What You Need to Know About Google Search’s March 2024 Core Update

As the provider or marketer of a teen enrichment program, you know that internet traffic is a critical resource. But how will the recent Google Core update impact that resource for your website? As with past Google updates, you may need to adjust your strategy to avoid losing the traffic that makes your webpage (and program) function.

In this guide to the latest Google algorithm update, we’ve compiled everything you need to know to keep your summer or gap year enrichment programs updated. We’ll help you match your content strategy to Google’s new paradigm so your site isn’t one of the ones that gets left behind.

What is the latest Google Core update?

The latest Google Core update for March 2024 has made significant changes to its indexing and ranking process. Google themselves called it a “more complex update than our usual core updates.”

If you now can’t find your website in a Google search, you’re not alone. Even sites that have been working successfully for years may now be invisible to common search queries. This is also known as “deindexing.”

“Deindexing” refers to when Google removes a website from its search engine’s index. This means the website still exists but has become difficult to find in search results. Even if someone searched for one of your target keywords, such as “pre-college summer program,” they might not see you in the results.

It’s self-explanatory how devastating this could be for your website’s performance and your program’s attendance.

Which sites are affected?

Google chooses which sites to deindex based on quality. The latest Google Core update has simply broadened the search engine’s definition of what classifies as an “unhelpful” or “low-quality” page.

According to the algorithm’s guidelines, Google prioritizes “content that provides valuable information, is engaging and well-written.”

Though these qualities seem subjective, the algorithm has very little gray area. It cuts spam or error-filled content as well as web pages with poor user experience ratings. In the latest update, even pages with over-optimized SEO fall into this category.

What is over-optimized SEO?

You may be thinking that over-optimized SEO sounds like a good thing. While true that SEO is essential to driving traffic, many websites discover that Google doesn’t like it when you try to game the system.

This could mean over-stuffing content with high-performing keywords, overusing backlinks, generating content with AI, and more. With its new definition of a “low-quality website,” Google has purged around 40% of search results.

In other words, Google is removing websites that try too hard to drive traffic from specific search queries. For many high-quality websites, this will make it easier for visitors to find their pages.

However, some good sites will fall through the cracks of Google’s new definition of “quality content.” These sites need to be updated.

What should I do next?

Since the latest Google Core update focuses on a new content quality assessment, the best thing you can do is publish high-quality content according to Google’s new standards.

Here is a list of factors to consider when evaluating your writing for the latest Google Core update:

1. Does the content answer the search query?

Your site’s language should be appropriate for the predicted user’s intent. For example, if Google detects too much “sales language” in a non-commerce industry, your ranking may suffer.

Oppositely, if your content seeks to inform and educate visitors, Google will detect the language choices that seem useful to that target audience.

2. Is the content well-written?

Well-written content is more important than ever. In most industries, it is defined by short, readable sentences with clear word choices, few grammar mistakes, and industry-related terms that do not exceed the knowledge level of the target visitor.

3. Is the content engaging?

Google looks for content that will attract and engage visitors. Consider storytelling techniques, eye-catching images, and clear language as the main tools in your engagement arsenal.

4. Is the content authoritative?

When a user poses a question to Google, such as, “What are the best gap year programs for teens?,” the results are sorted by quality as well as credibility. Sites with working backlinks, authoritative authors, and relevant citations will tick all the right boxes.

5. Is the content original?

In the age of AI-generated content, this question has never been more important. Despite its allure, AI text generators often over-optimize SEO and pull content from other sources. The Google algorithm’s latest update is cracking down on this unoriginal, generated content.

The Takeaway for Websites

This may sound daunting, especially if your teen enrichment program website is one of the many that no longer appears in search results. However, by ensuring your content is engaging, well-researched, and original, you can always get back into Google’s index.

The most important thing is to tell your story. Your program offers unique, credible experiences for teens looking for educational and enrichment opportunities. Your potential visitors are all searching for them. All you have to do is convince the new Google ranking process that you can provide them.