility, traffic, conversions, and reputation online.

Sources:

• Search Engine Journal: Google’s October 2023 Core Update Now Complete
• Search Engine Land: Google algorithm updates 2023 in review: Core, reviews, helpful content, spam and beyond
• Google Help: Spam Updates and your site
• What Exactly Is E-A-T & Why Does It Matter to Google? (searchenginejournal.com)
• Google Search Status Dashboard
• Rigorous Testing – How Google Search Works