On March 15, Google Search Ranking announced its first core update of the year which took about two weeks to roll out.
It’s probably safe to say that Google’s new update will focus on driving targeted traffic to websites that provide good user experiences in addition to highly relevant, valuable content.
It’s too early to assess how the latest Google update will impact digital marketers in the long run, but digital marketers and content creators who want to stay at the top of Google’s SERPs need to stay informed on the latest updates, carefully monitor their analytics, and adapt their strategies as needed.
You should:
• Monitor metrics.
• Assess and ensure quality content.
• Continue to do SEO updates to optimize technical on and off-page SEO.
Here’s everything you need to know about Google’s new search ranking volatility update.
How Google’s Latest Core Update Impacts Digital Marketers
As of yet, there isn’t much data available on the Google update because it takes at least a month for the full effects of the update to show, as Google’s crawlers need to reassess and index webpages.
On the first day of the rollout, users noticed high volatility in the SERP rankings and the Google Grump sensor spiked up to 8.2, which indicates a heavy algorithm impact.
SERP definition: A Search Engine Results Page (SERP) is the page that a search engine shows you after you enter a search query. In addition to organic search results, SERPs also include paid Google Ads and pay-per-click (PPC) ads.
From the second day onwards, it appeared that the worst was over. The results from Google Grump calmed down and settled around 6.0, which is still considered a high range but at least it didn’t continue to climb.
Overall, some marketers have reported worrisome changes due to the Ranking Volatility Update, such as decreased traffic and drop-offs in keyword positioning. While others have reported a hike in organic traffic, and the third group claims it’s still too soon to tell.
SEO DIGITAL MARKETERS: WHAT TO DO NOW
While it’s still too soon to determine the search ranking volatility of this update, marketers can carefully watch their pages and follow this four-step action plan.
1. Keep a Close Eye on Your Site’s Analytics
Check out the metrics for your website’s performance in regard to keyword positioning, time spent on the page, sessions, and page visitor changes. Google Algo update will be complete by the end of March, so in the meantime, you should monitor these metrics closely.
2. Audit Your Website and Content to Check For Changes
If you see any drops in metrics, audit the website pages most impacted and review the keywords being affected. Consider performing an SEO update to give your site the boost it needs to rank higher than in SERPs.
3. Create Valuable, Valuable Content
It’s no secret that Google places a lot of importance on high-quality, valuable content. E-A-T (expertise, authority, and trustworthiness) has played a significant role in how content ranks on Google’s SERPs for years. With this latest core update, Google says if there is one place to focus your efforts, it’s on ensuring you’re offering the best content you can.
4. Optimise Technical SEO
Google also looks at how well your site is constructed and other technical aspects of your site when ranking it such as load speed, mobile optimization, and site structure.
Now is an ideal time to examine user experience and see if there is any room to improve the technical side of the site. With these Google SEO updates you should see your page rising to the top!
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