The changes that Google makes with core updates are to keep up with changing user expectations and technological advancements over time. Therefore, by understanding the updates and optimizing our content accordingly, we can stand out with quality content that engages users.
The User-Centric Era in SEO and New Expectations for Brands
Google’s algorithm updates are entering a new era, with content no indonesia mobile phone numbers database longer being evaluated solely on keyword density, but on how much it benefits the user. The importance of reliable and original content that meets user expectations is greater than ever. For this reason, it is now inevitable for brands and agencies to base their SEO strategies on user-focused approaches. For brands that want to stand out in digital marketing, following Google’s updates closely and taking steps in line with these expectations in content production is of great importance to ensure sustainable success.
Google Updates A Turning Point in Agency and Brand Communications
Google’s core algorithm updates are causing major changes in the agency-brand pipeline. These updates require brands to optimize their content to maintain or increase site traffic, while also placing additional budget demands on agencies due to evolving SEO expectations. Considering the areas where the updates particularly draw attention, communicating the strategic importance of the changes to clients is a critical move to ensure sustainable success.
User-Centric Content Is Now Gold
Google emphasizes that it is not enough for content to be well written; how useful users find the content is also a critical evaluation criterion. Writing content with rich keywords no longer guarantees success on its own; whether users find an answer to a question or provide real benefit also falls within the scope of evaluation of the algorithms. This reveals the necessity of adopting a “reader-friendly” approach to content production.
Reliability and Originality in Content Are Now Indispensable
Google places great importance on trustworthy and original content. Content that is sourced and supported by an individual or institution can be more prominent in search rankings. In addition to originality, the fact that the information shared can be verified can also be key to increasing the credibility of brands in the industry. Organizing content in a more transparent and source-referencing manner can greatly increase the chances of brands to stand out in search results.
Keeping Expectations High Can Be Like Waiting for Godot
Google is warning site owners who expect major improvements after the recent “September 2023 Helpful Content” and “ August 2024 Core Update ”. Instead of expecting an immediate recovery for sites that have been negatively affected by previous updates, content needs to be improved and supported by reliable sources. In this process, it would be a healthier step to determine a long-term SEO strategy instead of short-term solutions.
Making a Strategic Difference for Brands
Brands can differentiate themselves by prioritizing user experience, which can help them rank higher in search results. In line with these updates, agencies can collaborate with brands and reshape their content strategies within this framework.
How Do Core Updates Affect Websites?
After Google’s core updates, it’s natural for some sites to drop or rise in rankings. This doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with your site. The purpose of the update is to highlight quality content that was previously overlooked and to improve Google’s overall content evaluation methods. For example, imagine you’re ranking a movie. You listed the top 100 movies in 2021, but new releases could change that list by 2024. This change doesn’t mean that old movies are bad; it’s just that new content has become more valuable.
In short, if your site is experiencing a decline, there’s no need to panic. Google’s updates are all about continuous improvement, and focusing on updating your site’s content to be most helpful to the user can help you rank again.
How to Evaluate Your Content After Major Updates
After major updates, it’s important to reexamine your content and focus on areas for improvement. Google bases ranking changes on quality, so here are some questions you can ask yourself to review your own content quality. For example:
Depth of information: Does your content provide sufficient depth of information on the topic?
Originality: Does your content offer users a different perspective or information?
Interaction: Are you providing content that answers users' questions and captures their attention?
Based on these questions, you can reshape your content to be more original and add value to users, and develop your content strategy. In other words, even if your site has experienced a decline after an update, consider this as an opportunity to improve your content.
Curation Strategies: Tips for Good Content
There are some important steps you can take to improve your website’s performance after basic updates. Google values user-focused, original, and trustworthy content. With these criteria in mind, you can focus on the following points in your content strategy:
User-centered content: Create content that meets users’ needs and answers their questions. Provide in-depth and comprehensive information on relevant topics.
Reliability: It is important to verify sources and provide content based on reliable information. Adding contributions from experts in the field can increase credibility.
Regular Update: Keep the content on your site fresh by updating it regularly. This will ensure that your content remains current and valuable.
Making such improvements will help you perform better on Google's core updates.
Frequency of Core Updates and Compensation Process
Google makes major updates every few months, but smaller updates are ongoing and often unannounced. You may have to wait for the next major update to make up for a drop in your site's rankings, but minor updates can still make some improvements. For example, user-focused content improvements can help your content climb back up in the rankings. This process is completed when Google recrawls your site and evaluates your content.
However, it is important to remember that improving your content does not guarantee a direct ranking increase. It is only a constantly improving search algorithm that rewards quality content.
Google's Recommendations for Sites in Decline
Google says to sites that are experiencing a drop in rankings, “don’t panic, focus on quality.” If you’ve seen a drop in rankings after a core update, it’s not due to spam or manual work. So what you need to do is improve your content in a way that users will find more value in.
During this process, you can make an assessment by getting feedback from trusted people or users who are interested in the content. You can also analyze which of your pages and search types are most affected and focus on specific areas to improve your content. The “questions yourself” section offered by Google in its content strategy guide can guide you at this point.
Benefits of Being Prepared for Google Core Updates
Core updates should be seen as an opportunity to improve your content, even if you have seen a drop in your rankings. These updates can help you increase your visibility not only on Google but on all digital platforms by making your content more high-quality, user-friendly, and informative. Over time, when you align your content strategy with the user expectations set by the updates, your site’s long-term success is increased.
